STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

I had a few concerns joining our Youth Group as a new counselor this year. Would I be able to say the right things to teens who might seek counsel? Would my actions exemplify an uplifting Christian lifestyle? Would I feel comfortable forging meaningful relationships with the youth, counselors, youth director and other leaders in the church? “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.

I had pledged a commitment to work with the group, so regardless of my concerns, I went with my son James to the first meeting of the year. I tentatively joined the young crowd and felt a little self-conscious being introduced as a “new counselor.” Thankfully, the many “ice breaker” activities planned for the evening soon began, and we were quickly in the thick of activities, games, and pizza.

Do not be terrified….

One of the games we played that evening was a relay race. During part of the race, counselors were to pitch wiffle balls to the youth, who had spun around to make themselves dizzy. That seemed easy enough, and seeing friends race each other through the course was actually quite funny. Unfortunately, the first ball that was pitched was one I caught — not with my hands, but with the bridge of my nose!

The angle and force of the ball not only stunned me, but broke my nose in what turned out to be eight places. Though my face was numb from the impact, I could tell by the reaction of the youth that it must’ve looked pretty bad. Needless to say, I was ushered away from the activity and seemingly from out of nowhere, several counselors, our minister, his wife and one of the youth appeared to help me.

…do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go.”

Our minister Dr. Jim Noland and his wife (and the church’s parish nurse) Mary Anne led me to their car and whisked me away to a local Urgent Care Center where we awaited tender care by nurses and doctors on the night shift. Even after my husband arrived on the scene, Jim and Mary Anne stayed devotedly by my side, well into the late hours of the night.

Six months have passed, and today, I celebrate a birthday giving thanks for the many blessings I have received. With God’s grace, I healed beautifully from the accident and resulting surgery. Because of the incident, I’ve grown closer to the youth of our church; I’ve felt the love and concern of my church family — not only our minister and parish nurse, but Youth Director Rob Ulmer, his wife Maggie, counselors Jane, Karen, Connie and Richard, and I’ve experienced selfless assistance from one of our senior high youth that was totally unexpected … my gratitude extends to all of them, especially to Morgan.

“I am assured that the Lord has been with me, everywhere I’ve gone.”

— Barbara Heard

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist