I’ve been asking a question on my ministry site for teens:
What can one teen do?
It’s a powerful question, and I’m in awe of the teens who have answered that question. One teen started a community clothes closet for teens in foster care. Another raised funds to dig a well in Africa. One made carts for the homeless. Another, the most recent shared on my site, sponsored a child in El Savador. Erica is 17 and works part-time. She decided that $32 of her paycheck was well-spent on educating and feeding a child instead of going to the movies, or buying a few grande moche lattes. She also saved to travel to El Salvador with Compassion International and met the little girl, Yessennia. She discovered that there was a drastic difference between the hopes and dreams and every day living situation of a sponsored child vs. a non-sponsored child.
I believe our country is ripe for a culture shift, and perhaps teens like these will lead the way. I can point to meaningless and sexual cultural trends that degrade our youth and women, or the plethora of entertainment that sensationalizes the most base aspects of human nature. It is discouraging and the effects are great upon our youth, especially our younger girls. Unfortunately, it is not the teens who are sitting in board rooms “pushing the envelope” or painting dollar signs on the backs of our youths. Our students aren’t responsible for a culture in which they were born.
In spite of that, a large number of teens are throwing off that image and saying, “I’m going to do hard things that will change the world. Don’t label me. Don’t limit me. I may not be able to do all things, but I can do one thing.”
What I love about the teens that I am interviewing (one teen each month) is that they’re not trying to change the world by tackling every problem. They are focusing on that one thing, and doing it well. They are devoting time, money, passion, and are using a word that was once passe’ but becoming vogue again: sacrifice.
Which leads me to a question:
What can one Boomer do?
Suzie
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This boomer, her boomer dude, her 3 teens and one young adult son are taking in 3 little girls ages 5, 7, and 9 this summer. Their mom’s in prison and their grandma, who cares for them full-time, is pooped. Our cottage home will be bursting at the seams. We will all need to sacrifice.
I couldn’t be more proud of my kids. They are all up for the challenge and 2 have even volunteered to give up their bedroom.
We know it’s going to be hard, and we will be holding many family meetings throughout the next 3 months to discuss issues as they arise. But we believe that God has called us to this. He has worked in each of our hearts and minds to prepare us, and we know obedience pays–He will meet our every need. The blessing is ours.
I’m so excited!!!
Suz,
I love this, as I am working on a book right now about how women can make a difference by living lives of compassion and justice. Every woman can make a difference, even if it is by doing small things. or big things, like Carolyn and her family are doing.
I’m definitely going to check out your site to hear some of these inspiring stories!
Wow. That’s a beautiful example of how to change the world. I’d love to interview your teens later in the summer, if they are open to it. : )
You and your family rocks,
Suz
Suzie,
I would imagine that one if not all of my teens would be open to an interview. I just want to be a fly on the wall to hear what they say.
Carolyn, that’s remarkable. Your teens must ahve huge hearts!