Post by artzygrrl on Feb 24, 2011 22:53:03 GMT -8
I can't say I know ANYONE who would answer that question "No," at least not Christian.
I think the biggest issue goes back to the home. I mean, teachers and churches and youth groups and outreach programs can help troubled teens, it's true, but what about the families? I mean, most kids learn their way of life, and a great many other things, through what is taught (or not taught) to them in the home. I think teens should have someone they can go to, but I don't think it should be about them and the "clean-up" work, so to speak, alone. I agree that there needs to be some damage control as far as kids from at-risk situations, but we should try and reach the families with the truth. Show them what their life really impacts and how they can be better.
I know a lot of families who have had teens questioning everything from sexuality to illegal activities to alcohol, not necessarily because they wanted any of those things to change, but because they wanted to test boundaries. I think it's good to know the boundaries are there, but in a family where they aren't, it's nice that there ARE people who are caring enough to stop and ask "how are you doing" and wait around to hear what the answer is.
I hear you on the other issues. It's like I said. Just because they're gay, or might be gay, or even just questioning, does not mean someone is not a human. And guess what? Humans are insecure about everything, from their body shape (ohhh my, don't get me started) and size to their learning abilities to their social skills, especially in the teen years. On top of being unsure - or surely questioning, lol - they might also be having problems with a best friend they are drifting away from. Or a teacher who seems to be acting unfairly and playing favorites. Or a mom or dad who is drowning in alcohol or drugs or something equally slippery and frightening.
Anyway, I will be thrilled to read about modern-day missionaries. I know quite a few m'self and it's exciting to partner with them, even if it's only to pray for them and not to visit (don't have the money to visit them all, though I would dearly love to!).
Keep doin' your thaaang, grrl. 
I think the biggest issue goes back to the home. I mean, teachers and churches and youth groups and outreach programs can help troubled teens, it's true, but what about the families? I mean, most kids learn their way of life, and a great many other things, through what is taught (or not taught) to them in the home. I think teens should have someone they can go to, but I don't think it should be about them and the "clean-up" work, so to speak, alone. I agree that there needs to be some damage control as far as kids from at-risk situations, but we should try and reach the families with the truth. Show them what their life really impacts and how they can be better.
I know a lot of families who have had teens questioning everything from sexuality to illegal activities to alcohol, not necessarily because they wanted any of those things to change, but because they wanted to test boundaries. I think it's good to know the boundaries are there, but in a family where they aren't, it's nice that there ARE people who are caring enough to stop and ask "how are you doing" and wait around to hear what the answer is.
I hear you on the other issues. It's like I said. Just because they're gay, or might be gay, or even just questioning, does not mean someone is not a human. And guess what? Humans are insecure about everything, from their body shape (ohhh my, don't get me started) and size to their learning abilities to their social skills, especially in the teen years. On top of being unsure - or surely questioning, lol - they might also be having problems with a best friend they are drifting away from. Or a teacher who seems to be acting unfairly and playing favorites. Or a mom or dad who is drowning in alcohol or drugs or something equally slippery and frightening.
Anyway, I will be thrilled to read about modern-day missionaries. I know quite a few m'self and it's exciting to partner with them, even if it's only to pray for them and not to visit (don't have the money to visit them all, though I would dearly love to!).
Keep doin' your thaaang, grrl. 
