Arcadia, Michigan
Camp Arcadia
100 feet from the waves of Lake Michigan.

Last night I was in a tiny room with 100 high school students.
It was hot and smelly and sweaty and wonderful.
We read scripture and prayed.
I shared a poem and my friend Matt delivered a message of hope.
But before that these students sang their hearts out. 

Every word was sung louder than the word before.
They willingly lost their voices as they shouted the truth.
I wondered if they knew that they didn’t need to shout for God to hear them.
I wondered if they knew God could hear even the quietest of thoughts in our heads.

They weren’t being disrespectful.
A little silly?
Sure.
Camp is a place where you’re supposed to be silly, but they meant what they were singing.

After singing a few fast songs, we slowed it down.
They had their arms wrapped around each other as they swayed, the way high school kids sway at camp. 

It’s awkward, but beautiful, just the way my faith was when I was their age.

I loved how I loved God at 17-years-old.

I was on fire and hopeful and certain this is how it would always be.
I remember the days when I would sway back and forth with my arms wrapped around the necks of my best friends. 
I remember when I was awkward and when I sang ever word louder than the word before.
I remember no longer wondering if God heard me when I prayed.
I remember feeling chosen and seen and loved.
I remember feeling light and free, like I was home.
I remember never wanting the moment to end.
Faith is more than a feeling, but I’d still tell myself to never let this feeling go.
The feeling of wholeness and security. 
The feeling of being certain of God’s faithfulness and goodness.
The feeling of being close to God.

I hope this was a moment they’ll forever remember.
A moment they’ll treasure and hold close and think of when the darkness comes close and the doubts grow loud.
I hope. 

My body covered itself in goosebumps as the room filled with praise.
This happens to me when I am deeply moved by something beautiful and this was certainly something beautiful.
What a joy it is to see high schoolers stand tall in their faith as they proclaim that they belong to Hope and that God is who He says He is: Good and Holy and Loving.

I stopped singing and listened to them belt out the chorus:

“I will sing to
and worship
the King Who
is worthy.
I will love and,
adore Him.
I will bow down
before Him.
You're my Prince of Peace
And I will live my life for You”

It was a holy night.
Off key and out of tune, but holy.
A night I hope they remember forever.
There was no way God did not hear them.

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.