Learning from Teens

Last night the teens in our church received some very difficult news. You might think Facebook and Twitter would be full of whining, complaining and gossip from those who are hurting.

Quite the contrary. The words I’m reading today give me confidence, once again, in the amazing students in our church.

Some examples:

• “You are not the mistakes you’ve made.” (Olivia Usenick)
• “Through prayer, time, and tears, we will continue to trust our Lord God.” (Ashley Tucker)
• “It’s mighty comforting that our response is love. That’s what a church body should do…We love like Christ loves us. I feel honored to be a part of a family who supports each other.” (Sam Petersen)
• “Romans 6:11 – ‘in the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus’.” (Jacob Powell)
• “…Forgiveness is the first step toward acceptance….” (Austin Arredondo)
• “Stay strong, family. We know the end of the story. Jesus wins.” (Eden Wittendorf)
• “Stand together.” (Theodore Thatcher)
• “We are all here for each other and to continue this awesome ministry!” (Cory Wonderly)
• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) #tenfingerprayer” (Brittany Jacquay)
• “I’m so thankful for such an awesome GSM family. We are all here for each other, and we will always be.” (Ashleigh Nicole Mattei)
• “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).” (Linsey Allie)
• “Matthew 5:4 – ‘God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Get into the Bible people, it’s very clear and will help.” (Ben Bartkowiak)
• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything – James 1:2-4″ (Megan Stevens)