How Can I LIFT You Up?

Somewhere between the arguments that normally take place with my 12 and 18 year old girls, playing ref, house and peace-maker, I forgot that mydolescents need even more encouragement in this stage of life than at any other tis because it can literally be life to them when they are older and perhaps separated by distance and just the regular drifting about that sometimes occurs when trying to make your own mark on this world. LIFTing these kids may mean the difference between preventing life-long maladaptive behaviors, chronic depressive symptomology, harmful relationships etc., etc. The professionals call it, building up protective factors. Doing this must be intentional and it is the responsibility of not only parents but the collective community or 'village'.

This week, my son is off to see the world on a mission's trip in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The work he is doing is work that he has been involved in here also in the US, work I intentionally put him in the way of because I wanted him to know that power of ONE. The ONE I speak of is not he, but God who is the greatest protective factor any child could ever be introduced to.

While things in our America are fast changing (evidenced by our president's declaration that America can no longer be considered a Christian nation) and things change drastically, so change our children. They are more self-centered, filled with hopelessness, despair, anger, malice, and just down right fool heartiness. We have forgotten collectively that we are not here to become the next millionaire but we were put here for each other and we need each other to survive. If we really came to believe this, I believe we would see a decrease in crime, less depression and dating violence in teens and adults and just a greater sense of all around self-efficacy. So what about it, is there someone you know that could use a LIFT? With the future in mind and an opportunity to positively impact someone for the rest of their lives, just ask them; "How can I LIFT you up?" Point them to Jesus and if need be, LIFT them up and take them personally; challenging them to then GO MAD! Go Make A Difference here and in the uttermost parts of this world.