Saturday night I had the opportunity to speak at a retreat session for a Hispanic youth group just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
One of our CGA graduates, Sandra Santiago was speaking and I was asked to come and speak as well.
Watching the sunset over the hillside, the fireflies glistening along the tree line, the moon rising in the night sky, we danced around in the middle of the forest. It felt like the most perfect way to worship our Creator, in the midst of His perfect creation.
Sandra shared that on the drive to the camp they had kept noticing the beauty surrounding them and asked “Why? Why God did you create such beautiful landscapes?” His response, “I created them for you. To bring you joy. I delight in giving good gifts to my children.”
It hadn’t dawned on me until that moment that I was one of his creations, and I was just as beautiful as the grandeur of the Tennessee mountains.
went on to talk about the trees, their leaves and how He knows when each one falls. Just like He knows the hairs on our heads, when we rise, and when we fall, He knows.
“You know about Him. You’ve studied His Word, but do you KNOW Him?” she asked.
Then I was handed the microphone and for the first time in a long time I just spoke. I shared what I was feeling and I prayed and released freedom and identity over the youth. I encouraged them to listen to the words that the Father was speaking over them.
I am a DAUGHTER.
I am CHOSEN.
I am WORTHY.
I am LOVED.
With that, I stood on one of the benches surrounding the podium and encouraged others to do the same.
One by one the youth came to the front, picked up the microphone and declared their identity.
One after another, students joined her. Standing proudly, declaring their identity.
On the way home Sandra shared that was probably the first time many of them independently confessed their faith.
It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. A generation of young people declaring that although they have made mistakes, they know they are FORGIVEN, they know they are SEEN, they know they a LOVED.
The overwhelming pride of the Father was apparent. He was beaming with excitement that his beloved ones would declare that they belonged to Him.
With that, I want to share this song with you. I know I have shared it before…It is my favorite worship song. OF. ALL. TIME. I want to encourage you to put away distractions and noise, lay on the floor, and close your eyes. Allow this song to sink into you, allow the love of the Father to overwhelm you today. To just rest in His perfect love.
I love you more than you could know!
