The Beginning of Something Titanic: Part 2

...I allowed thoughts of what this moment could mean to slosh around in my brain for about a week. Slowly and steadily, thoughts of the positive impact, possibilities, and potential materialized in my mind. Conversely, a stubborn will to ignore what I knew to be an opportunity and renege on my commitment to the boys was always present. Feeling somewhat stressed, pressured, and anxious all at once, I wasn't sure which train of thought would emerge as the victor in the battle quietly being waged in my mind.

Then my answer came. In my dimly lit classroom, I sat reclined in my comfy office chair. It was the end of the day and I was tired. Instead of leaving immediately, I sat there cozily bundled in my sweater and hat basking in the warm glow of the small desk lamp I favored using when there were no students around. I began to pray silently for peace and clarity on what my next steps should be regarding the group. I sat and waited. Suddenly memories of all the youth work I'd ever done came racing back to mind. It seemed crazy that I'd forgotten this, but I worked as a youth minister for 13+ years, have often spoken in front of audiences both young and old throughout my career, have written different kinds of books and curricula, and have always excelled at connecting with people.

It had been so long since I'd actively done any work with youth organizations. I enjoyed it while it lasted but I was certain that season in my life was over. However, I realized that my life had already prepared me for this opportunity and nothing I had been through would be wasted. I made up my mind before I left my chair to go home that I would write the manual for the club myself.

The next day I called the Youth Development Coordinator and informed him of my intentions. He was excited at the notion and told me that as soon as I finished the manuscript, send him a copy so he and the powers that be could look it over. I simply said "ok." and hung up the phone.

And so I began and finished writing, "Unleash Your Inner Titan". It's been adopted as the official guidebook for all the middle and high school boys' mentorship programs in Newport News Public Schools. I was eventually asked about helping out with creating a curriculum for the schools as well but I'll save that story for another post.

Thank you for reading.