David S. - Participating Parent

Today I was immensely blessed to have attended “Glorify Worship Nights” in Larkspur. I am admittedly strongly cynical of the state of our American republic, but tonight… tonight I was deeply humbled by our youth. My cynicism was slapped in its face and spat on and I’m thrilled to admit it. It’s a unique experience to see hundreds of teens and young adults gather together to fellowship on their own accord. Glorify Worship Nights is what I can only describe as a for-youth-by-youth “church” in essence, but with dancing at the end. It is human connection at it’s finest. And oh my to see the maturity of these youth in contrast to the world we live in… It filled my soul and gave me hope that maybe, just maybe this isn’t the end of this once great nation. In a world of fear, confusion, hate, division, and lacking self-worth, the “kids” I witnessed tonight broke the mold of this world’s misery and despair. Their self confidence exceeds my own. They have found a life of value, meaning, relative stability, and friendship. They laugh, embrace, dance, and pray with each other. This is a glimpse of what heavenly fellowship and love looks like. You may scoff at Christianity, but even if we were to propose for a moment that the bible is merely a man-made religion, the dynamic it brings forth in the lives of those who follow it and live it is simply remarkable. The wisdom it instills is life changing. The understanding of one’s purpose and redemptive status is freeing. These kids ooze it… they’re comfortable, they’re happy, they’re confident. They are, thankfully, the exact opposite of what the world tells them to be. They are not angry at systemic injustice. Not depressed because of their inherent insignificance. Not fearful of “warming” and “pandemics” and the next school shooting. Nobody is bullying them here. Nobody has the chance to be socially awkward here because they’re loved and all peers. This is how kids were meant to grow up. These are the youth of our next generation that will largely stay on the straight and narrow path. They will carry this nation in the face of all those who hate it and want to tear it down. If we could replicate this… this is the seed of revival, and it’s bursting forth with the values that made this nation strong and admirable… not the garbage the world’s youth are indoctrinated with today. In a world that frowns upon 20 yr olds getting married, I saw quite a few young married couples today. Generally I too worry that most 20 yr olds are too young to marry despite the fact I myself married young. Generally the maturity just isn’t there in today’s youth. Not so in the youth I saw tonight… These are the 20 yr olds who are doing it right and can build lasting marriages. Marriages based on commitment, understanding, and choice, rather than fleeting feelings. Love may start as a feeling but only endures as a choice.

These kiddos are equipped to understand that; the bible explains that well and matures anybody who picks it up earnestly. What a relief to my soul it was to witness this. I would encourage any of you to check it out for yourself, if only just to be encouraged and to consider coming alongside this movement financially… This demographic has little to spare but much going for it in this once a month gathering; they can use our help and encouragement. Thank you Grant for the invitation.