Living a Young, Extraordinary Life

Today marks 75 years of Young Life. Whether you are familiar with the ministry or not, what I want you to know is that it drastically changed my life. I would not be who I am today if not for Young Life.

From my experience with Young Life I have discovered this organization loves making people uncomfortable. There was always a moment of doubt before I participated in any trip, because I felt that I wasn’t cut out for it. But I always stuck it out and ended up more transformed as an individual than I had been prior to the experience.

Words cannot effectively describe my experiences through this organization. I can’t put into words the feeling of understanding Jesus’ sacrifice and crying for fifteen minutes, because my heart was bursting with contriteness. I can’t express what it was like to stand on top of a mountain and throw all of my sins over the edge, or cling to God as I hiked, because I physically and mentally could not have done it otherwise. I have watched broken teens find Christ, and you cannot find something more impactful... people singing their hearts out, with tears streaming down their faces because they have seen the Light. The ever-increasing hole in their heart finally found its filling.

See, the thing about Young Life is the people. They are the coolest people you will ever meet. Every member of staff is bursting with love and encouragement. Every person I have gotten to know has been a blessing. It is one thing to grow with God, but quite another to be surrounded by such a beautiful community that shows nothing but love for one another. It broke my heart every time I left a camp, because that type of community is not prevalent in our daily life.

Thank you, Dad, for allowing this wonderful ministry to be built 75 years ago. I know I am among countless people who have a similar sentiment. God is good.

~Annah

“Passing Through Meridians of Greater Times”

These are lyrics from the song “Meridians” by Greyson Chance. Many of you have probably heard that name before, but if not, he is an eighteen year old who was fairly popular in 2010 thanks to Ellen DeGeneres. Back then, he was known because of his young age and impressive vocal range. Since then, he took a few years off and most people, including myself, forgot the name. But a couple months ago, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon his new work.

As an avid music lover, it’s clear that music culture these days is incredibly disappointing. Mixed with my love of writing, I take not only an interest in the sound, but more of an interest in the lyrical aspect. Most popular artists have songs that are sexual or derogatory, with auto tune and no originality.

There is a lack of passion and lyrical significance that music is supposed to have.

What’s spectacular about Greyson is that he’s only eighteen and is defying contemporary music expectations. He is an artist our generation desperately needs: an original singer-songwriter.

Music is supposed to be an art. Part of its definition is “more than ordinary significance.” Greyson’s love songs are not as simple as “I really, really, really, really, really, really like you.” (No hate on that song, it’s quite catchy, but not exactly the epitome of lyrical depth.) They hold a bit more weight than that. His writing is eloquent and poetic, and he knows how to create something beautiful.

But the sad truth is that Greyson’s incredibly underrated, which breaks my heart. (What? How is 330,000 views underrated?! Well, compared to Carly Rae Jepson’s “I Really Like You” 100,000,000 views—it’s  underrated.)

Great music doesn’t come from an expensive studio, or thousands of dollars, or hundreds of contributing people. Greyson understands what music should really be about: art and passion. All you really need is a powerful voice and a piano.

But my point cannot be complete without the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn1Qi9YsXSs

~Annah