Found here.
This picture is how I feel most of us see teenagers these days. We talk about how we feel that they act like they are entitled, don't know how to interact face to face, are all about immediate gratification, and are lazy. While I've made my fair share of comments saying the exact same things about youth I think it is time to start seeing what amazing things they do, and are capable of.
I'm lucky enough to be the leader to about 40 youth in the Lacey, Washington area. I've been in a leadership position with the youth for almost two years. I've been in many different situations with them and I've gotten to know them very well. I've also been a counselor at a youth camp and I worked with 40 youth from all over the country.
While being their leader I've seen them on their phones, I've seen them work through ridiculous drama, I've seen them being immature and make stupid decisions.
But none of that is as important as what else I've seen.
I've seen them lift up those around them. I've seen them reach out to the one who seem to be alone. I've seen them jump to the opportunity to serve others. I've seen them shine!
I've seen them teach of Christ, I've seen them bear testimony of their love for Him. I've seen them stand up and take charge over a group of peers. I've seen them speak of their desire to be better! I've seen them study so hard, and do their best to get a good education. I've seen them work so hard to grow and learn.
I hear too often about how self-centered and uncaring that they are. But I've personally had them reach out to me when they know I'm going through a rough patch. I've had them come up to me to give me a hug or just say hey "I love you".
Now in no way am I saying that this generation is perfect, but what I am saying is we need to give them a break. When we only focus on their negative qualities we in turn miss their many positive qualities. And when all they hear is the negative qualities they start to believe they can't change.
We want our country to be in good hands and we want our future to be in good hands? Then lets start treating this generation in a way that will help them see their potential and will help them rise to it.
EFY July 2013
EFY July 2013
EFY July 2013
Virtue Run with 1000+ Girls August 2013
I love this! It is so true that our generation gets a bad rap. I think about it all the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not the only one who sees it and thinks about it. I understand we/the youth aren't perfect. But it is about time we start seeing what they are doing! Thank you Shannon!
DeleteSo true. Great perspective!
ReplyDeleteThank you Hava!
DeleteIt is so cool that you get to be a leader and spend time with that generation. I have been guilty of saying things about them, too. But I've never taken the time to get to know any of them or spend time with them. Thanks for showing me that it's not fair to make assumptions.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you joined us for Hump Day Happenings!
Don't worry Jenna I make those assumptions all the time and I'm with them all the time. But then I get a realty check when I see them do amazing things! Thank you for stopping by :)
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