Tonight I visited City Church and spoke to the youth group about my book, Set Apart.
I was excited to be able to share my story and my testimony to other
teens. I enjoy feeling like I am doing my part for God's kingdom, for
His plan for me, and I am being "set apart" in the way I live.
I
spoke for about thirty minutes, and then after, I sat at a table in the
back of the room and signed books. It was cool to be able to meet the
people who listened to what I had to say and learn their names. By the
end of the night, my signature was getting more and more messy!
Before
I spoke, when my grandma and I were praying and preparing in a back
room that was completely painted pink, I practiced what I was going to
say ahead of time... most of which I completely threw out the window
when I actually got up there to speak. I'm really not much of a
speaker, but I was shocked to see that everyone was attentive and
listened, and some people seemed to be really touched by what I said,
which is all I could ask for.
I told the story of when I was
at a basketball game, hanging out with some kids that weren't
necessarily Christian. While we were hanging out, a guy pulled me
aside and said, "You seem different from everybody else... happier,
maybe, I don't know... what makes you so different?" Embarrassed and
shy, I replied, "Nothing makes me different... I'm just a happy
person." I missed the opportunity, and I never want to miss another
opportunity like that again.
I hope I didn't tonight.
Several
teens stood up and went into another room to be counseled for
salvation. A few more rededicated their lives to Christ.
I left City Church feeling encouraged by the smiling faces and the fellowship. I hope I made some kind of an impact.
On the way home, I heard a song by Nichole Nordeman called "Legacy," and it truly expressed what I am feeling today. It goes:
"I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough
To make a mark on things?..." 
