Five days. 120 hours. That’s how long you were at your YouthWorks site. And hopefully, this trip has allowed you to better discover yourself while finding – or knowing more intimately – the Creator of our universe.

A recent study by the Barna Group concluded that over 60 percent of people who participated in church during their teenage years will walk away from their faith in their 20s. Surprisingly, the chief contributing factor is that they haven’t been empowered to think or question.

For as long as I can remember, I have scribbled my thoughts and feelings on pieces of crumpled-up paper. I have always been drawn to the power of words. Through speeches or quotes, I am exposed to the thoughts and ideas of others.

At times when I write, ideas and words freely flow from the folds of my mind. Contained within these moments is a stillness that allows me to grasp the limits of humanity. But also trapped within this stillness is an overwhelming sense that something bigger than my dreams does exist… something words and language cannot contain.

Often, society will tell you that you must possess all the right answers in order to lead a successful life. Unfortunately, this ideology also infiltrates our thinking in the Church. Children who regurgitate the right “Sunday school” answers are often praised. But take a quick glance at the teachings of Jesus and you will see a series of challenging questions. In the Bible, even King Solomon in his great wisdom and splendor could not help but question the meaning of life.

Please understand, we all do have permission to search. Take it upon yourself to think, challenge, process, question, prayerfully ask for and wrestle with your understanding of God. I dare you to remember the people and images you have encountered during this process on this trip. Maybe, just maybe, you will meet a God bigger than your understanding – and yet a God who loves you personally.

by Adam Brewer