as always seems to be the case youth specialties has thrown up some valuable resources on their website to help youth workers help their youth deal with the uncertainty within the world that we have once again been reminded of through the absurd violence at virginia tech.
you can find the resources here. i personally am very appreciative of the letter from jim hancock and rich van pelt
the whole letter is great but i especially appreciated the following paragraphs:
Tell them it’s not supposed to be like this.
Tell them the God who spoke through the prophets at many times and in various ways—and in these last days has spoken to us by his Son—tell them this God takes no pleasure in the suffering and death of his creatures.
Tell them it’s not supposed to be like this, and someday it won’t be.
Tell them the hope of the gospel includes a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness—we haven’t seen it, but in faith we see it coming.In the meantime, tell them, life is grace and bad things happen; people are capable of breathtaking displays of love and staggering acts of oppression; the sun rises and the rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Tell them about the mercy of Jesus who promises the good news will one day prove every bit as good as the bad news so obviously is bad in these days. Tell them life is hard and God is good.
BUT FIRST listen to them. Listen to their denial and fear and anger and confusion. And don’t be afraid to admit your own.
i love ys.
[tags]violence, youth, resources[/tags]