Josh and I went to the Creation Northeast Festival last week for the first time. Not only did we check off an item on our bucket list, but we also camped, worked at the vendor booths and enjoyed some great concerts.

On my last day there, I met Maddie. Maddie is a senior in high school with a passion for God’s word and the youth in her community. She teaches an 8^th grade girls Bible study at her church. She is going through a study with the girls where they talk about various topics and study Bible verses that speak truth on those topics. I asked how she liked the study and she paused before she answered.

She shared her worry that the younger teens are slowly steering away from reading the Bible and are instead relying on Bible studies and Christian curriculums. Maddie loves God’s word and is reading through the book of Job. She wants to show the younger girls in her church that the Bible is full of amazing stories depicting God’s love for His people. She hopes to take a break from the curriculum they’re using and read through a book of the Bible with them.

I was in awe of this young girl and her clear passion for God’s word. So often I see that people are intimidated by the Bible, or weary on how to approach it. Maddie grabbed it with both hands and immersed herself into the pages. She encouraged me to keep reading, keep digging, even when I feel lost in the words, because there is truth there. God spoke. And we can read what He said. Maddie also reminded me that God can use anybody, no matter their age, as long as they are willing. Maddie is a young leader, setting a godly example to those younger than she is.  She knows what she’s passionate about, what her skills and abilities are, and is using them to glorify God.

After we spoke, we prayed for each other, holding the other’s arm. When we hugged goodbye I hoped to always remember this sweet moment: two sisters in Christ encouraging one another in their walk.