Love in LoCo

Anyone else sick of the news these days?  National news, local news, even the sports world...it doesn't matter.  It's all pretty discouraging, in my opinion.   Our nation is so divided and there are so many people here in the U.S. and around the world who are hurting.   Well, my post today is short but oh so sweet and will hopefully bring hope to those of you taking the time to read.   On Wednesday, September 27 students all over the country, including several hundred here in Loudoun County, participated in See You at the Pole.   This is a national day of prayer for our schools and we were so blessed to see students at almost every middle and high school in the county join in.   How much hope does this give you?  In the midst of a culture and generation obsessed with self, these TEENAGERS willingly WOKE UP EARLY to pray for their teachers, classmates, and schools.  They prayed against depression, suicide, and addiction.  They praye...

As we kick off this new school year and start to plan for huddles and other upcoming events, like Loudoun’s first ever Fields of Faith , I’ve started to notice a recurring theme.  I’ve had several conversations with volunteers and student leaders that go something like this: Me: “Hey ____________, would you be interested in speaking/sharing your testimony at  such and such event/huddle?” Student/Volunteer: (Eyes wide, nervous laughter) “Uh...” Believe me, I’m not trying to call out any one person here, as this has happened several times now, but let’s call this hesitation what it is: FEAR!  I get it.  I’m not a huge fan of speaking in front of large groups, either.  And I admit that I’ve certainly held myself back from a number of different opportunities in my life because of fear.  But since when does fear get to control us in this way?  As believers in Christ, do we really trust what God says in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be...