Be an Example of Hope, Week One
Youth are Still Our Children
Youth and children are navigating a time and place that is precarious in so many ways. Of course, to be fair, all adults’ time in adolescence was laden with rough edges and insecurity, but each generation’s dangers are unique. In my 15 years plus of ministry, what strikes me most about today’s youth and children are the striking messages they are inundated with through social media, television, movies, and even their rare exposure to print media. They are told what to look like, what not to look like, what to think, what to say, who to love, who
not to love…and the signals are often
contradictory and confusing. As we wade through all of these expectations
with our young people, there is good news! We are a voice in their midst,
as well. And boy oh boy, do I and other ministers I know have a lot to
say on the matter! Through our studies of the imperfect people that God
confidently chose to pass along God’s covenant to the people, through
conversations about how God sees each of us in contrast to how the world sees
us, and through activities that bring joy and inclusion for each person,
regardless of how they are wired, we can show young people that they are valued
and adored in overwhelming and beautiful ways!
Youth and children are navigating a time and place that is precarious in so many ways. Of course, to be fair, all adults’ time in adolescence was laden with rough edges and insecurity, but each generation’s dangers are unique. In my 15 years plus of ministry, what strikes me most about today’s youth and children are the striking messages they are inundated with through social media, television, movies, and even their rare exposure to print media. They are told what to look like, what not to look like, what to think, what to say, who to love, who
What message will young
people hear from you and your church? What tools of faith will they be
given so that they can continue to maneuver life and its challenges? What
ancestors in faith might we teach them about so that they know that we all have
a place in God’s world?
Prayer: God of love and life, walk with us and the
young people with whom we serve as we continue to discover how fearfully and
wonderful we are made. May we all be empowered to share your love and
hope with the world, so that your peace and justice may reign. Amen.
John 6:9-11
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
(Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.)
Resources and Links
Visit https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/teens/reform/ to find resources for youth that encourage conversation on tough issues of faith, introduce ancestors of the faith, and uncover the “whys” of our church traditions.
Shannon Cook is the Minister of Faith Development at First Christian Church in Norman, OK.
*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table.
John 6:9-11
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
(Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.)
Resources and Links
Visit https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/teens/reform/ to find resources for youth that encourage conversation on tough issues of faith, introduce ancestors of the faith, and uncover the “whys” of our church traditions.
Shannon Cook is the Minister of Faith Development at First Christian Church in Norman, OK.
*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table.
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