AYLF - A COMMUNITY OF COMPASSION

Most people do not know this but, the very first time I heard of AYLF, I had a lot of doubts about it. You know, when it's your first day in Campus with a mom like mine, she did not have to warn me, because I had an idea of what happens here and so I had promised myself to be extremely cautious with what I got myself into.

Anyway, of course, later on, I did finally say yes. What attracted me first was the traveling part because I am a sucker for a good trip with great people. But more than that, what attracted me more was the aspect of Jesus. At that time, I was struggling with what I believed in but in as much as I was a leader and the fact that AYLF was offering a platform for me to grow, I felt, this was the place for me to regain that relationship, that hope that God was still there for me.

It was not easy because I still made mistakes and many more mistakes but the difference is I had friends who I knew I could count on. Apart from my small group back at Pan Africa Christian University, I enjoy being in the Tuesday small group. Every Tuesday I get to see and meet these amazing people who display nothing but Love. Sometimes I tend to look around when people are busy focusing on the one talking and I smile because as much as they may not see it, these are people who actually care about each other.

We have been told so many times before of how Jesus is Love. In fact, He is the basic definition of Love. And AYLF centers everything around this stand. A friend of mine says, working in the best interest of the other person. And what are relationships, friendships without Love? Without working in the best interest of others?

At a certain point, I remember I was going through some snippet of depression. I was pulling out of all my circles, pretending that I was okay when I actually was not. I started focusing my energy on solving people’s problems when in reality I had a lot of my own that needed to be dealt with. I started getting too busy with everything yet all I was actually doing was running away from my then bitter reality. I was devastated and most of all I hated who I had become and did not think that anyone would want to be associated with me.

Fortunately, or unfortunately for me, I had met this amazing lady at AYLF. So far, she has been like a mother to me, and I say this with utmost sincerity and admiration. She walked with me, reminded me of the greatness and beauty I had within me. Not only her, others too played a great role in my redemption process and I am so privileged to have them in my life.

It made me realize that I had a community of friends who loved me and who were looking out for me. I learned to forgive myself and live in the realization that love truly does cover a multitude of sins, and AYLF was there to remind me of the same. What more could I ask for?

This means that now I too can share the same love and compassion with those around me. That I listen more and give more. Love is definitely also more about calling out our friends when they do something wrong. It proves hard to do sometimes, but if everything we are supposed to do was easy then I think we would all be endeavoring to the values we hold most dear. I have also learned that well, we are not perfect, but with a little love, that is all we need to soldier on. The thing about love is that you do not have to necessarily walk up to someone and tell them you love them; your actions are what will actually scream loudest. That when people see you, they will associate you with someone who is full of Love. Just like Jesus.

By Sharon Chebaibai. 

Communication and Media Student at PAC University.