A week ago, I took my daughter, Tara, and some of her friends from Church to a Christian Rock Concert at Kings Island Amusement Park. Some of our college-age kids were seated in row 3 from the stage. We had half of row 5 and all of row 6 for the adults and high school kids in our group. Seated directly in front of me were four girls from another Church who were dressed in long jean skirts. They each had their hair in a bun which was covered with a black lace scarf. They were Amish. I felt sorry for the four of them. They didn't look like any of the other kids there, and I just knew they felt out of place.
Half way through the concert, a female vocalist sang "On My Knees". It's a very moving song. One of our college-age girls, Lindsey, had attended a friends funeral that morning. She began to cry during the song. Then, unexpectedly, one of the Amish girls got up and sat next to Lindsey and put her arm around her to comfort her. I was so moved at the sight, tears began to fill my eyes. Here was this Amish girl dressed so conservatively, and Lindsey was in her baggy jeans with purple highlights in her hair. They seemed to be from two different worlds, yet they were connected by their faith.
We had a 10 minute break between bands, so I started talking to the four girls in front of me. They said they were Mennonites. They had met at Summer camp and decided to meet again at the concert. Three were from Indiana and one was from Ohio. One was in her first year of college and the others were in high school. I expected them to be different and somewhat strange. But what I found was four normal teenagers enjoying a Christian rock concert. They laughed, sang, clapped, and even danced during the music just like our kids were doing. I felt ashamed for feeling sorry for them.
In our Church Youth Group, we are teaching the kids they must be Jesus to the world. There is a song by that name that the christian radio stations are playing. The chorus is ---
We need to be lambs that roar
We need to be eagles that soar
We need to be salt
We need to be light
We need to be Jesus to the world
We need to take love into the street
Be willing to turn the other cheek
We need to be strong
We need to be weak
We need to be Jesus, Jesus to the world.
That day at Kings Island I saw a young lady being Jesus to the world. I can only hope and pray I have the faith and courage to reach out to others the way she did.
It is not enough to believe there is a God and try to be a good person. And it doesn't matter what Church we attend. We must invite Jesus into our heart, and he will be there for us through all things.
