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Our Future is in Good Hands

You’ve probably heard about the Braille system of reading and writing for the blind or visually impaired. It was created by Louis Braille, a 15-year-old French inventor. Also, the youngest individual ever to receive the Nobel Prize was a Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai, who at the age of 11, voiced her opposition to the Taliban. Jack Andraka was an ordinary kid who developed a sensor to identify early stages of cancer at the age of 15. And Greta Thunberg became a worldwide climate activist at 15, as well. We have a lot to learn from the passion and activism of youth who desire to not only make a difference in the world but to dramatically and purposefully change it. Young people are not as self-absorbed, phone-addicted, and irresponsible as we are often led to believe. They are the future… and I believe we are in good hands.

The youth of Royal Lane reminded me this past week on Youth Sunday that our church and our world is in good hands. Not only is our church in the good hands of talented teens and strong leaders, but the world into which they go will receive the gift of young people who care about making society a better and more beautiful place. And we mustn’t ignore the power that our youth have to change the world. We must cultivate it. We must encourage and embolden our youth to use their vibrant energy to make the world into God’s beloved community.

The youth accomplished beloved community on Sunday by showing us how to follow Jesus in love and in trust. Brodie, Mara, and Penelope made a commitment to follow Jesus in believer’s baptism and to take that energy from following Jesus and, in turn, model for us how to humbly lead. Jonah played the French horn like a seasoned pro. Carson and Melissa brought their powerful voices to God in praise, revealing words of justice and hope wrapped in mesmerizing melodies. And our three homilists, Sam, Jonah, and Jasmine beckoned us to lead with love and be bold in our servanthood. With their words, prayers, and songs, all of the youth challenged me, broke me, and uplifted me in a way that will carry me throughout the year. As long as our youth continue to give their hearts, minds, talents, and spirits to the work of love and justice, I know the future of Royal Lane and the future of this world is in good hands.

Pastor Mike