Odd name, right? That's because Tony was born without arms. His super-power, however, is extraordinary. He plays his guitar with his feet! Tony has preformed for Blessed Pope John Paul II and is a phenomenal speaker and musician. His message for the youth of the diocese was beautiful; find your strengths and flaws, and give them all up to God.
From this, I heard a call to service.
Despite my absolute joy over being hired as the new west side Camp Re-NEW-All director, there has been a lot of emotional and spiritual struggle. For the longest time, I felt the unbearable pressure. I was concerned that I would lose staff, that I would lose support from longtime friends, that I was not what Camp needed or what God had wanted. But Tony, and all the fellowship I found around me soothed those doubts.
Because when you lay it all out there, Jesus will provide. And as the Holy Trinity core team sang over and over for us this weekend,
And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, than who could stand against?I had already heard and answered God's call, but I had been pulling a Jonah. There were many times I had not been trusting or devoted enough to what God had told me. I had heard what God said correctly, and it was time to trust in that. After all, God will never give us more than we can handle, and God will always provide.
Just like God provided for Tony, by giving him talents that he was able to use despite the struggles he was also given, God will always provide for us. God wants the best for us, the best that could possibly be given to us, because we are God's best and most beautiful Creations, and oh, how He Loves us.
If you would like to know more about Tony Melendez and his incredible journey and story, here's the link to his website!
Finally, I have a huge, massive, gigantic thank you and shout out to give to my old youth ministers, and as always, my friends. Johnna Hilton has been a part of my life since I was five years old, teaching me how to sing, act, pray, Love, and serve the Lord. Travis Washeck became a youth leader when I was in high school, and I had a wonderful time getting to know Chris Vore better this weekend. The three them are the proud T, C, and J of Totally Catholic Junk- an online Catholic store that has creative apparel, and all kinds of fun Catholic "junk".
I think that's enough for tonight- all that's left is for is some pictures and videos.
 |
| Sydney Barta, my little sister Ginna, and Sean Jastal singing in the rain |
 |
| Adoration on Saturday night |
 |
| The banners processing in at Sunday Mass |
I think that's about it! Hope everyone has a blessed week, and remains full of the Holy Spirit!
Totus tuus,
LeAnn
No comments:
Post a Comment