I don’t bring God into the lives of the youth I disciple. He’s already there, but when I show up it reveals God in a tangible way. A girl I mentor called me early one morning sobbing. I’ve spent three years investing in her life and have not once seen her cry. I have grown to deeply love this girl. I was scared. In between sobs she asked, “Kate, can you come to my school?” I drove as fast as I could.
Discipleship. It’s about showing up.
Late one night a friend and I sat in a park. I was in turmoil. I had spent so much time and energy investing in the lives of youth in my neighborhood. It seemed like God didn’t care about those I loved. I cried out, “GOD, WHERE ARE YOU?” I asked my friend, “Where is God in the life of my friend who was deported, or a child who was abused by her father, or my young friend who has a drug addicted mom?”
God spoke to me through my friend’s words. “Kate, God lives inside of you. He gives you the love, compassion, and desire to love them so deeply. When you show up; God shows up.”
In that moment, I got it. It’s about showing up in the pain and ugliness of people’s lives no matter what because when I show up, others get to experience God in me.