YouthWorks–Detroit
Strength
in Sincerity
.
by
Stephen Giles
.
Detroit is as real of a city as you will find.
There is an almost tangible sense of genuineness
and authenticity that pours forth from the heart
of this city. I have experienced this honesty
while attending the 12 step meetings at the soup
kitchen, during conversations with our youth, or
with people on the street.
Detroit’s ability to be real and authentic has
tremendous power and I think it is one of
Detroit’s greatest strengths.
When we share honestly, and openly with one
another we allow God’s strength to be known and
proclaimed. When we admit how we’ve failed and
continue to fail, we bear witness to what 2
Corinthians 12 says; “(God’s) power is made
perfect in weakness.”
Furthermore we let others in on the not so secret
fact that we are broken and in need of God’s
mercy. Sharing that with others then allows them
the freedom to also share with raw honesty.
The fruit of sharing honestly and being vulnerable
are many. I have mentioned some, but doing this
also brings healing, freedom, and growth. I write
this as a testimony, not because it is something
that I do particularly well, but rather because
through Detroit, God has shown me how much I need
to work on this. He has shown me how valuable and
necessary it is to live like this as a Christian.
And not just, or even primarily, because of how it
will benefit me, but because of the witness of His
power, love, mercy, and faithfulness that it gives
and because of how others will benefit from
hearing of my failings and God’s perfection.
Stephen
Giles grew up in Lansing in the Work of Christ
Community and currently serves with YouthWorks-Detroit.
He is a proud Michigander, and enjoys summers
up north.
To
learn more about YouthWorks-Detroit
visit their web
site and Facebook
page
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