MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU

The youth of today, I am finding, much to my deep disappointment, wants nothing to do with God.

It is shocking to me that it is just now settling in that that is the state of our society.

Even at very young ages, when you are typically most trusting and prone to influence, I am finding, deep routed, a cynicism and a disinterest in learning about God.

Today, Ade wept because she has to take a religion class. She does not want to learn about God. She feels that she knows He created the earth and that is enough. She is seven.

I was actually surprised at my own sadness over her reaction. It truly made my heart hurt that she was so upset over taking a class in school that will teach her about the Bible. I know that I didn't care to learn about scripture and Christianity when I was a kid. But I was older, I was angry at God, and I felt I had valid reasons for not being interested. She simply doesn't want to learn. "It will be boring", she says.

As I have been pondering on all of this throughout the morning, I stumbled upon a couple of articles about Christianity and Homosexuality. Two subjects that don't typically go together. And when they are together, it usually isn't very positive. But as I read these articles, they really shined some light on a few things for me. And I want to share here, and ask for support and prayer, or whatever you can offer me in this journey I am about to embark upon.

Love...

I John 4:18

"Perfect love..."

When trying to recall this scripture to myself, I did not recall "perfect love" I thought "patient love". I do not believe that it was an accident that I did not recall the scripture accurately.

To love, patiently, without judgement, without expectation of return; that is perfect love.

As humans, we are terrible at loving in this way. Fortunately we have a wonderful example in the Lord as how to walk out this love. That is my journey.

It isn't for me to change these kids. It isn't for me to shove my beliefs (which so isn't my style, anyway) down their throats. It isn't for me to tell them they are wrong in what they believe or don't believe. It is my calling, it is my duty, it is my honor to love them the way that the Father loves them. And I can only hope and pray that that shows them the truth of the Lord and scripture.

I need help. I need help because I am imperfect, absolutely fallible and flawed, and sometimes not so patient. Do I want them to learn about and love God as I have learned about and have come to love Him?

Absolutely, YES! But everyone has their journey. Kids are starting so much younger now with the disbelief and cynicism, which is truly heartbreaking. But LOVE... Love can change all that. I truly and wholeheartedly believe that. I am asking that God help me to love as He loves. I am asking that He use me to show His love and to speak to these kids, their parents, and whoever else He wants too.

It isn't easy...

I need wisdom.

I need courage.

I need support.

I am asking you for all of that.

Through loving, I believe that God can do His work. And I pray that He helps me to love right, so that I don't screw thing's up for Him. I want that disinterest to become a yearning to know more about God. I want the disbelief to become an undeniable belief in His existence and sovereignty. There will be opportunities to speak and times to keep my mouth shut. I just need to know the difference, and I need the Lord to give me the words and to help me to love. Help me not to judge or be religious. Help me to encourage good things and to not tamper out the expression of feelings. Help me to LISTEN.

I don't know how to do all of these thing's. Fortunately God is my guide and my lamp and I am trusting that He will give me the tools that I need.