A few months ago during a church-wide fast, I was convicted to pray more specific prayers. One of the specific prayers I lifted up was for two new members to join the publications team.
To my complete surprise, that prayer was actually fulfilled. Two sophomores, Julia and Mathew, began serving in our church for the first time. As thrilled and blown-away I was to see God answer a prayer I lifted up so faithlessly, a myriad of fears and questions started creeping in. How would having two new members affect our ministry team?
For quite a while now, the publications team was composed of a handful of very committed people who wholeheartedly agreed with the mission and vision of HMCC--in other words, my entire team was composed of old people who had been around our church for many years (ie: our two youngest team members were college seniors O_O). Everyone was "on the same page", which allowed our times of sharing to be very open and honest, without fears of judgment or having to upkeep an expectation given with certain titles or positions.
Often times during our ministry team meetings, I would also outburst into laughter or break loose in a very child-like manner. At almost every meeting, Anna and I would give each other signals/looks and begin laughing hysterically as we recapped memories or jokes from the past. Maybe it's because we've had a long history together, but Anna just knows how to bring out a side of me that many people have yet to even know. I love our times together because the laughters we share are genuine and pure, with a child-like nature. I don't feel the pressure to laugh at things I don't find funny or to comment on things I barely know of--I just know that I can be myself and she would take me in just the way I am.
I wish I could say that on behalf of all my friendships, but my share of personal insecurities just clouds the picture for many relationships in my life. When I am with Anna, I am able to just be who I really am because I have been assured of her unchanging love and care for me. She has closely exemplified God's unconditional love to me, and surely validated the promise that "perfect love casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18).
TYL for giving me a great example for me to follow as an LCG, designer, and friend. Cheers to another year aechoi!
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