Hurting Teens

If there is one common denominator between a lot of the youth that I have contact with is pain. The students in my youth group are hurting. Their friends are hurting. Broken friendships, broken homes, uncaring parents, and the pain of sin are a heavy weight that many can't seem to shake. Is this just a guess on my part? No. I know this because within the past month or so I've had more students wanting to talk to me or Kelly than ever before. I've had more students than I can remember bursting into tears as they do talk with me. Even stranger, I've found myself more compelled than ever to hug and hug and hug. If you know me at all you realize that I'm not really a huggy person. Not my personality. Yet, it's as if the Lord is directing me to hug and love these students in a tangible way. I hug with caution as we do live in a litigious society, yet I think students are craving this. They want to know that someone cares. Now a hug can't solve all of a student's problems, but hopefully it can at least let them know that there is a safe place where they are cared for and loved. Not just in the arms of a youth worker, but in the arms of the Lord.

Extra Note: Just so it is clear, I use extreme caution when hugging any of our female students. I will not hug them unless there are others around and preferably, if possible, I let my wife be the one that hugs them. It's a balancing act that involves knowing each student's past as best as we can and trying to make the best decision on a moment's notice. Still, hurting teens need to know they're loved. Comments or thoughts on this subject appreciated.

A Crack in the Wall

This past Sunday we had some incredible services. I think a lot of people had the feeling that we are beginning to see the breakthrough that we desperately need. The walls that have been holding many down may be getting ready to crumble and fall. Much more prayer is needed, but I think we have been encouraged to keep pressing in.