Increasingly Christians are being persecuted. I find this ironic don't you? God is the original author of "love thy neighbor". From the outside looking in its easy to see why our youth are so lost.
Pop culture tells them "dare to be different". On the contrary actually. One quick parooze through a newsfeed and you see a different story. You see J.Crew like models having a fabulous time. If you aren't model-esk? If you aren't having the "best time ever"? Well, you're not different you are simply a looser. "FOMO" has become a real thing--fear of missing out.
I wish I could speak to every young person in this country. I'd tell them "YDY". You do you. No one can do you better than your own self. Stop trying to be something you are not. Your quirkiness? That's what makes you you! God gifted you those idiosyncrasies. Don't blame someone for it. Thank Him! Figure out why He blessed you with that attribute. Then use it to help someone else.
If I were queen of the young people for one day? I'd tell them that every single person in their life--yes, even the horrible ones--were intentionally placed in their path by God. I'd tell them rather than playing the victim? Figure out what God's intent was. What did you learn about yourself through that experience? Did you become a hot mess? Or were you hot to give people the message of what God was teaching you?
I'd tell young people that not everyone is going to like you. And that is their perogative. You are going to be left out. No one is required to like you or include you. You are not entitled to inclusion regardless of what society or your parents tell you. Life is tough. It's meant to teach us lessons. It's meant to refine us not harden us. Go find your own people. The ones who like you. The ones who love you.
If I were queen of Americas youth for one day? I would tell them all of the things I have done to screw up my life. I'd tell them in great detail who I hurt and who hurt me. I'd tell them that I really like me now despite not liking my past track record. Your mistakes don't have to define the rest of your life. Redemption is sweet and a gift.
If I were queen of the young people of America for one day? I would tell them about the King. The One who died for me. The One whose precious blood erased all of the unforgivable things in my past. The One who wipes away every tear. The One who makes ALL things new.
If I were queen of the young people of America for one day? I'd tell them I wish I had spent more of my youth being comfortable in my own skin rather than trying to fit where I never was meant to be.
If I were queen of the young people of America for one day? I'd tell them I wish I had the foresight to see closed doors were Gods protection. I spent far too much time trying to unlock doors that should have never been re-opened.
If I were queen of the young people of America for one day? I'd tell them to be in this world but not a part of it. Life's greatest joys will come with fellowship of like minded Believers. Those Believers will be the most diverse and beautiful inclusive friendships you will ever experience this side of heaven.
I'm not queen, okay in my mind I am, but I do have a King. His name is Jesus Christ. Young people, now more than ever you need Him. He knows every single hair on your head. He knew you before you were born. He loves you desperately.
In this crazy, upside down world He died right side up for you. He wants to be your everything. Your King. What do you have to loose? A lifetime of emptiness or eternity spent with a purpose. Ask Him into your heart today.
"Jesus replied, 'very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again'"-John 3:3
