Inspire, Spring 2008

16 spring 2008 my cedarv i l le loom You know the type. They are the girls who hug the wall, so close you suspect they would melt into the wallpaper, if they could. Some call them “wallflowers.” I call them “soul mates.” They just seemed so lonely — these young girls I met while serving as a junior high youth leader at my church. I could see in their hearts and through their quietness that they simply longed to belong … and to be loved. My heart went out to them. I, too, had never really belonged to a group of friends; I was more of a “floater” — drifting from one clique to another. Still, I knew what it was like. We shared an ache. So, I began investing my time into several of these wallflowers. Eventually I saw them blossom into something beautiful — bright sunflowers, beaming for all to see, pushing away from the wall. “Cassie,” one of my youth leaders pointed out, “have you seen the transformation in Rachel? She used to be shy, quiet and nervous, but since you took the time to invest in her life, she’s become a completely different person.” Well, in spite of my natural selfishness, I know I can’t take credit for any of this. It’s all God, and it blooms out of a question I ask myself on a regular basis: “What can I do now to show God how much I love Him and desire to serve Him?” Luke 10:27 says “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” I’ve discovered that, when obeyed, these commands bring the greatest blessings and allow for the greatest joy. Choosing moment by moment to love the one and only true God has been the most wonderful decision I have made. He fills my heart with delight and reminds me that He will be a lamp for my feet and a light to my path. I find such comfort in knowing that the Creator of the heavens and earth is looking out for someone as small as me! It was through my service to the girls at my church that a desire to love and support women going through trying times emerged within my heart. This quickly developed into a passion. I want to be used by God, challenging believers in their faith, and sharing Christ with those who have yet to understand the beauty of walking with Him. Most of all, I want to help women who are facing trials. My heart aches to show them genuine love. I pray that each woman, young or old, would look past me, see Christ within me, and, as a result, strive to live a life fulfilled by Him. “Eventually I saw them blossom into something beautiful — bright sunflowers.” Lives in by Cedarville student Cassandra Dobutovich ’09