Friends

My name is Steven "Gonzo" Gonzales, I attended Flight 32, and I sat at the table of The Legion of the Lord.

This past weekend I was able to experience what Chrysalis was like. I met new people, made new friends and strengthened my relationship with my God. I don't have too much to say, but I'd like to thank all the people who've never given up on me. I have no greater friend than the ones who can see past my faults and less attractive qualities and accept the fact that I am flawed. But I AM learning and fixing the things that I can.

I found this in my worship booklet, and it made me cry, and it elevated my heart.

"You have an amazing face. When you smile, I
know how much God must love you. You delight
me-I cannot imagine how much more you must
delight God. I hope you know how much you are
loved.

When you look me in the eye, I know you are
searching for God. I believe you want to know for
yourself, in your own heart and mind, that God is
and that you matter to God.

When you laugh and cut up, I know the world
isn't so bad after all. I know the power of Christ's
resurrection and that nothing will be able to
defeat your spirit of life.

When you cry, I have learned how deeply you
feel pain. Not only do you feel your own rejection,
hunger, failure and loneliness, but you feel the
pain of others' hunger, oppresion, and despair.

When i see you work, I believe God is at work.
Sometimes you reach out to others whom adults
wouldn't even mess with. You are often brave and
selfless.

When you fail or get angry or act selfish, I see
your impatience with yourself and others. You
want the good life now-and I wish it for you.
Sometimes we differ about what the good life
is-sometimes you're right, I'm wrong. Other days
i luck out and have it figured out-and well,
you're wrong. But, dear friend, you do seem to
bounce back and grow.

I always have a tendency to adore you, to
believe the best about you. I think I'm only
following God's lead on that belief. But I do want
you to grow, and that usually requires change and
failure and trouble. On those days I'll risk your
anger to question you, push you, or call you to
Christ. I like you as much off the pedestal as on.

More than anything I want you to know how
deeply God loves you, expects you to love and
serve others, and gives you incredible gifts and
insights to make a difference in our world."

I know I can be stubborn, obnoxious, depressing, loud and annoying. And I greatly appreciate the people who can put up with me. Life is a long hard road, and it's harder for some than others, so friends make things easier. God said that two is better than one, so when one falls, they have someone to lean on, and three and four and five are even better than two.

Thank you for allowing me to lean on your faith when mine withers.