Finding Community: Micah Young
“I'm empty and aching and I don't know why
Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike
They've all come to look for America”
-Paul Simon 1968
Recently, the idea of “Finding America” has been near the front of my mind because I am at a time of change and finding my place in life. There is an idea in the pop culture pantheon that by traveling or searching through the backroads one can “find America.” This can be as simple as having a good time with friends or finding the love of your life, but it all eventually comes down to finding community.
Going to places I’ve never been and exploring the backroads have led to some amazing experiences, and I won’t ever stop doing it. But it doesn’t have the same impact as being in a place and fully committing yourself to it as long as God calls you to do so.
I have changed churches several times in my life, and it made me apprehensive of change and commitment. Now as I look back, I can see all of the fruit that came from being present in all of those places. Even if I wasn’t going to be in a place for very long, becoming a part of the community there was always much better than being a passive member. If I wasn’t an active part of that community, not as much good came from it. By being committed to going to youth group or being an active participant in discussions, I saw personal spiritual growth, as well as growth in friendships that I still have to this day.
Coming into college at the beginning of this year, I was tasked with finding another community to be a part of for this new chapter in life. I wanted to find a place that God was a big part of and had a thriving community. I found this at The Wesley. God is at the forefront of everything this ministry does, and by being present here, I have grown so much in the past few months.
Through our study on the book of Genesis Tuesday nights, there has been a big focus on being present and taking ownership of your current situation, especially when it comes to the story of Joseph. Throughout his story, Joseph is extremely present in every situation, regardless of how bad it is. Because of this presence, and more importantly his commitment to God, he succeeds in every situation that is presented to him, even if it is being the best slave or even the best prisoner he can be.
I am thankfully not a slave in ancient Egypt, but it still stands true that being present in a community is one of the most important things you can do. Finding America is as simple as finding Christian fellowship and being present there. The rest will follow.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Micah Young is a freshman at Louisiana Tech majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Music Industry Studies. His willingness to serve and commitment to his faith have been a great blessing to our community this year. Micah enjoys playing guitar and will be going on our mission trip to Ethiopia this summer. We’re thankful for him!