Life a Weblog for Young Adults

After volunteering separately in different parts of Africa, Jeremy and Jamie got married in 1999. They tried living in Colorado for a short time but knew that God wanted them in Africa. Soon an opportunity arose to work with children in Uganda through an organization called Uganda Children’s Charity Function (UCCF). So the newlyweds packed a few possessions, said good-bye to their family and friends, and moved to the other side of the world.

During the summer of 2005, my brother and I were inspired by God to begin a monthly young adult worship gathering in New Orleans. We decided to call this monthly meeting “HIMnI,” after constantly hearing locals use this colloquialism in their conversations.

The main objection to hell seems to be on moral grounds; basically that a loving God could not justifiably punish people for all eternity (a very long time) for things done in one lifetime (a relatively short time). It would be unjust, not to mention downright mean. Those who choose not to believe in an eternal hell tend to gravitate toward the idea of annihilation, that at some point, everyone not in heaven will simply cease to exist. No eternal life, but no eternal death for them either.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a fairly common question to ask a young child, and one to which I gave a lot of thought throughout my childhood. As a precocious and energetic 4-year-old, I had decided that I would do a bit of everything. “I want to be a fire-fighting, baton-twirling, pastor,” certain that my dream was not far out of my reach.

Death is one of those weighty concepts we’re constantly bombarded with. It’s almost always connected to the stories of the first 10 minutes of the 5 o’clock news. Then there’s the unexpected phone call from your 2nd cousin letting you know that your great aunt, who you think you met once at a family reunion, died. If you’re like me, those moments might affect you at some level for a short time, but they are quickly forgotten when your favorite show comes on or your best friend calls and tells you she got a long-awaited job.

When you hear the word solitude, what feelings does it evoke in you? Splendor, wonderment, intimacy, or joy? How about absolute delight or excitement and expectation?

Yeah. Not likely. For many of us, solitude is our secret nemesis.