#STRONG

"I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one."

(1 John 2:14c)

"You're just a kid."

"Wait until you grow up."

"This is for adults only."

These are all phrases levied at teens. It's been that way for a long time, hasn't it? We, as a culture, love children and respect adults... but often have an ambivalent attitude toward teens. We characterize them as being self-absorbed, rebellious, disrespectful, and into music/technology/videogames.

And yet, we all know some teens fairly well - whether they're our own kids, kids of friends, or teens from church/neighborhood, etc. And, if pressed, I'd bet the majority of folks would say that they know some pretty exceptional young people. So why do we, as a society, continue to perpetuate the other stereotype?

The writer of 1 John must have known some exceptional teens. "I write you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." What we say ABOUT (and TO) our youth matters. Instead of assuming they are lazy and out-of-touch with "the real world", we should be speaking words of blessing and encouragement to them.

No matter where you stand on the issue of gun ownership and/or gun control, you have to admire the passion, drive, and energy of the Parkland High School students who have been very vocal in the aftermath of the horrific shooting a week ago or so in Florida. They are, indeed, STRONG... and seeking to overcome the evil that was thrust upon them. It's inspiring to see!

We have a choice. Dismiss and discount our young people... or empower and uplift them. I'll take the latter. Our youth are strong... filled with the Spirit... and dealing with evil and unjust every day. Let's speak words of hope and life into them! We may just be surprised at how they lead us forward.