indelible adj. 1. Impossible to remove, erase, or wash away. 2. Making a mark not easily erased or washed away.
James, the Work Projects staff at my site in Coahoma, shared a few words with the participants there last week that made quite an impact on me. I hope I can do them justice as I recount them here.
Like many YouthWorks Work Projects staff, paint has become a permanent part of James's wardrobe, splattered across his staff t-shirts, shorts and shoes. His hands have become a multi-colored palate, with blues and browns and grays embedded in and around his fingernails. As he stood at the sink one morning, scrubbing with Lava soap, it occurred to him that the paint might not come off of his hands until after the summer is over and he is back to his "normal" life. He thought back to other mission trips he'd been on, and realized how many of the things he had experienced and learned on those trips had washed away when he got back home. He admonished the youth in Coahoma that week to not allow the lessons learned and the change in their hearts to wash away when they got back home.
Lava soap is strong stuff. I remember washing with it as a little girl after I'd been helping dad with projects. It washes away grease and paint and muck that flowery-smelling Dial never could. The world that we live in is a lot like Lava soap - ready and waiting to wash away even that which we thought might stay with us. Friends and relationships and media and school beg to make these youth forget the way their hearts broke for the people of a tiny town in the Delta. The lies society tells our youth lies somehow pierce through even the most significant moments of self-discovery that happen in the mission trip setting. American idols of all forms clamor to take the place of Jesus as they encountered him this week. The comforts of home quickly wash away the dirt and sweat of an uncomfortable place that they miraculously grew to love.
May it not wash away. May the experience of a YouthWorks week - or a YouthWorks summer for my staff - be permanently written on the hearts of each one. The word "indelible" has become a theme in my prayers - and at times, it has been the entire content of them, breathing out that one simple but mighty word. May the world's Lava soap never be strong enough to wash away the indelible work of the Lord.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
5 comments:
Father, I pray that the passion and heart and desire that is so evident in Jenilyn's life and in particular her prayers be reflected in those you have placed in her care! Lord, I pray that you continue to use the molding of her life as a place for others to see how you desire us, care for us, and love us. Lord, I am truly humbled to know Jenilyn and to have a chance to see even a glimpse of what you are doing in and through her. I join with her in praying for lasting, "indelible" changes in the lives of the youth, adults, communities, and staff and I echo that prayer through you back to her life as well.
I am glad I get to call you friend. Know that your words are encouraging, and that the Lord has used you in mighty ways. Even though you aren't my area director this summer, know that you are being an area director to me.
I love you! :)
I praise God that you are my friend. Even though you aren't my area director this summer, know that the Lord is using you in mighty ways, much like an AD. Your staff's are blessed to have you!
I love you!
Wow! Jenilyn, who knew the depths of your mind! You are one incredible woman! We need to have more conversations because I like the way you think!
Jeni, I praise God that you are being the church!! Words which may not seem indelible to you, may be so for someone you encounter. His glory be!!
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