One week in a rustic setting in the mountains, an old cabin with a lot of history, a place where I attended camps as a preteen and then through my teen years. A holy place and a transformative time. Incredible stories, vulnerability, reverence and silence, tears of joy or grief, and relief. And a whole lot of singing.
We studied what it means to be a man of character and what a woman of valor looks like, and also how both bring out the best in each other. We talked about waiting, about taking risks, initiative and perseverance. What an incredible age group to study this. Brian is brilliant, brilliant as ever, to bring to life characters of old, and the subtleties of a controversial story.
It made me ponder romance from a clearer point of view. Not personal but affecting me directly. My daughters are women of valor who continue to grow and become, who shape their perspective in community and their higher calling.
Being a small group leader, fully present but not eager to overwhelm others with my enthusiasm, waiting with reverence for them to open, looking them in the eyes, with a gentle confident smile, then making space to breath and reflect. Sharing vulnerably and being honest… Many of them were so reserved at first. Wanting to leave. Feeling out of place. Some teens seemed to be so confident and at home, connected, having fun, showing off… making the other teens maybe to feel like they are missing out on some things. Unintentionally most likely. We all struggle with insecurity. Sharing music, worship, inside jokes, a couch, smiles, even as they try to be inclusive, not everyone wants to be included the same way. What a challenging season this must be.
I know Jackie is quite assured in her personality and prefers to not stand out even if she could. She observes and exudes a sense of cool bean that I know goes deep and it’s real. Only towards the end she felt like she had things to say to a large group and “held court” as Conrad says. Keeping a captive audience to her stories and opinions.
At the end people shared how the camp impacted them, and I got to hear more voices. These are incredible young people with involved and brilliant parents, who pour out the very best, but each individual has to walk their own journey of becoming, faith and belonging.
As they engaged more in conversations & eye contact, I wonder what shifted their opinion of me. I did try to make myself available and be approachable but not overbearing. And this takes time. I felt welcomed and liked and trusted, as much as an adult can be in 4 days. Brian definitely elevated my presence when he asked me to translate. As well as Michelle. And my voice was heard and became familiar, I guess.
I know these kids struggle with some things, faith, community, the usual teen addictions, friends and belonging. Purpose and friendships. They have them even as they doubts sometimes.
I got to hear some incredible adults be vulnerable and that shattered many walls and built a sense of trust among all. They took risks and it paid off in abundance. I know how to be vulnerable but even when I don’t worry about how I’m perceived, one ought to exercise restraint and wisdom.
Carmen knows them so well, their strengths and their struggles and she speaks kindness and truth into their lives and hearts. And challenges them to look beyond what mets the eye, to seek the Lord, to pursue that personal relationship with Him. To pay close attention to his invitation and whisper pf Love and forgiveness. To acknowledge their shortcomings and come clean. Not wait to be perfect to start a relationship with God. Our imperfection draws us closer to Him, with humility and need of his grace. Listen to His voice! She urges them.
Michelle & Stephen were a great addition to this roster of leaders. Brian is a brilliant inclusive intuitive leader who elevates others and lets them shine. Setting the stage for honest encounters.
Then the young people “dared to ask” till late into the night, and the older generation really dared and answered with incredible compassion and honesty. With wisdom and clarity, on topics so diverse and yet so relevant. When they were given the option to call it a night they answered a chorus: “no!! Let’s keep going!” marriage readiness, addiction, alcohol or porn, faith, sexual orientation, friendship, God, helping friends who wont ask for help, and setting boundaries.
My girls said they loved this camp – the most powerful in friendships and conversations and teaching this Summer. And we really had a full summer. That says something!