After a slow start in the ’debate’ on Friday night I thought things were looking a little bleak – it definitely hadn’t gone the way I’d thought or hoped it would. As the leader of the main portion of the session I felt that responsibility rather heavily upon my shoulders and I have to confess I was worried about how the rest of the weekend would pan out.
But I think we’re getting there, I’m getting there; many things are filling me with great hope. Hope about the debate strand – we’ve had two good sessions since and I’m blogging from the last strand which has a decent buzz going already. I’m feeling more positive about how things went in my part of the debate process as I’ve had many conversations with young people here about the issues I’d tried to raise. In spite of me rather than because of any skill on my part, they’ve got the point. The honesty and frankness I’ve witnessed between relative strangers has been as breath-taking to behold as its bravery in daring to bridge the gaps between people and experience.
Mark Yaconelli’s been speaking about the Good News being truly good and joyful to hear, and I have to agree, which I’m certain isn’t a minority opinion - so many people have been touched by his powerful stories and his passion. I’ve not always been able to say that the News has been Good for me, but right now it really is and I hope and pray that it continues to be.
Like the new look NYA I’m definitely a work in progress, but I’m getting there…and on the up!
Alan Ramsay
