You're Invited

His heart lured him there. His life in shambles, he felt deep within hope was on the other side of the doors. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make himself go inside.

He would sit in his car, cry, shake and leave the parking lot. Another week of desperation. Another week of loneliness. Another week without a connection to God. Another week not knowing what church was like.

The fact is he passed smiling Christian faces at work week in week out. Not one ever invited him. He was on his own and too ashamed of who he was to cross the threshold alone.

As my 13 year old, Hayleigh, grows physically from little girl to young woman, strength and resolve burgeons within. Tonight she will attend a special youth event at church. She's spent the better part of this week's free time inviting friends, collecting money and making certain her school friends feel welcome at tonight's "all-nighter". 

With a tweet, text and call she's done more for these middle schoolers than hosts of co-workers did for my husband. She loved her classmates with eyes, ears and hands. I want to learn to do that too.

Eyes - Maybe no one ever invited Scott to church because they couldn't see past his strong facade to the loneliness within. Hayleigh has been intentional to see kids who would enjoy being there. She made a list to make sure each was included.

Ears - Perhaps no one ever invited Scott to church because they couldn't hear his silent cries for help. Hayleigh has listened for barriers. She's made it easy for her friends to come by collecting money and being flexible. By listening for barriers, she heard their hearts.

Hands - It could be no one ever invited Scott to church because their hands were as uncertain as his. Hayleigh doesn't like "putting herself out there". Her natural tendency isn't to shepherd people and take a leadership role. Hayleigh put aside her reservations so she could set aside others'.

I want to love people with eyes, ears and hands. I don't want to be so busy or too insecure to pass by the lost and hurting of this world. I want to live...You're Invited.

Think of one person in your space today. Have you invited them to church? Why not text, call or drop by today and pick them up for church on Sunday?