Inanimate things, driven physical things could not kill spirit.”
–Zane Grey (Black Mesa)
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.”
–Luke 12:29 (NKJV)
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For a fact–the older I get the less I understand. We are truly living in an unique time, if not strange. People are afraid to speak lest they be labeled “racist” or “politically incorrect.” People seem afraid of the truth, yet the truth will set you free. There is unrest, a lack of stability, confusion, and for what reason?
I saw where a woman said she was “traumatized for life” when she bit into a sandwich and found sausage. Now, there is something wrong there. Upset, maybe; frustrated for it was unexpected, but “traumatized for life” by biting into a piece of sausage? Give me a break! I sure hope nothing serious happens to her for the next step would to be traumatized for eternity.
Then an article caught my eye: “Stress Is Crippling Our Teens…” Maybe I should have continued to read, but I thought to myself, “What in the world is so bad that our young people can’t handle it? Yes, there is the threat of terrorism, but most people continue on, day-by-day not thinking much of it. Gone are measles, smallpox, polio and a myriad of other diseases that once were rampant and took a toll. Death can bring stress, moving to a new location, and divorce are other things that can bring on stress, but for the life of me, what is it that is bring stress crippling teenagers?
I have had thousands of teenagers in my classes over the years; coached hundreds of players and there were a few that made that statement. It was/is one that is hard for me to comprehend. I would ask them, “Why the stress?” Plus the fact that these were Christian teenagers. “Stressed out!” It boggled my mind. They have a home, they have food, they are getting a good education, they have clothes, they have a phone(hmmm, that may be part of the problem), most have a car to give them freedom. Why the stress?
How did we get to bring about a generation of the “snowflakes”? (I still like my terms: cupcake, cream puffs, twinkies), but snowflake is a good term for whenever any kind of pressure is put on them they begin to melt. But again, what stress, and why can’t they handle it? Why do these snowflakes move from job to job; why do they always have to make an excuse; why is it so hard for them to accept that life is not always fair; why do they think they are always being picked on? Why, oh why?
We could perhaps point out several reasons, but it has to start at the home. Their parents will harp on them to get good grades and then harass the teacher if the poor darling doesn’t make an “A”. The administration will not back the teacher for they want a “blue-ribbon” school. Plus the fact that we don’t want to hurt the dear little thing’s self-esteem. Why do they give everyone a trophy? Why don’t the parents make the kids work, and if discipline is needed why aren’t they consistent in the administering of it? Why, oh why?
The Bible teaches us that we are to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV) It is imperative that we teach diligently in our homes the Word of God. Undue stress shouldn’t be allowed to rest upon the shoulders of a believer, but if a person, adult or teenager, is not grounded in God’s Word they will experience stress and fear.
Parents – do not be afraid to be a parent–that is your foremost responsibility. Teachers do not drop the standards, maintain the level integrity in your classrooms. Pastors, preach the Word. We need to all grasp what Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).