Stories told and
untold
By Steven Polley
Director of Youth Ministry
Please allow me to be a little critical as
I begin this column. I think of the many
people who have cell phones, especially the kids, and I think about how much
time is spent talking, text messaging, communicating. But is it really communication?
As I ponder that question I am taken back
to the years of growing up with my grandparents. My guess is that you are quickly able to
enter into your own experience and memories of the same thing. I can remember vividly the number of stories
my grandparents shared of when they were growing up, and even when they were
first in the work force. I was
captivated by these stories and in my mind I could easily imagine the time,
place and even the circumstances within each story. Without a doubt, these times helped form and
shape me as an adult.
In my last column, I spoke about the
retreat that I was asked to lead for the Diocese of Wichita for Catechetical
Sunday. As I write this column, that two -day experience is still fresh in my mind. Working with a group in
As both days progressed I was taken aback,
a little, as I saw people enter more fully into the experience. Some were crying, others were pondering and
listening to God speaking to them. The
more I thought about this the more I came to realize that each individual was
entering into this experience in their own way.
I began the day by inviting everyone to
enter into a journey, a journey that would go beyond the day and continue
throughout this catechetical year. A
journey that invited them to ask, How is
life going? Where is life going? and How is God
part of this journey? I invited
them to empty their pockets of outside distractions and worries and to allow
God to fill them with what ever God saw fit.
The journey then began with the sharing of
my own personal stories as well as other stories that I have heard over the
years. As each day unfolded I came to
realize that through my stories each person was entering into their own story,
and through this, a deeper emotional encounter with Christ was taking
place. Through the grace of God, my
stories became their stories and a beautiful journey of encountering the living
Christ began to unfold.
As I think back on last weekend, I realize
that my ministry in this setting was easy.
I was given a captive audience and a group of adults who desired this
encounter. As readers of my column, your
task may not be as easy. Our young
people spend many hours using modern technology. In some ways, yes, they are communicating,
but on the other hand we have to ask ourselves, Are they really?
I believe very strongly that our young
people long to have a deeper relationship with our risen Lord. But sometimes it is difficult, as the
business and the endless noise in their lives keeps distracting them from
hearing God’s voice.
They each have their own story to tell and
to experience. But for them to enter
into that story, they need to hear our story.
They need to use our story to move into their own. I invite you then, to look for opportunities
to share your story. I promise that if
you enter into this experience, you too will have a captive audience.