See YOU at the Pole

"Get the word out.  Teach all these things.  And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life:  by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.....

Cultivate these things.  Immerse yourself in them.   The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!  Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching.  Don't be diverted.  Just keep at it!  Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation." 

These words of Paul (as presented in The Message) are both my prayer for and my observation of a mighty group of teens who chose to gather early (6:45 am, baby!) this morning around the flag pole at Harrison High School.  Their prompting:  the annual See You at the Pole celebration.  Their mission:  to encourage one another and to lift all those who walk the halls of HHS to the Lord seeking mercy, grace and truth -- oh, and a good dose of courage.  

I was humbled and honored to be asked to join them and capture a bit of the gathering in images. Well, okay, the honored came after balking at the hour but upon reflection, I am so glad I didn't let a little snoozin' get in my way of being even on the fringe of such a marvelous assembly.  It was a wonderful and varied group of students seeking a wonderful and varied single Lord -- plain and simple, it just doesn't get any better than that!