We cannot afford not to:
...make time, effort and create space to support this next generation. Give them a place to breathe and have a real connection with adults in their lives.
What do I have to give?
Who me? I have heard this question so many times over the years.
We have fallen into the trap of thinking we need to have all the answers, be charismatic, be a certain age or wear the latest fashion. We have all had these thoughts at one point or another. We watch tv or see social media and realize that we have NO IDEA waht the next generation is even talking about. We don't understand the lingo, the way they act or what they are doing.
Check this out... YOU DON'T NEED TO. It is a lie.
We work so hard to convice "young people" that they can do anything , to be anything they want to be, and yet we often fall victim to believing the same things in our own lives.
What does the next generation need/want?
Someone to:
...be there
...listen
...know and understand them
...not judge them but to walk with them
...love them
I have experienced these things over and over in my 25+ years of working with teens and young adults. They are the same as us underneath all the language barriers, attitudes and funny clothes. They want to be KNOWN and LOVED.
And that... THAT you can do.
