Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Night To Shine 2018

Back in Febrary, we went to an event that is always one of the best nights of our entire year.

Back in February, we went to Night to Shine. Or, Joshua did.

If you're not familiar with Night to Shine, it's an event put on by the Tim Tebow Foundation. It's like a PROM for teens and adults who have various special needs and challenges.

On this one night, all over the United States...and in several foreign countries...these precious individuals are honored at a prom that is just for them.

In a world where only those deemed to be "perfect" are celebrated, this night is always a breath of fresh air. It is the most inspiring, emotional, and motivational night for everyone involved.

Beautiful, loving people...being acknowledged and celebrated for who they are.

Everything is FREE for the participants. They can have their hair and make-up done. If they don't have a dress or dressy clothes, those will be provided for them. They walk a red carpet, and everyone cheers and takes their picture!

There's food...dancing...limo rides. ALL FREE.

Every participant is crowned King or Queen...because, like Tim Tebow says, "that's how Jesus sees them."

Perfect, beautiful...worthy.

Joshua met up with Jenni-the-girlfriend when we got there. This night would not be possible without a ton of volunteers, and churches who step up and host these events. Joshua and Jenni each got a "buddy." The buddies make sure that the participants have someone to dance with and eat with and sit with...there are no wall-flowers at Night-to-Shine!

With Joshua in capable hands, Jim and I went out for a DATE. We had dinner, and then shopped at Bass Pro...which, I realize that, for most people, Bass Pro does not sound like date night. I hear ya. But Jim likes to go there, and I like Jim, soooo...

Plus, it was FAH-REEZING COLD OUTSIDE, and it was warm inside Bass Pro.

Amen, and amen.

When we got there to pick up Joshua, they had just had the crowning ceremony. All the guys had a crown, and all the girls had what Joshua called, "more girlier" crowns. Joshua and Jenni were dancing to a slow song, and it was pretty much the sweetest thing ever.

Joshua and Jenni don't always get along and act sweet. There's almost always some drama. After 10 or 13 years together (depends on which one of them you ask, and if they are getting along at the time), we've seen it all.

Or, not ALL...but a LOT.

They are one of the main causes for my gray hair, I'm just sure of it.

But on this night? They were precious. :)

I have always loved Tim Tebow. I never understood the negative press he got for standing up for his convictions...or the ways he expressed his faith. I love how he has remained steadfast and consistent, in spite of the criticism...continuing to do what God is calling him to do.

If Tim Tebow never does another thing the world deems as "noteworthy," his legacy can be these Night To Shine events. Seriously. He's made my kid, and his friends, feel valued and worthy and celebrated...and that.is.enough.

If you ever have the chance to volunteer at this wonderful event, DO IT. It not only blesses the participants, it blesses their families.

And it will bless YOU.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

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