Shift

**Disclaimer: The below thoughts are in exclusion to my family and my relationship with God**

So within the last few months I have become involved in one of the most incredible youth groups I've seen since I was a student IN youth group. Through random chance (ok, so through God's divine working behind the scenes) I get a video from Brian McCormack asking me to get involved in Shift. I'd heard a little about Shift, because for the past 2ish years I've been going on Sunday mornings to Crowded House and they would talk about their Wednesday night bible study; however, I never thought much about it. To make a long story short, Brian asked me to try out an informal "let's talk about the vision of Shift" meeting and from the moment I met the group of leaders, I was hooked. I stayed after about an hour and a half talking to three guys I'd never seen before, and one I'd only talked to once. I won't say that it was Ryan, Ben, Boose, and Ken that made me stay, but their random conversation (which I can still quote some of...) and welcoming demeanor, I knew it could only get better.

I prayed so hard about whether or not God wanted me to take on more time in my schedule and if this is really what he wanted for me for this season of my life. I knew God had called me to work with students, he made that apparent in July 2008 sitting on the roof in Manzini, Swaziland, but I was waiting for the "perfect job" where I could fulfill this calling. It was during those prayer times that God reminded me that he's called me to work with students, but he didn't say it'd always be paid. So I stepped on board and it has been the best thing I've ventured into.

Working with these students, the team of leaders, and praying daily over them has been the only place (see disclaimer) in my life where I feel I have purpose, where I feel appreciated, where I feel fulfilled, where I feel needed, and where I feel accepted. It is with this group of people I feel the most authentic and vulnerable with. This group and the people involved in this ministry have loved me with open arms, even after finding out my flaws. They know of my past addiction, they know of my screw ups, they know of my struggles, they know my short comings; yet, I feel accepted, loved, and valued in spite of, or maybe because of, my past. They allow me to be who I am with no judgment. They love me when I've had a hell of a week and walk in on Wednesday nights with a chip on my shoulder (in fact, that might happen to much... sorry guys) and they love me when I'm at my peek and loving life. They love me when I'm loud (which is a lot) and on days I need to be quiet. They love me when I'm making a fool of myself or crying in the back.

It is through this ministry that I have built authentic relationships and connect with some of the most beautiful people I've ever known. I love each leader and each student with all that I am. When they hurt, I am broken. When they celebrate, I'm throwing the party. Whether it's Doolittle's uncle or Heidi's dad, I carry them in prayer each moment. If it's a salvation or a deeper understanding of God, I praise my Daddy who's allowed me to experience it with them. There is not anything else in my life (see disclaimer) that I would chose over this. I will fight for these students, I will fight for this leadership, and I will fight for the work I see God doing each week. I know that God has called me and allowed me to be a part of his movement with this incredible group. I am humbled that God would find me worthy! I praise God every day for what He has done and how is has used me. I thank God for each student I know by name, each leader by name, and over each one I have yet to meet. I love this family of believers I get to do life with and I couldn't imagine not being able to fulfill this calling on my life.

Thank you to each person who is involved, student or leader. I pray you know how deeply I love you and how blessed I am by your presence in my life. I'd list you by name, but there are so many, so if you attend Shift (and/or Crowded House) then I am saying this directly to you:

I love you with everything I know how!!