Six Confirmands and One Blubbering Teacher

I have been lucky enough to have taught confirmation at my church, Light of the World Lutheran, for the past three years. The past two years, I have gotten up in front of the congregation to talk about the kids being confirmed. It is one of the perks of having a small church. You really get to know the kids you are teaching. Last year we had three kids and this year we had six. I was a mess. These six kids I have known since they were in elementary school and I have watched them grow up. In many ways, I feel like a surrogate mother to them. None of them need another mother, but I hold all of them very close to my heart.

Here are my words for them on Oct. 25, 2015

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I have a nasty habit of taking possession of people. It started with my younger cousin Meghan. I was her regular babysitter growing up and eventually I claimed her as my own…My Meghan.

As time went on, I had more people to claim…

My family – Bri and the girls- they are my patient people. They see me in good times and bad.
My friends – They pick me up when I am down and let me vent when needed
My church – where I learned about the grace of God and community. My community.

These are MY confirmation people. This is a group I never thought I would consider “my people.” I gravitate towards younger children. Babies. Toddlers. First and second graders…(please pay no attention to the fact I skipped over an entire developmental age…) and for the past three years…middle schoolers.

I have always been a teacher. If you were to ask my younger sister (by 14 months) she would tell you…I just don’t know how to not be a teacher. There is always someone I can boss around. My idea of middle school kids was loud, confused, lots of attitude and, well, awkward. It turns out, I was only remembering myself as a middle schooler. These teenagers, have shown and taught me something different. These people have shown me humor, compassion, curiosity, courage and a kind of love for God that I certainly didn’t have at their age.

Let me tell you a little of what I know about each of them. I want you to know that just because I highlight a characteristic about one of them it doesn’t mean that the others don’t possess it. But, we all shine in our own special ways and these six shine very bright.


Anika – Anika’s family has been at Light of the World since the beginning…And we are Anika’s people. As her mom Shelli and I got to be good friends through the summer musical, and the friendships of our children and husbands, I was also able to form a unique friendship with Anika. Anika, you are one of the bravest 14 year olds I know. You are honest, loyal, faithful, and sarcastic (which I personally…LOVE). You stay true to your moral compass for better or for worse. I admire the courage it takes to do that. To walk that path that is not always easy. In fact, I think the road is rather bumpy, but you do it with grace and beauty. God is going to do remarkable things through you.

Sven – Got to know Sven as a 4th grader. He recommended a book to me when I was on bed rest with my third daughter, Evie, and we have bonded over books ever since. I tend to surround myself with men that are quiet thinkers and Sven is one of them. Sven, you have the ability to simply take things as they are…and although you may know there is a deeper meaning behind it, you can accept it and move on. You are inquisitive, gentle, tall, HUNGRY, helpful, bright, and funny. You bring a unique perspective when asking questions about faith. Those questions are important Sven. Keep asking them…but make sure you are inviting others into the conversation with you. You are an exceptional kid.

Ali – Ali is my kindred middle child. As middle children, we are most well rounded. Just ask us. Ali, the lessons and stories in the bible seemed to come so easy for you. As we read or did an activity, you would very quickly pick up on the theme or deeper meaning we were trying to portray. Honestly, I think you taught me more than I taught you these past 3 years. You are shy, caring, fun, talented, creative and easy-going. You listen and have compassion for those around you. As you try and make sense of the world, you have the ability to look at it through a faith shaped lens. Keep using that lens. Keep your faith close and keep listening.

Julia – Like the others, I have known Julia for a while. However, I really started noticing her when the babies at church were being passed to her instead of me. Julia, you have a nurturing soul. A gift to take care of those around you. This world needs that. You have the ability to look at all sides of an issue and seek understanding. You and I score high in the area of empathy. You love your cell phone and hope to visit France one day, but you also love to laugh, be with your family, and hug those in need of one. You lead with your big heart Julia, and that is God’s gift to you. Continue to embrace those things that make you unique.

Max – I have been lucky enough to have known Max since he was 6 years old. Max, you have an amazingly beautiful heart. Although quiet during lessons, you never shied away from showing compassion for those around you. You are sensitive, quiet, caring, loving, artistic, and welcoming. You often asked questions for understanding and I’m sorry if we were unable to answer all of them, but that tends to be what faith is…not always getting the answers. And Max, you walk and talk your faith. It is an amazing sight to see.

Kailey – this girl. If you need to talk, she’s your girl. But, Kailey, as much as you love to talk, you are also an extraordinary listener. You aren’t afraid to put your thoughts and questions out there and when you do that, when you take the risk of putting your questions out there, someone else is more comfortable because you feel how they feel. You look for understanding no matter how frustrated you may get. I am also amazed at the idea’s that pop out of your brain. You are fun-loving, social, tired, light hearted, joyful, and easy going. You are the life of the party and I see God’s love shining brightly through you.



My people. My confirmation people. My community. That is what you are to me. Believing in God is not easy. But I want you to know that He is with you, always. He never leaves your side. Be aware of His presence when life is going great, because it is difficult to notice Him when life gets tough. Try not to always look for answers or reasons, but instead, look for His hand to grab onto. He is there for you…and if you are having trouble finding his hand, look to us. These people here today. We will always be there to hold you and help you on your journey.