Changed Hearts and Lives

Last evening, my family had the privilege of serving dinner at the monthly family dinner of the Teen Challenge organization near us. Teen Challenge is a residential facility for young men ages 18-35 who are in trouble because of drug and/or alcohol addiction. Three men received certificates of completion last night, and we heard their stories and their testimonies of what God has done in their lives through Teen Challenge.

Besides the testimonies, my favorite part probably was the drama, which was done by two guys to the song, Who I Am, by Casting Crowns. (I've added this song to my playlist as well. Click on it if you would like to hear it.) Here is part of the lyrics:

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love, and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

My prayers are with Matt, Scott, and Nick as they move on from Teen Challenge and face life "in the real world," replete with temptations and the need for daily choices to remember who they are.

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