See You at the Pole

Sunrise had not occurred yet, but he was awake. This weekday was different, and to him, it was a calling. It was the appointed occasion to assemble near the flagpole, an occasion for Jesus’s light. An occasion to rise and shine in devotion to Jesus.

To pray together might appear a simple task if they went to a private school. This event occurs at our local high school and continues yearly on national campuses. One location, the pole, received allowance for showcasing faith, not encouragement, but allowance.

They are a group called Kids for Christ. “Yep, K-F-C, and we’re not talking fast food, Chicken.” This gathering is food for life. Kids For Christ stands up, united in spreading the love of Jesus, and they are not chicken!

The meeting at the pole happens amid the hundreds of students walking past the pole on a public campus. Throughout this date, American schools meet; some may find it inconsequential, but this gathering held significance for this youth.

We have many of them in our midst, forming a purposeful army. Maybe they are hiding under a hooded sweatshirt. It’s possible that they will stay silent, gripped by the fear of being targeted. They uplift one another today during their journey toward the pole, in unity. These young people take a bold stance as soldiers for our Almighty God, similar to the army surrounding Jericho. They will not relent; they will trust in their Heavenly Father and will not standalone.

Kids For Christ convenes near their school’s flagpole. The flagpole symbolizes their belief in Christ on this day. They share their passion and are eager to share in unity and welcome any who wishes to join them. They are not preachy, just welcoming and seeking that lost kid. The one who needs a hug of love that from Jesus.

The kids hope their stance can change in these moments, one life, just one, maybe more; only God knows the outcomes. They believe their position differs, aspiring to be the comforting smile, the sought signal. Excited, they shine their light together for Jesus in the free land, a country where they can worship!

Days before, one young man shared how the morning would unfold. He clarified that we each select a verse and pray as a group. He said we meet at six forty-five in the morning and gather for forty-five minutes. He was thrilled the prior evening, just as he is before an exciting youth or sporting contest.

This son of mine is an avid sports lover, and most mornings involve a quiet breakfast with the sports channel, giving him a helpful review of the weekly sporting events. If you can be in his presence, we always share the delightful play-by-play update of his favorite sports teams. The sheepish grin shines through as he inhales a breakfast while following the sports news. That morning was the day he could honor his favorite team, God’s team. That day, he could share the message of Christ, the message that burns within him.

As we know, in current times within our society, people kick God to the curb in public establishments and or settings. To mention His holy name is now treated as some form of treason.

To say His name is so ironic, given the mere definition of treason, is a betrayal of trust or breach of faith. This should be both baffling and humorous for us, given that our ancestors founded our nation on tenets of faith. Even our currency states, “In God We Trust.” Our pledge of allegiance to the flag brings reverence and loyalty to our “One Nation Under God.”

So yes, the Kids for Christ group are beyond excited that on that one day, they can stand outside of their various buildings across this great nation and say t…

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 New Living Translation.

Our son shared this verse, which spoke to his feelings. Like his parents, his daily walk with Christ is one we admire. He proves to be an incredible blessing, witnessing his bold faith. We couldn’t have been prouder of his conviction in sharing his complete love and respect for his Father in Heaven.

As I drove him to the school, I had the tiniest pangs in my heart. This pang was a mix of emotions; I am a mom, right? First, the pulse of pure admiration for Our Father in Heaven. Second, joy for the conviction He had placed on our son’s heart, beginning at such a young age and continuing with such faithful and robust persistence that day and into his future.

We stand in awe of God’s work in both of our children, or should I say, young adults. Their steadfast faith affirms that they and all children are of God, and they grant us guardianship of them for a short time.

As a parent, I admit the brief entertainment of these kids’ risk to place themselves before their public school; after advertising, they would stand for their faith in God, right there at the pole. I dismissed this notion, acknowledging divine control, a matter beyond my worry.

Those standing at the pole are sons and daughters, children of God. Part of His army, they were ready, arose early, arranging transport, readying themselves for Christ’s purpose, His glory.

Don’t kick God to the curb. Please meet me at the pole next time they are there. This meeting may begin the path of faith or continue a life of service to our King. See you at the pole each September on campuses across America.

I must share my slight disappointment that the pole does not have an overwhelming presence of kids on these September mornings.

As I drove by one last time before heading home, I noticed plenty of wiggle room. Wiggle room is all right, though. God gives us that. I suppose it’s what we do with that wiggle room that matters?

I pray you wiggle your way right into the arms of your Father in heaven. That you’re led and guided by the Holy Spirit, and I implore you to accept Christ into your hearts. These youths serve as an example showing the need for inquiry.

Would you consider becoming a Kid For Christ instead of being timid? How about trusting that He has grand plans for those who call upon His name? Maybe start with, “Hello God, it’s me, your child”. Do you have a minute to speak with God?