July 25, 2024

Johnny Young
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

When I first got to Texas State in 2018 I was living half for God and half for the world meaning I really belonged to the world. I felt like I knew all there was to a Christian community as I went on mission trips, attended youth groups, sometimes read the Bible and felt encouraged. When I got to Texas State I lost the two things in my life that became idols, my relationship and running track. I was then purposed with opportunities to go indulge in the worldly side of Texas State or attend Crosstalk. When I attended Crosstalk for the first time I felt God shatter my heart during worship as I felt a clear feeling that God had never been distant but was so near, knew all I was going through, and He was calling me into a true relationship with Him. It is in the following months that the verse Colossians 3:16 which says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” became true in my life.

It seemed everyday I was meeting with someone in Crosstalk who wanted to share their testimony, dive into deep theological talk, worship in the car, or just live life in a Christ-centered way with me! This time is when I truly experienced a relationship with Jesus by stepping fully into teaching scripture, worshiping hymns with others, and feeling the genuine David-like worship in the mundane moments of life!