Hand in Hand

The youth illustrated that they are walking hand in hand with God and one another on their faith journey. This photo was taken on Palm Sunday as the youth hiked Crowders Mountain!

Thistle Farming

I am a thistle farmer. Before this weekend (May 4-6, 2012), I had no clue what that meant. Most of us pictured arriving at an idyllic farm filled with beautiful purple flowers. Little did we know that the whole reason for the name "thistle" farms is because it grows in places most people wouldn't travel. Thistles can be spotted under bridges, on banks and around railroad tracks-just to name a few spots.

We were fortunate enough to pick alongside experts from the Magdalene House. They knew precisely how to angle and cut the thistles so as not to be punctured by the prickly stalks. Brittany and Tonya shared their story of living on the streets and living without purpose. When they found this recovery program, they began to experience community and love in a new way. From the thistles, healing body products are made such as lotions, soaps and shower gel. The entire process represents the struggles of the women in recovery and their renewed sense of self-worth.

As we traveled the streets of Nashville, we fixed our eyes on these thistles growing wild. Even a policeman stopped us and asked us, "what in the world do you want with those things?" We wanted what most people considered a nuisance. Sounds like Jesus, doesn't it? He talked to the woman at the well, the same as his disciples.

As we drove back from Nashville, we were quick to spot patches of thistles; however, on the drive up we had not even noticed those same purple flowers. When I returned to Gastonia, there was a thistle spotting on Belvedere Avenue. I had to ask myself, " how many other things and people in God's creation have I ignored?" What else have I walked by and not given its proper attention? As usual, the mini-mission trip was supposed to be about helping others, but I gained so much perspective from this experience.

No One Stands Alone by Hope McIntosh

Good morning! My name is Hope McIntosh. I am a junior at Ashbrook High School and have been fortunate enough to have grown up in this church community. It was the morning of February 1, 2011 when we got the call that my grandmother, Derice Falls, had passed away. Even though my family had been expecting this for quite some time, you’re still never really ready to let go of someone that has held such an enormous role and been so involved in your life. As many of you know, Maggie Horne sends out a prayer text to our fellow youth group, members of our church, and friends upon request. This is why my first response to the horrible news was to reach for my phone and text both Maggie and Becky. It just so happened that the Senior Hi’s were having prayer breakfast that morning, as we do on the first Tuesday of every month. I was unable to attend that morning because I had been sick for several days, so my day was already ruined before I had even heard about my grandmother. Things just kept getting worse, and I felt very lost and alone considering I had never been faced with such a serious death in my family or anything else of the same magnitude. Becky came by my house later with just what I needed at the time: breakfast, hugs, and most importantly, prayer. She then went on to tell me that her devotion that morning was based around my grandmother’s gracious and generous acts of kindness. I was taken aback by this “aha” moment, or an incredible surprise by God. It allowed me to realize that I was not going to have to face this battle alone because God was watching out for me, along with all of the rest of my friends and family. Just a year ago, my great grandmother passed away as well. My mom went by Covenant Village to read to her before she headed to her Sabbath group. She read a scripture out of Psalm, chapter 46 verse 10, “Be still and know that I am God.” And in another surprise by God, sure enough, Psalm 46:10 just so happened to be the primary scripture being applied at their Sabbath study that night. While there, my mother received a call that the time was near. She was embraced in prayers and hugs by an incredibly supportive group of ladies. Once again, Becky stopped by Covenant to stay with my mom, but then she traveled over to my house to discuss with my dad how to inform me of what had occurred because I was not in town but in the mountains for our annual youth Ski Retreat. I could not have been in a more comforting environment than the one I was given in that moment. My friends and counselors stood by my side through the whole thing and did not leave me until they were sure I was a little bit better, just as my mother’s friends had done for her. It is no accident that my family was not alone. God is in charge, completely, and he proves it to us on a daily basis. Sometimes we are afraid to share or afraid to be vulnerable to others. It is crucial to remember that the great things in life are not as great if you are alone, and the terrible things can seem even worse. I am blessed with an incredible support system in my family and friends, but equally important is my church family. Even though I rely heavily on all of these people, I remember that God is responsible for putting these people into my life and never putting me into a situation that I cannot handle. Through these difficult times, God was there—watching over me and protecting me. I was not forced to stand alone. I am never forced to stand alone, and neither are you. No one stands alone. Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 reads “Have I not commanded you? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Like Joshua, we are promised that we should not be afraid, for the Lord will be with us no matter what the circumstances may be or where we go. Joshua did not stand alone. I do not stand alone. You did not and do not stand alone. No one stands alone.