What you don’t know about Youth Ministry is…
it hurts.
It hurts to be a parent, a leader, or a friend of someone and see them fall away from God. One of my greatest pains in life has been sitting back and hearing one of my former youth say, “I don’t believe in God anymore.” The person may have worded it differently but the fact is, it broke my heart. It didn’t just break my heart because I felt as though I had failed as a leader; it broke my heart because I knew it broke God’s heart too. My job as a parent and as a leader is to ‘plant the seed’ of Jesus Christ and share His Word and His Hope with the ones He places in my path. What you do with that seed is up to you.
What you don’t understand about youth ministry is that we are not just teachers or leaders…we are parents. Yes, I am a mother of 2 young, sweet but crazy, adorable but wild, temperamental yet amazing, boys. Carson is 3 years old and Asher just turned 1 on November 25th. I have my hands full with my boys, but I also have several teenagers, young girls, and even college students that I consider to be my children as well. They may not know it, but they are family just like my own even when I don’t see them as often as I used to. I pray for them, worry for them, and try my best to guide them in God’s way. My prayer for all my children is that they will find God’s will, live by His Light, and love the life He has blessed them with. I can’t wait to see how God uses the youth of this generation to make a difference!
Unfortunately, not all children live for God and stay on the straight and narrow path. Seeing your child, blood or not, fall away from God, is the hardest thing a parent can go through. I know that one day I may have to face this with my own children, but I also know that God can give me strength to handle things I cannot imagine. I pray each day for unfathomable faith for my children and hope that they will stay by the Lord’s side every step of their way. As a parent, I am doing my best to raise my children in a Christian home, but in this world, it is a constant battle. Know that your parents and leaders are trying their best and doing all that they can to protect you and guide you in this world. Give them a break and go to them when you are struggling. Trust that they are there for you. Though you think they don’t understand, they care for you more than you can imagine. Know that they are with you every step of the way (even when you don’t want them to be) and they want what is best for you. Trust me, one day you will understand.
As a parent and a youth leader, I want you to know first that you are loved. Your family, your parents, and your leaders loves you more than you can imagine. The days that they seem to be distant or so far away from you that they just can’t understand, just know that someone out there loves you and is doing all they can to take care of you.
Second, know that when your heart breaks, it never breaks alone. It may seem like it, but you are never alone. In high school, I remember my mom telling me that she wished she could take the pain away from me after I was heartbroken from a break up. At the time, I thought she was crazy, but I now I understand what she means. My boys are too young for that kind of drama for now, but when one of my other children, my G.A. girls or youth from the past, or my friends and youth at my church today, feels broken…my heart breaks with them. They cry and I cry because I know what they are going through and though they may feel like I’m 1,000 years older and don’t understand, I do care for them. They are not alone and neither are you. Where one heart breaks, others break with it. The Lord is with you and waiting for you to understand His purpose.
Third, you will be missed. As a teenager, I remember thinking if I ran away or moved to another area, no one would ever miss me. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to drive so I could just get out of this little town and never look back. I wondered who would call or if anyone would care, but I felt as though no one would mind at all. My life has shown me that no matter what stage of life you are in, you will be missed. Somewhere, someone would miss you. Your parents, your grandparents, your siblings, and family all care for you. Believe it or not, the students in your class, your teachers, and even your worst enemies would miss you as well. Your life, your love, and your witness is stronger than you realize. Stay true to who God created you to be and never give up.
Most importantly, know that God will never leave your side. No matter what you are going through, no matter where you are headed, the Lord will never leave your side. Seek Him first always and His will will be revealed to you.
May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!
A Letter from Your Mom
What you don’t understand
Is I’m trying my best
I’m working so hard
And never get rest
My tears come at night
When no one’s around
I cry on my pillow
Without making a sound
I put on a smile
When the sun starts to rise
My heart is still aching
As I open my eyes
I pray for the moment
You’ll remember His Word
The verses I taught you
The sermons you heard
Will you ever go back
To the way you once knew
The life you once lived
The child that I grew
The hopeful innocence
And smiling face
The love and peace
I could see His Grace
Where did I go wrong
As I taught you the way
Did I mess up too bad
Or forget to pray
You are my child
Forever you’ll be
My hope is in Christ
For your destiny
Just remember His love
When all seems to fail
Seek Him for wisdom
And you will prevail
Come back to the One
Who Created it all
You’re forgiven, my child
I’ve forgotten the fall
The time will come
That you’ll understand
Every moment of struggle
Was a part of His plan
I know I’m not cool
Or even your friend
But I’m your family for always
Until the end
So when struggles come
Or you feel so lost
Come to me
No matter the cost
I know you’re hurting
I see your face
I pray each day
For God’s sweet Grace
The struggles will fade
If you’ll turn back to Him
Just fall to your knees
And let go of them
It’ll all make sense
In His timing alone
Just don’t give up
You’re almost home