It was a Tuesday night and she was my last lesson of the night. We had worked on singing and playing guitar, a Nora Jones song that night I think. After lesson time was done, I felt like she wanted to linger and chat a bit. I had gotten the impression she wanted to hang out longer after lesson a few times before but this time, I invited her to stay and chat over coffee. We chatted about simple things. I asked her about school, college plans and she asked more about me. Soon, she opened her heart to me and that night was the start of precious friendship. I was honored that she would look to me as a mentor and an example as a follower of Christ. I was so honored to be entrusted with the deep things of a heart. I was amazed to be given the opportunity to speak truth, to speak hope, and whisper encouragement into this life.
The defining moment I would like to mention was during one of my conversations with this dear young lady that took place shortly after this evening. It was another evening after lesson (as chatting after lesson became a normal thing) and she asked me a question that really rocked me.
She asked, “Sarah, how do you know that God is real?”
Here I was in the presence of this young heart who is in a season of defining her faith, growing roots, building foundations that will define so much for her and she is asking me a question about the reality of this God that has become my life and my complete identity. How exciting and how terrifying that moment felt!
I answered her.
My words may have been slightly different or more eloquent in the moment but I remember telling her that I know God is real because of who He is in me. When I look at my life, I can see that God is real because of the sure goodness of Christ in me. I told her about the many times I shared a song I have written and I am approached by people in tears who were so moved and encouraged by words I penned. I think about my marriage with Michael and how incredible and strong our marriage is even though statistically that does not happen when you come from a broken family line. I think about prayers I have prayed that have been answered and lives I have touched by just being me and I tell her that I know God is real because I see these things, and I know it is Christ it me. We talked about how the most exciting thing in my life is seeing God use even me to be the hands of God to this world.
I am learning that to pour out your life in service to one another, and to see God use that to change a life is the most incredible thing. I see the reality of God in that.
It is an incredible reality that Christ laid down His life for us.
I want to pour out my life to serve these precious, awesome youth kids around me. I want to see them grow into their incredible gifts and I want them to know Father God and to know His great love for them! I want them to experience the amazing adventure of following Christ. God has such wild plans for their lives and I am so excited to even just be a small part in helping them to know that.
I wanted to share with you all in this blog that starting this coming Sunday, August 16, Michael and I will be leading a nine-month worship band mentorship program we are calling "City on a Hill Youth Band"
designed for youth vocalists and musicians in grades 8-12. Our desire is to impart to participants a deeper passion for worship, a love of music, an ability to play and lead in a band setting, and a joy in serving others. We also want to provide young artists an environment to grow in songwriting and creativity. We will be leading worship in local Churches, and prepare to go on a music mission trip in the Spring.
This Youth Band is an exciting new journey for us! We are so excited to step out in obedience to make ourselves available to teach, encourage, and worship the Lord with these kids.
Will you pray for us in this endeavor?
Also, if you know of any youth who would love to be a part, please contact me at sarah.bowman2@gmail.com asap and I will get you all of the information!
I am so excited about the scripture God gave me for this group because truly, I believe these Youth are called to be a beautiful light in the world-
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Blessings to you all and I pray the Lord fills you to overflowing that you may pour out with joy to the thirsty ones God has placed around you.