I tried to convince myself that I should not write an article about the murder of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old African American who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida, on February 26. The reasons I came up with for not writing an article were few, and they weren’t very good. I wondered if some might claim that the subject had become too heated, as debate swirls about the racial/racist dynamics that many think are involved in the situation. Why risk angering people by broaching such a hot topic?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 25:46) This painful question and cry of agony forcefully came forth from Jesus’ lips before His death on the cross. With Good Friday and Easter celebrations approaching, this hauntingly familiar verse crossed my mind, leaving me to wonder, what, if any, connection it might have with the lives of faith of young adults. Does this time of doubt and pain in Jesus’ life open a window for us to peer into His humanity and discover, after all, that He’s not so different from us?

Recently, while staying at Cragmont, I had the good fortune of crossing paths with some good Free Will Baptist folks, most of whom were young adults. My wife and I were enjoying the comforts of the “New Lodge” while she worked at a few conferences in nearby Montreat. Also staying in the lodge was a wonderful group of young adults from a Free Will Baptist church in Wilson County.

On the morning of January 2, 2012, small ripples made their way through U.S. news headlines, announcing that Iran had successfully tested missiles that could defend the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which over 20% of the world’s oil production flows. For many, this is one more instance of Iranian saber rattling, or showing off one’s military abilities in order to make a statement to one’s critics.

When I was eighteen years old, I discerned the movement of God’s spirit in my life, calling me into the ministry. As I would later tell others, I was shocked at what I felt I sensed God saying to me—so much so that I told God that it was not a good idea and that God should take a day or two and think about this. Sure enough, to my astonishment and frustration, the following evening arrived and I felt God speaking into my spirit the same word as the previous night.

One year ago, I wrote an article about Jesus’ mother, Mary, and anxiety. I was anxious about a number of issues as we moved toward the Christmas season, including trivial things, such as the success of the Tar Heels’ men’s basketball team, and more serious matters, such as recent developments concerning ordination standards in our denomination. In my reflection, I turned to the example of Mary as one who had plenty of reasons to be anxious, yet she maintained a sense of courage and confidence in the midst of the dramatic changes occurring in her life.

When asked if I would consider writing a monthly column concerning young adults and Christian faith, I excitedly agreed. I immediately thought of topics to explore and themes to address relative to the issues, opportunities, and problems facing the “Free Will Baptist Young Adult.” It was not long before my enthusiasm was deflated a bit, as I realized that I was not entirely sure just who this “FWB Young Adult” is.