Youth Sunday Sermon,
Sunday, May 22 at 11:00 am
Trinity Episcopal Church
Rosalie Mahler

Today we heard Psalm 71 and one line in particular stood out to me. “For you are my tower of strength.” Throughout my entire high school career God has been the source of my accomplishments. By source I mean he has given me the strength and aspirations to set my future into place. High school has been an insightful journey for me, I have witnessed many unexpected moments, but ultimately I’ve learned that God is “my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe.”

At the beginning of high school I had no idea where I would be at this point in my life. I never imagined I would be a senior two weeks from graduation giving a sermon in front of all of you. Looking back, I am appreciative that God was with me every step of the way. Ever since I was an adorable quirky little girl I have had the desire to care for other people. I remember running around the house acting as if someone was in danger or hurt searching for a band aid for my… “injured” family member. I am most fulfilled by making an impact on someone in need. Every human is given a calling by God to make a difference on this earth. I find that beautiful and I am so thankful that God has shown me my path so early in life.

In the fall I will be attending Radford University to study in the nursing field. God has shown me that this is my calling. I feel as though Nursing will be my service that I provide to God and his ministries. In this past year, I participated in a mentorship program at the hospital that let me explore being a nurse. The most fulfilling part of mentoring at Augusta Health was the relationships that I developed with the patients. The patient that most warmed my heart was a woman who was so thankful to have me there and encouraged me to pursue nursing. She called me her angel every day and the impact that she had on me allowed me to see that God placed her in my life for a reason. That entire experience changed my life because I felt as though he told me that this would be my future career.

I plan on continuing my services to God for the rest of my life. Trinity has given me many opportunities to make an impact on others. From the age of five I have been a part of the Trinity Youth Choir. The hard work that everyone has put into incorporating music into our church is renowned. I love all of the friendships I have developed and the intimacy of our choral family. Carol Taylor has been a huge inspiration to me and our choir; her passion that she put into the music made me see the wonder of God in her heart. Seeing her retire was a big change, but Randall, our new director, has put his zeal and drive to keep the light of the music shining brightly.

As we encounter changes in our lives, God encourages us to use our gifts to overcome challenges. In the summer, myself and 11 other youth will be going on a mission trip to Honduras. While we are working on churches, I plan on developing relationships with everyone around me. It is my goal that we will all grow in the light of God while we help the men, women, and children of Honduras. I am very thankful to be part of a church that supports the youth by providing opportunities for us to be of service to others.

Now that I am entering the end of one chapter in my life I feel well prepared for the next. God will be my stronghold and I know that he will be my shelter when I am struggling. I am so thankful that God is such a large part of my life and that Trinity has helped me grow into a driven, passionate, and thoughtful individual. From my sermon I hope that you can think about the gifts God has given you. At some point today I would like you to turn to someone that you love and help them see a gift that God has given them and how it has impacted your life. “Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me” Amen