A Beautiful Thing:

There is a graduate in my youth group who has been very special to me ever since I started working at Euharlee. I've watched her grow and come out of her shell. She has endeared herself to me. I love to tell stories about the things that she does. I love to remind myself of her loving servant heart. She's a rolemodel to me and probably doesn't even know it.

I've been through some of the ups and downs of her life with her, but it seems like lately there have been a lot of "downs". Family trouble keeps popping up, money is tight and they recently suffered the loss of a loved one. Her aunt passed away yesterday after suffering from a stroke. I could tell on her face that something was bothering her. I reminded her that if she was a Christian then death was an upgrade and we'll see her again. That seemed to help her, as did the See You At The Pole event.

When we got back to the church her mom came to pick her up. Her mom, by the way, is just like her. Mom asked me if we could step inside, away from the insanity of the rest of the youth. When we got in she looked at me and said, "I just need a hug."

It was her sister who had passed away. She came to me to be consoled. I don't know why I was lucky enough to be the one she confided in, but, it was a beautiful moment as her mom wept while I hugged her. I tried to say some pastoral things, but realized pretty quickly she didn't need them, she just needed a hug.

We talked for a minute afterwords. Things are tough for them. Please pray for them. Join with me as I praise God for giving me the chance to be part of something so special.And here is the rest of it.