If you live anywhere near a Young Life area you know that this year is the 75th birthday of the organization.And many of you probably are just annoyed with all the posts that you’ve been seeing about it.If you know nothing about the organization, one thing that you should know is that, man you are missing out.This organization gives life to middle and high school aged teens around the world.It brings joy to their lives and shows there that they were made for so much more than they think.
I’m not going to toy with your emotions telling you some sappy story about why Young Life changed my life, just the basics. I got the opportunity to be a part of Young Life starting in the summer before my junior year of high school.No one from my hometown knew what Young Life was or what I had gotten myself into.I went to camp with an area that was an hour away from where I grew up.Going into the trip I knew no one.The only reason that I was even going was because my older brother had gone in high school and had the time of his life.Being the copycat little sister that I was I wanted to go so I could be cool like my brother.Stepping on to the bus that night we left, I immediately regretted my decision but knew that since I made it this far I might as well stick it out until the end.And man, am I so glad that I did.
That week I spent in a little place called Crooked Creek Ranch outside of Fraser, Colorado.I spent time getting to know people that I never would have met if I hadn’t stayed on that bus that night.Most importantly, I spent one of the best weeks of my life, growing in my faith, learning that no matter how “broken” one might feel, they are loved and developing friendships that will last a lifetime.That one week lead to more adventures with Young Life and to there I am today, leading at a local high school for the same area that took me to camp for the first time four years ago.
Over the years I’ve left pieces of my heart in places like the desert of California, to the mountains in Colorado, a lake in Michigan, and the forest of Georgia. Making friends along the way that will be standing up next to me come time for my wedding day.From California, all the way to New Jersey, there are people living all around the US that I am proud to call family. I know that if I ever find myself stranded in the great state of Texas, my options are limitless as to where I could stay.
My point is that without Young Life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.I wouldn’t have the friends that I do, or go to college where I do.Looking back on it I don’t even know how I would have made it through high school without it.I struggled really hard in high school with a lot of different things, and Young Life shed a light on my life that I never thought was possible.It let me know that I am not alone in my struggles. Through the work of communicating with leaders, and others just like me, I’ve learned that even the smallest conversation can have a huge impact on one’s life.Young Life can make the most broken humans know that they are loved.
So congrats Young Life on making it 75 years, I hope you make it 75 more. You were made for this.
