- Young folks are often asking the underlying question “who am I?” “where is my worth?” “Am I known?” Perhaps our faith communities are failing our young people when we teach them that what they do defines who they are. What happens when they don’t do it anymore? Or they have other interests? It’s easier to teach someone what & how to do something. It’s difficult to teach them to think & listen to their own heart and set them up to navigate (rather than avoid) the light & dark times, and what questions to ask in the midst. As leaders, if we’re not introspective, processing our own motives, decisions, and desires we’ll never be able to offer this service to another.
- How can I encourage you to do something beneficial for yourself, if I can’t use myself as an example of what works for me?
- Sometimes I’ve been told that I disclose too much to people. That’s fair. But if my beautiful & ugly parts that I’ve sorted through and come to peace with help another do the same… I’ll take that chance. Let alone, help someone know they aren’t alone, then it’s a disservice to withhold the story.
- I used to be impressed by pastors who were really cool, articulate or gifted in ways I admired. Then you start to realize they’re normal people too, who think they’re entitled to share their opinion like me. And the romance dies. Since we’re just all scattered sheep in a pen, trying to discern the narrow path out we should just work together.
- I think learning to make decisions for yourself is one of the biggest areas of growth for those in their 20′s. Older people made it look easy, at least when they don’t tell us about the rocky times. There need to be more voices of truth that empower young people to stop trying so hard and relax. Your big dreams start with little steps of faithfulness today… so cut yourself a break. A lot of parents aren’t that helpful in this category.
Rhett
