Jessica

Last time I posted, I told everyone about a girl who means a lot to me, although I don't think she'll ever realise it- Stephanie. Now, I think I am going to post about another friend who means the world to me, although I think she thinks that I don't like her much, and prefer her sister. But, I don't play favourites.

Jessica has changed my life. I've always had a problem with being shy, especially in church. I've never really wanted to go to the altar, even though I know how amazing and special it does feel when you go up there, and I love being prayed for.

On the 26th of August, 2006, we went to a big, amazing, crazy event called 'Big Exo Day'. There were loads of sports, bmx rides, extreme stuff, along with heaps of rides and it was great. But it was a Christian event, and none of this is why I really admire Jess.

That night, Darrell Scott preached. He told us about his daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, who was killed in the American Columbine School Shooting 1999- the largest school shooting ever to take place in America. It was an amazing preaching- and buy the book "Rachel's Tears" if you can, by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott to read about it.

I think I should pause here and give you some background information. Jessica is older than me, but only by a day less than a year. She is the church pastor's daughter and is really nice. Before this day, I regret to admit, that I never really paid attention to her. Sometimes I still think I neglect her. She has been to so many altar calls, and therefore what happened next was totally selfless for her. I think this was the second or third time she prompted me to do this, but this is the first time I accepted.

There was an altar call, and seeing as there were about 10000 people there, the Youth pastor had to go down with you, pray over you and hand you a little mini bible (just the chapter of John) and discuss what was going on. Firstly, Tabitha went with Rebekah (I'll tell you about Tab later, Rebekah is the Youth pastor with Andrew) and I, as usual, was too shy to participate, although I really wanted to.

Then, Jessica tapped me and said "You can go if you want to." I looked at her, and I think she saw the fear in my eyes. I answered her with a request, which she accepted and it means more to me than anything else she, or pretty much anyone else, has ever done for me.

"Will you come with me?". Then, on that day, Jesus Christ and I were reunited, my friendship with Jessica became a million times stronger and I overcame my fear of standing out.

So, thank you Jessica.

Today, I leave you with a challenge. Are you going to let your better judgement fail, like I did so many times? I challenge you to do what you want to do, forgetting about what others might think. We only have so many years on this planet, use them!