The Still Small Voice

In my sophomore year of high school, at a time in my life when I was finding my emerging identity as a young adult, I ventured to a grassy hill at the front of the campus to a Bible study a friend had invited me to attend. I awkwardly sat down on the grass amid the crowd. I slipped a brown bag out of my backpack, wondering if eating was allowed.

The teenage leader of the group seemed nervous at first as he launched into a mini-sermon. But he gained confidence as he spoke.

I can’t recall now what he said so many years ago. But I do recall that it got me thinking. Perhaps more than the message itself, what got me thinking were questions like these: why is this high school football player leading a Bible study?

Why is he so kind to everyone? Why does he seem so different?

After the Bible study, I headed to my English class, where I saw a friend. “Where were you?” she demanded. I wasn’t prepared for this conversation.

“I was at this Bible study thing,” I mumbled. I winced in preparation for what was sure to come, and then there it was: she cried, “What? Why?”

I shrugged, hoping she would drop the subject. It wasn’t cool to be a Christian.

However, what began as a Bible study for me led to new friendships and resulted in new-found determination. I would not sell out in the name of teenage acceptance. It dawned on me that true worth is derived not from one’s friends or social standing but from the nature of one’s character and heart.

This domino effect in my own life began with the enthusiastic faith of a group of devout teens who decided to start a high school Bible study.

So, let this story be an encouragement to you.

Standing up for what you believe in is attractive. Daring to be different, and stick to your principles, will draw others to you.

Your commitment to your values will be seen, maybe by someone you didn’t even realize was watching.

Perhaps you will even change someone’s life.