I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me      -“I Have Confidence” from the Sound of Music

Last week I went to a high school musical production of Legally Blonde and a middle school talent show. Tonight I went to a middle school chorus concert. I had several youth in the talent show and chorus concert, and two involved with the musical. I went to support them. All the events were amazing.

It was such a delight to see my youth in their element, performing what they’ve been practicing for months, celebrating afterwards. It tickles me still to think of when I first walked in the room and some of them ran up to me, SO excited to see me. #daymade

I’m so proud of my youth and their peers and their ability to sing in front of people with such confidence and poise. Yes, some were more nervous than others, but they still got up there and sang in front of people. It still blows my mind to think of their performances. I was involved with choirs, even the smaller ensemble choirs, but I didn’t sing a solo until I was in college! I was WAY too nervous, way too scared. I did not have that kind of confidence.

In elementary and middle school I used to get solos, but then I’d be so nervous I’d get sick and couldn’t do them. In college once I sang for a recital and was so nervous I drank a bunch of water beforehand to calm my nerves. Things went well, but during the middle of the song, I burped! Ha!  How’s that for a bit of humility.

I recorded some songs today and sent them to my youth to listen to before Sunday. I love when they help me lead music in worship. I’m finally at a place where I can sing in front of people by myself, but I love it so much more when there are others singing with me…for different reasons, now.

Back then it was because I didn’t have confidence. Now, it’s because I want to honor the youth’s musical gifts, encourage them to use their talent for the glory of God, and engage them in worship and in leadership in the church.

I love connecting youth with leadership opportunities in the church. It engages them in ways that the Church in general doesn’t usually entertain until they are adults. But they have the gifts NOW; they’re present and able and willing (for the most part) to serve NOW. And the more they serve now, they more confidence they will have in their ability to serve later.

What are you doing to support youth in your community?

How are you helping youth build confidence in themselves and their abilities?