Young Life! more then just a camp for kids

I'm Not Who I Was

 

Out of my shell, into a new life.
Jesus said "I am they way, the truth, and the life!
Thank you Jesus for this amazing life!!

 

By Brandon Heath

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

 

I want to tell you about the amazing ministry that I get to be apart of.  Young Life mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.  They do this by going where kids are and building relationships with them.  In there vision, leaders earn the right to be heard by their kids.  High school and middle school kids come to camp, five to seven days during the summer.   They come to camp to have "the best week of there lives."  They come to camp and  experience lots of fun, great food, and to get away from the pressure of every day life.  They get to hear the message of the gospel in a way that they can understand.

 

The first time I heard of Young Life was in college.  One of my best friends, Kate, was from Colorado.  Kate saw a broken girl, struggling to ride her bike back from Walmart.  She pulled over and asked me if I wanted a ride home.  We managed to stuff my bike into her car and head to the dorms.   That was the beginning of something I didn't know existed.

 

 

 

What has Young Life done for me?  Even though Young Life is for kids, when you live at a Young Life camp, it becomes apart of you.  God has changed me out here at Washington Family Ranch.  It has taught me that Jesus wants the best for me!

 

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

 

I love these words to this song.  There are a couple people in my past that I want to say "I'm not who I was"  When I was about 8 years old is when I started to feel like there was something wrong with me.  These people were suppose to give me unconditional love, instead they would get mad at me for things I could not control because of my disability.  They would also tease me for my walking and talking.  During this time I started to believe I was stupid, ugly, and unimportant.  During this time, I didn't know what to do with my anger so I had a lot of rage and anger towards the people that really loved me, my family.   I was so mad at everyone, even though not every one deserved it.  I think I was even mad at myself for being disabled, and for having anger issues.

This is about the time I thought something was wrong with me.
I'm not who I was!

 

 

I found my way around
To forgiving you some time ago
But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know, I'm not who I was

You were there, you were right above me
And I wonder if you ever loved me
Just for who I was

 

Forgiveness is a hard thing.  The other day I was at worship (or what Young Life calls Club).  I was laughing, singing, jumping, and not caring about what anyone thought of me.  I sat down and thought "wow, who is this girl."  I'm not who I was.   Young Life has taught me of the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.  When I first came here I was very good at condemning myself.  I thought I was ugly, stupid, and other horrible names.  I didn't value myself for who I was.  I came upon a verse Romans 8:1 " So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."  Once this truth sunk into my heart, I started to believe that I am pretty awesome.  I am Beautiful.  I am funny, ( I been told anyways!)  And I am a Child of the One True King!!!!

 

Young Life camp aka my back yard!
Thank you Jesus!  I'm not who I was

 

 

Brandon Health goes on to write the end of the song.

 

You were there, you were right above me
And I wonder if you ever loved me
Just for who I was

 

 

When the pain came back again
Like a bitter friend it was all that I could do
To keep myself from blaming you

I reckon it's a funny thing
I figured out I can sing
Now I'm not who I was

 

I write about love and such
Maybe 'cause I want it so much
I'm not who I was

 

I was thinking maybe I
I should let you know that I am not the same
But I never did forget your name, hello

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

 

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

 

 

Just some of my family that have been my rock!!  I love each one of you
more then you will ever know!!  Thank you for putting up with the old Bri!
 

 

Young Life has also taught me that "I'm not who I was."  I should let those who hurt me know, I'm not who I was.  I am very thankful for my mom, dad, sisters, brothers and other family members.  I had done a lot of hurtful things to them.  I took my anger out a lot on them.  But I'm not who I was.    They stood right beside me and loved through my anger and hurtfulness.  

 Young Life has also brought me closer to the Lord, and that He loves me for just who I am!