There are students who
are struggling, addicted, confused and alone, but when this anonymous
card reached my desk, the
stark reality hit again the
words on the card were, I hate my life and god hates me too. I'm
forced to be here [at church] and nobody cares.
Oh, the despair this student must have felt! With moistened eyes, I immediately
began to pray for my anonymous writer. That his/her face would surface
so I could compassionately enter into their dark world.
A few weeks and many prayers later, I couldn't help but notice a dark-haired,
gothic-type girl run out of the youth group. I went after her. Slowly catching
up to the mysterious black-hooded figure, I said, Hey, I noticed you
were crying and then ran out. Can I help? Her worn out face caught my
eyes and with an angered expression said, I hate my life and God hates
me too. I'm forced to be here. I hate my life!
Bingo. I've just met my anonymous writer. God sure is good
What do you say in a moment of one's rage, hurt and anger? For all
I knew, she hated me too. After all, as a minister, I am part the church
she
was forced to attend.
I said a silent prayer and then words emerged. I am so sorry for the
hurt you feel. How about I take you for a coffee right now? She looked
at me as if to say, Wait a minute, you're not gonna force me to
stay here? You are not going to yell at me for running out of youth group? I
said, Listen, if you're forced to be here, let's go get
coffee and talk about it. In shock, she agreed to go.
Over a coffee, I discovered a great deal about Karen, my new 15-year old
God-send. She questioned who God was, struggled socially and at times, had
a difficult
family life. Toward the end of our conversation, I challenged her to join
an 8-step small group for students that we call, Life Hurts God
Heals. Much to my surprise, she agreed!
It's been over 10-weeks since I've met Karen and now, her countenance
has dramatically changed! Since working the 8-steps in Life Hurts God Heals
and connecting with other struggling like-minded peers, she now has hope,
dreams and a growing understanding of God.
This story contains valuable lessons and encouraging words we youth workers
need to apply as we interface with the delicate live of hurting students I'd
like to share what I've learned.
3 Valuable Lessons when you're face-to-face
with a HURTING student:
1. Sometimes the best experience of church is away from the church itself;
just you as a youth worker, alongside a hurting student, over a cup
of java.
2. Sometimes the greatest prayer is a silent one when you haven't
a clue what to say next. Trusting that God will show up.
3. Students need tangible, practical and
often, ongoing care. Offering Life Hurts-God Heals gives hurting students
life-long tools to help them
through their pain. To check out this curriculum click here: (www.simplyyouthministry.com)
6 words every HURTING student needs to hear:
1. I believe in you
2. I am here for you
3. You are going to get through this
4. You can make good choices
5. You are talented, gifted, rare
6. You matter
Be Encouraged (Your students will be)!
