No, its not Steve and Vicki.

Its not Star 94.

But it is “Street Talk”!

Middle school and high school students who live in our community were asked, “What does God really mean to you?”

Unprompted and unedited, here's what they said. The responders didn't know that they would be in the newspaper, but I couldn't keep these for only a few eyes to see and hearts to ponder. I had to share them. Its probably another case of needing to ask for forgiveness because I didn't ask for permission. I've needed to do that before, and undoubtedly I'll need to do it again.

I'll tell you ahead of time how astounding, how marvelously insightful these young people in our community actually are. See if you don't agree.

“God means everything to me and more. He has changed my life beyond imagination. I would be so lost without Him. He has made my life awesome. I am so glad that I am a Christian.” — Katie O'Neill

God means to me more than anything and if we try to do things without Him it's hard. He has made my life wonderful and fun.” — Michelle White

“I can't even explain what God means to me! He is awesome! He helps me everyday! And I thank Him everyday for giving me my family and friends and most of all my life.” — Lindsay Hallberg

“God is the most essential part of my life. Without Him — I would go crazy. He helps, supports, and comforts me. He laughs and He cries with me.” — Jennifer Moon

“God means love to me and forgiveness.” — Brandy Wilkinson

“God means almighty one. The one who should be number one. He's the Trinity.” — Monica Sedberry

“God means peace even in hard times.” — Jessica Kollmeyer

“God means that I can be happy and safe and I don't need to be afraid.” — Taylor Barnes

“To me, God means forgiveness and everlasting love. Without God, I don't know what I would be. Certainly I wouldn't be happy, and there would be so many questions that I would have to try to answer.” — Tavia Sullens

“God means that I will always have a friend and never be alone no matter how bad it gets.” — Adam DiGiovanni

“God means unconditional love and forgiveness.” — Hillary Stewart

See what I mean!? Here are people who are grounded and centered in a life that understands what's most important, even if many other unanswered questions still remain. And I'm convinced that these fine young people represent thousands of other wonderful young people right in our own community.

What about your life? What about your spiritual insight? What about your analysis and response to the question, “What does God really mean to you?” With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, its a great time of the year for you to ponder this and to put your answer together.

After all, you never know when YOU might be on “Street Talk.”

Kollmeyer is senior pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fayetteville.

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