Reversing the trend
21st May 2010 by Rusty Hodges
I’m sure most of you have seen the t-shirts around that says “Cheer up emo kid”. This may just be meant as joke, but what if we as Christians reverse the trend in society of putting people down because they look or act a certain way.
What if, as Christians instead of simply saying cheer up, we actually go and help make a difference by doing something positive in people’s lives.
Ok, we all know there are kids in our schools, at youth and in our towns who identify as being Emo’s or Goths, but what if, we took time aside and instead of writing them off as a depressed lost cause, we actually saw them as an individual in need of a friend, or even just a kind word.
It could make the world of difference. It’s not fun being teased especially when we are on the receiving end, and yet we sometimes still fall into the trap of teasing others.
What if we could reverse the trend?
IMAGINE
Imagine a school where no one felt alone. Imagine a school where no one was teased or bullied. Imagine if you could make a significant difference in someone’s life just by being a friend. Imagine being a part of seeing a nation of lost and broken young people find purpose, healing and wholeness.
To me that would give people something to cheer about.
So instead of putting someone down who is different, take time to get to know them by name and build them up.
That would certainly reverse the trend.
Don’t forget to let us know what you’re doing to reverse the trend.
Till next time
save. grow. serve.
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Comments
great words Rusty.
I think we all have the same needs on the inside (to feel accepted, to feel important, to feel loved etc) but we're all wearing different shirts on the outside (emos, lads, goths, gamers etc). I want to be someone who throws away first impressions and refuses to write anyone off before I find out about who they are, where they've come from, and what they love doing.
I agree Nate, we need to be always be mindful of the things that we say and the way as human we are sometimes quick to judge. We need to be continually encouraging people, whether they identify as 'emo' or not. You never know the impact one kind word can make. Great work Rusty!