This is my second year to speak on this retreat for over 200 senior girls. Martin Nguyen, campus minister, does a good job of coordinating and orchestrating a well-structured experience for these students.

The retreat is at Forest Glen Christian camp…a great place with a very helpful staff but I always get a little nervous as I drive the back roads north of Houston late at night. The stuff horror movies are made of. There is always a sense of joy when I see the lights and warm inviting environment of the camp itself!

The retreat focused on one of the four Dominican pillars: Preaching. The theme for looking at preaching was: Remembering, Reflecting and Representing. I was impressed with the student ministers, the spirit of community and the openness of these girls.

Another thing which really struck me was how ARTICULATE these young women were. There were many expressions of spirituality and religious denominations. I was moved by how sincere and how aware these girls were of the movement of God in, and around, them.

I always get a little misty when I remember that these girls are someone’s daughters, like my Megan. I also get more misty when I realize she will be in their shoes soon.

It is a great chance for me to reconnect with a campus ministry colleague, Becky R., who works on the staff there. She has a lot of wonderful experience, and it was clear to see, she is loved by her students there. I was also juiced to hear she’s written a book!

The topic made me reflect on how I am doing with “my” preaching—my remembering, reflecting and representing. What WOULD Jesus say after one of my talks? What would he say about my treatment of family and friends? The way I spend my free time? Humbling stuff.