Cutting in Line
I recently attended a conference where the speaker shared several insights on empowerment with a group of people from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
Not wanting to stand in line for 20 minutes during the Q&A time, I decided to wait till the end, when it was over, to chat with him and ask him some questions that were pertinent to the work we do in Spokane, and how we can continue to create a safe place of belonging for at-risk students and give them the resources needed to break out of poverty.
So I stood there, second in line, after the dreaded and official Q&A line was over, waiting eagerly for my turn, rehearsing my question so I wouldn’t mess up.
As I was about to start my sentence, this gentleman just walked by me and cut in line!
I couldn’t believe my eyes. In a split second, I went from flabbergasted to annoyed to yelling internally, “How could this person do this?” “Does he not respect the line!?” “Does he not care for basic human decency?” “I’m gonna say something!”
I turned my face to the speaker, who had witnessed it all, and my demeanor changed.
While the teacher saw all of this happen, he didn’t become indignant like I did, but he engaged with the gentlemen joyfully, fully, with full and unwavering approval. The gentleman who cut in front of me even got his business card for a future meeting that they decided, I kid you not, right then and there to have together. What in the world!? What gives!?
And it dawned on me how this is a picture of how we, as Christians, should have that same eagerness to “cut in line.” Jump, push, maneuver, don’t wait, and communicate. Have you done that recently? Have you cut in line? What blessings await you there? Isn’t this reminiscent of several stories in Scripture? Friends, tearing off the roof (Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26), Zacchaeus, climbing the sycamore tree (Luke 19: 1-10), The woman eagerly seeking healing from her bleeding disorder (Luke 8: 43-48).
Today, I ask that you pray earnestly and eagerly for our organization. We truly need it. I’m asking you, friend, to cut in line.
Prayer requests for this month:
- For funding. The need is urgent. Teens are falling through the cracks
- For our summer programs and workshops, so they might be enriching and empowering
- For our youth anxiety conference, titled Calm in the Chaos, on Sep 16, 2025
- For our Fall fundraiser, titled Keys of Hope, on October 25, 2025
- For our youth to continue developing genuine relationships instead of dependency on social media and video games.
- For our upcoming partnership with Spokane Prays and our collective 12 hour prayer at the downtown center on July 18, 2025. You’re invited!
This summer, we are praying every Monday, starting at 12 P.M. ! Please email us for further information.
Kevin Illidge, Executive Director at Spokane Youth for Christ