No one really tells you what Challenge is about. They tell you there will be talks, games and singing... and that’s about it. Most people will just say “I can’t explain it, you just have to come check it out” or you’ll be talking with someone and they’ll say “yeah, you’ll really like Challenge”. So, you end up going, not knowing the schedule, not knowing what to wear, not knowing what they’ll talk about or if you’ll be good, know, or like any of the songs and games. Maybe it’s in the unexpected that makes you feel so free, maybe it’s in the warm welcome that makes you feel so unafraid... maybe it’s just God’s grace. In the midst of not knowing any of the songs, any of the talks, any of the games, any of the people, you find happiness, you find pain, you find friendships, you find forgiveness... you find yourself. You find that you are not alone and that even if these people hardly know you, they love you for who you are simply because you matter.
The best feeling I took away from Challenge is that I am free to be me. That Jesus loves me for who I am and that all he asks for in return is for me to let him into my life and love him right back. I realized that for the longest time I’ve been standing in front of this door, afraid to answer it. Challenge took my hand, placed it on the doorknob and helped me open it.
“Behold, I am standing at the door knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with Me.” – Revelations 3:20
My name is Liz. I did my challenge in March 2009 and I sat at the Lolita table.
