There’s something sacred about the first time you walk into a new space with a message to share. You never quite know what to expect—but sometimes, the unexpected becomes the most beautiful part of the story. We were thrilled to launch our very first Respect Me session with the incredible youth at New Life Vineyard, diving straight into a topic that resonates deeply with all of us: Self-Esteem.
As the youth began to arrive, there was a quiet buzz in the room. We kicked things off with a simple activity—asking each person to write down one thing they love about themselves on a flip chart. What followed was nothing short of profound. Instead of surface-level answers, we saw words like:
- “My sensitivity”
- “My confidence”
- “That I make people happy”
These weren’t just responses—they were reflections of identity, glimpses into how these young people see themselves beyond the external. And from that moment on, the session became a dynamic conversation. They leaned in, asked thoughtful questions, and genuinely wrestled with the concepts we shared.
After the session, one of the youth leaders approached Taryn, visibly moved. She shared how “different” the session felt—how our team had connected with the youth from the very beginning, and how refreshing that was to witness. Then, almost sheepishly, she apologized for how many questions the youth had asked. Taryn smiled and said, “That’s a good thing. It shows they’re digesting what’s being shared.” The leader paused, clearly impacted. “I’ve never viewed it like that before,” she said.
That moment reminded us why we do this. Curiosity is a sign of growth. When young people feel safe enough to ask questions, to challenge ideas, and to explore truth—that’s where transformation begins.
We’re so excited for what’s ahead in this journey with New Life Vineyard Youth. If this first session is anything to go by, we’re in for something truly meaningful.
Written by Taryn Noah, edited by Naomi Engelbrecht
