Give It Up

I was given the opportunity to speak at our church's youth group last night. We are currently in a series where it has given our youth pastor a break, and has allowed some leaders to share from their heart. I volunteered not knowing what to speak about and found myself getting anxious about it. As I was getting nervous and fearful of what to do, I turned to one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It is 1 Peter 5:6-7. It says:

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will left you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

HELLO! I needed to hear that again, I prayed about it, and then BOOM, that was EXACTLY what I wanted to talk about. I just talked with the students about where I have been in life, and touched on some of the things they may be struggling with, but ultimately.... we need to give all our cares, fears, and worries to our God that CARES about is. Isn't that cool to think about, that we have a God that cares about our fears? Whether it is insecurities, family issues, or work... God cares.

It is hard to give things up, and our family has been through quite a lot lately and I have wanted to take control of things, but you know what... I can't. I could get bitter, hurt, and mad but why do that when I could just talk to my man Jesus. God can take that off my shoulders! Isn't that cool. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to yet still take care of me and what I carry on a daily basis. Incredible.

I just had to share that. I have read that verse over and over before, but it really hit me today... I need to give it up!

Turn Hurt into Hope

I work with youth on a regular basis. Many of them face more like than I could ever imagine in my (almost) 27 years of living. Many of the students have experiences of abuse, eating disorders, suicide, and coming from broken homes. When working with youth, all I can do is pray for them that God will work in their hearts because I feel so inadequate to be working with them, but here is the thing... I believe in them, I encourage them, and I am hopeful for them. That is why I volunteer.

The reason why I just shared that is because I read quote on facebook the other day. This person said, "I hurt for this generation." My heart does feel and empathize with pain for what some youth go through at a young age, but I don't hurt for them or find them upsetting. When that is said it makes me feel like we are giving up or considering this generation a disappointment.

From working with youth for a long time, and at one time being a youth, it isn't hearing statements like this that are encouraging. It is like we are saying to them you are what you are, and we have no expectations for you because you are a disappointment. Why would a student strive to be more when we already have the expectation that they are going to fail?

Our actions and words need to be expectant. We need to be intentional and show we care and have optimistic attitudes with these students. I many cases there is no constant love in their lives, but we can be, I think it is time that we change our thinking from a "hurting" generation to a "hopeful" generation. Let's start giving students high expectations, encouragement to succeed, and invest in the future ahead. Besides, they are the ones that will be making our decisions later in life and taking care of us. So, why give up? It would be like giving up on yourself!

(The quote I am referencing was written by a friend of mine who shares a passion for young people. By no means do I think she does not think these same things, but I guess this was just a little rant of mine. My thoughts after I really started thinking about today's generation.)