Young Life.

I don't know how to summarize, how to wrap up Young Life, in a post, in an essay, in a conversation. But I can do it in one word:

Freedom.

What Young Life taught me, what Young Life gave me, was Freedom.

I grew up living safe, cautious, careful. I did all the right things, got the right grades, went to the right places, and hung with the right friends. I did my devotions. I knew my scripture. I had the Word of God hidden deep in my heart. I calculated the work of missions and knew my place in the church. I loved. I served. I read. I cared. I devoted.

"And so instead of living free, I lived safe."

~ Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman. Page 27

Then a friend invited me to Young Life Club freshman year, and the only thing I can honesty remember, is people licking peanut butter clumps off of a window, with us on-lookers staring in from the other side, as this "race" took place.

But I was hooked. I had never been a part of such a crazy, fun... just genuinely "good" time. And thus, those peanut butter splotches began my escapades with this organization, in turn, with this Jesus, who has... fun!

I didn't realize that Christianity could be fun. That Christians could be crazy and silly and extreme and adventurous. I didn't realize that loving and pursuing Jesus could be this all-out heart-open wild chase after the God of Love... who Loves it when his people enjoy loving him!

So I gobbled it up. Give me Monday nights Club, Friday morning Campaigners, Castaway Camp, Campaigner leader, Club host, Wilderness Backpack Excursion... I was there. And in being there, I was... free!

Free to be crazy. Free to have fun. Free to love Jesus. Free to learn spontaneity. Free to get dirty, to hike mountains, to parasail, to sing "Free Falling"... all in the joy of Jesus. I still here "Jack & Diane" by Mellencamp and can't help but belt the lyrics. I still strap on my Merrells and see the Continental Divide sky before me. I still see pool covers and hear Jag's talk about being stuck under sin.

Young Life. This group of people who captured me with their vision. Who brought me the phrase: It is a sin to bore kids with the gospel. Who took the story of Jesus, and brought it to life. Who took my faith, and gave it freedom.