Personal Narrative-Analysis

Late on my first day, I ran up the steps and swung the gymnasium door wide open. The breeze from inside let out a familiar stench of ham sandwich. Last year, I was in this gym preparing to receive my confirmation. I was moved by the experience, so I said yes when I was asked to return as a teen leader. I did not know much about leadership, only that I wanted to give to others what I had received. I was led to a table of ten terribly troubled teens. At first glance I noticed that they came from different schools, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. The teen leader from their first year did not return, so like a foster mom, my job was to lift them up and carry them to the finish line. I took a seat and they all hung their heads as
I sent out group text messages with bible verses and class reminders that no one ever replied to. Sometimes I felt like giving up on trying to reach them. But I kept thinking about how my life would be different if I had never received my confirmation, and how I could change the lives of those of on my team. I was given the gifts of the Holy Spirit; love, peace, and truth. The Confirmation process is one that not everyone appreciates or understands. So it was my responsibility to leave my fear of judgment behind me and work towards opening the minds and hearts of these individuals. My plan took action on our confirmation retreat. Mornings full of games turned into nights that pried into personal secrets and serious business. The adult leaders of our group would step out when the day changed and never came back inside, requiring me to take charge of the progress that needed to be made. Through the work, I realized that in order to be open to change, my group needed to be comfortable. So I stopped worrying about whether or not I was doing a good job and I started listening and sharing my truth. It worked immediately.
By the time we reached the end of our journey, it was evident that my group members possessed the warmth of the Holy Spirit. It radiated through all of them on Confirmation day. I never knew that the best way to be a positive influence is to be honest. I never believed I could give back in a way that would change ten terribly troubled minds and hearts