Hope on the Court: Watching Jesus Shape Six Young Lives
A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to step away from the youth center and attend a 7th-grade volleyball game to support our YFC Students. Three games were happening simultaneously, and I knew girls on each court. I made my rounds, walking around the gym and pausing near each court as the girls subbed in and out. At one point, as I sat in the stands among the few parents who were attending, I found myself tearing up. I don’t know what it was about this volleyball game, but I suddenly felt overwhelmed by the incredible accomplishment of seeing these girls on the court.
Here were six girls I know and love deeply. 6 girls who struggle to commit to anything, persevere through anything, or hope for anything.
And on a Monday night in November, I watched these girls commit, persevere, and cheer each other on. Even though I’ve only known most of them for a year, it brought tears to my eyes to think about how they’ve grown and matured. It overwhelmed me to think of the incredible potential in each of their lives, for better or for worse. I cheered and cheered for each of these girls, but I mostly sat quietly and soaked it all in.
After the game, I congratulated Charlee on her incredible serves. She looked at me and said, “This is what got me through”, pointing to a bracelet that read “Jesus is King.”
As the season comes to a close, I’m overjoyed to see the girls finish their season. I’m overjoyed to see them “lock in” and get good grades for the first time. I’m overjoyed to see them break generational cycles in their families. Even more than all these things, I rejoice to know that they believe that Jesus is King.