The One Beholding You
Posted on Friday, September 18, 2020 by
By Natalie Baddour, Director of Mentoring and Therapeutic Services
“Behold the One beholding you and smiling.” -Gregory Boyle
This is the truth that we, at Denver Area YFC, continue to carry with us as we connect with our system-involved and incarcerated youth. The truth that our young people, despite societies “disapproval”, are not looked down upon with disappointment and rejection by God, rather they are embraced and delighted in.
Gun violence and crime continues to be on the rise in Denver. Which perpetuates an image of which society might label our youth, a label that continues to marginalize. Our young people should not be attending as many funerals as they currently are, yet that is their reality. Our young people should be able to walk the streets without carrying weapons and fearing for their lives, yet that is their reality. We will continue to stand with our young people, those who are seen as “badly behaved” until this behavior is recognized for what it truly is- the outpouring of those deeply wounded and carrying far more than they can bear. Those who are trapped in systems that have forgotten their goodness. We will continue to stand with our young people and echo the truth that God is beholding them and smiling.
Please continue to pray with us as we step into the lives of our youth who are deeply traumatized and carrying far more than they can bear. Pray that our youth are awakened to the truth that they are delighted in.
Thank you for being a part of the ongoing conversation with youth in our city and helping us share God’s story. It's our honor to be the storytellers on your behalf who meet kids right where they are and give life to their story.
Providing young people in our community with the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become part of a local church.