Friday, March 30, 2007

Power of Taco Bell

During a teen staff meeting a couple weeks ago, Chris had the staff shape pipe cleaners to represent their current faith walk. Ebony's showed an incline coming off of last year's summer camp, followed by a steady sharp decline.

Junior High club ended tonight, I offered to take Ebony and Christopher home. Exhausted and starving...but armed with the knowledge that there is very little these two won't do for food...bargaining power! Christopher has been attending church with Chris & Trisha pretty regularly, but Ebony has fallen off. Taco Bell for church sounded like a fair trade. We'll see what Sunday brings.

This morning as I drove to mom and dad's, I thought back to how I used to casually glance left on my way out of town...picking up speed on 92...as "Arsenal Courts" became a faint imagine in my rearview mirror. But today I slowed down...peered in...and prayed. Things look different when you know kids and faces on the inside.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

A Good Day

I completed my first K-3 evening club tonight! Eight kids...room to grow...but you have to start somewhere. Developing a fitting message for inner-city youth is a challenge. I know I will eventually look back on these days and laugh at some of my pathetic attempts. Sometimes I think my message is more appropriate for a church basement...still getting converted to the ways of Rock Island. :)

The teen staff was hanging out after club and began reminiscing about their own CF kid clubs. Chris (Teen Director) dusts the cobwebs off a dilapidated bag from the past and pulls out poster boards printed with questionably “cheesy” Christian songs. But they showed up the best of the church ladies as they burst into song and motions. Their memories cut through the years...never missing a beat. Laughs and smiles rained down.

It did my heart some good to see Ebony light-hearted and happy. Chris and I have growing concern with the tight rope she seems to be walking. But she’s got the potential...she’s on my radar.

Monday, March 26, 2007

There is Light

Forgoing my own will has not been an easy transformation.

A first time parent must be able to relate...surrendering living as the center of their own world for something greater worthy of the cause...not doubting the purpose or the worth...but this realization still not lessening the struggle.

Initially I thought I should mask this battle...bearing the burden alone in order to leave footprints that others would want to follow.

Yesterday truth swept through me. There is no promise that it will be easy...only that it will be worth it. While the transition is difficult...light is shining this morning...both outside and in my heart. :)

Unrelated...or perhaps perfectly linked to this truth...yesterday...I was baptized.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Greener Grass

Change is difficult...on everyone...irregardless of the circumstance. Every change warrants a transition...and transitions can become weary. I've had a few weary days.

Driving home tonight...the radio faintly penetrated my thoughts..."Everyone thinks the grass is greener on the other side of the fence...but the truth is...the grass is greener where you water...where you mow...the grass is greener where you nurture."

I thought it was worth sharing...

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Making a Beat

I stayed late after club tonight and checked out the music software Chris had installed on a few of the computers. Part of this ministry is meeting these kids where they are...whether that is in their neighborhoods...or in their passions.

Brenton and Chris were playing around "making a beat" while Brandon freestyled (making up a rap on the fly). Brenton, who has some music industry experience, suggested throwing in some random horn sounds, which gave it a salsa flair, according to Chris and Brandon. While this drew some sarcasm and laughter, after playing with it long enough, it fell into place. Unsure of the entire process, I quietly watched as the beat took its form.

"I know I might be retarded...but you make a beat and then rap to it?" I asked, giving a small smile in hopes they would show some mercy. "You rap?" Brandon asked. "Do I look like I rap?" I laughed. "Hey I didn't know if maybe you were going to throw up your hood and cut loose." This drew amusement around the room.

In the end a "Salsa Anthem" came to life.

Brandon is really excited to learn how to make a beat and talked about all of the guys he knows that are into Christian rap that he can pass his beats to. This is the same Brandon that has “Money Maker” tattooed on his hands from his earlier days of selling drugs.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Myth Busters

Through relatively entertaining means, the show goes to great lengths to prove or negate myths that exist in today's society. Chris (Teen Director) wants to do a program with the youth, breaking down the religious myths that exist and replacing them with truths. What a great idea!

I know many of my own myths have been broken down this past year. Number one is the ability to come to Christ broken. I always thought I needed to "fix" myself before I let God in...but finally realized only He could do the fixing.

There is much brokenness amongst these kids...and I can't pretend that I can "fix" even one of them...but perhaps lead a few of them to the One who can.

Fifth graders selling drugs...a 13 year old pregnant. You have to start somewhere. Some people think it is hopeless...but me...I say that's just a myth.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Week 1

Week 1 down and I feel like I’ve lived an eternity. On more than one occasion…lying down…having to remind myself that it is the same day that the sun rose that morning. So much can happen in 24 hours of children’s ministry. I feel like I am that 3 year old sponge again…much like Gracie…absorbing the world…learning so much. Insight into a world that has existed but many of us have not experienced. A world that these kids shouldn’t have to experience…but they don’t have or don't know a better way. Transitioning from a world of judgment into a world of understanding...transitioning from building my own kingdom to fighting for His. Personally I am experiencing a contentment that no paycheck was ever going to satisfy. Some things that seem like huge sacrifices to others...feel like blessings to me.

There is a barrier to break through. These kids have seen several Children's Director's pass through recently...and yesterday I got the question that I knew would come..."So are you going to leave us too...like all of the others?" Of course you never want to over-promise these kids...but I vow not to let them down.

What a beautiful day today...kids walked by the front of my place bouncing basketballs...I actually looked outside to see if they were any of my CF kids...I know it won't be long...and they will be. The world changes overnight.

Love,
Brandy