ADHD of the Christian Kind

At Risk Kids

We have all shared the shock and horror as the media reported the events of April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado. Two (and possibliy more) young men entered a high school armed with automatic weapons and pipe bombs intent on murder and revenge. Since that time, young men have followed their example and given in to the impulses to take our their anger, frustrations, and despair on their fellow students and faculty.

We can all agree that what happened in Littleton, Colorado and in other schools should never happen again. We all weep with the families who have lost children and loved ones, even the families who will always carry the burden of knowing that their child, grandchild, or nephew was responsible for killing 13 people and wounding at least 23. We can all weep together knowing that such a thing could happen in our country while our military fights the same thing in the Middle East. We weep as Christians because we know that there is One who loves the outcast, the unlovely and unloveable. His name is Jesus.

But what responsibility do we, as Christians, have toward the youth of today? Where will these young people find hope and light? You probably have children you are seeking answers for. You might have grandchildren or neighbors who are struggling to find where they fit in this world.

Do you have your children in public schools? What is your responsibility toward the other children? They're not your children, right? I wonder what the Lord would say about this attitude. Do you feel a burden to do something in your child's school?

The Lord is so merciful and always has an answer to every problem: Moms in Touch is a national prayer ministry that encourages Christian moms to gather with other Christian moms to pray for their children's schools, its students and teachers.

What happens when Christians begin to pray? Spiritual ground is retaken, the enemy is defeated, and the Lord is free to move in.

Let us cry out to the Lord of Hosts for His Spirit to be poured out on our land, for repentance and healing, and for the youth of our country to find Jesus, the Savior who died for each of them.

Finally, let us all reach out to the young people we come in contact with each day. Take a moment to speak to a shy teen, showing interest in his life. Invite that young lady to come learn how to make pies or bake bread. Do not reject teens because they dress differently or have funny hair. That rejection just feeds the enemy's arguments that no one loves them. Don't be afraid to share the gospel with a young person you see every day. See Jesus as the solution to this generation's problems.

Though our hearts grieve and cry out in pain, let us be active Christians. Let us begin to take responsibility for the spiritual condition of our nation. A Christian who does not pray is an unfeeling, powerless Christian who is not in touch with the heart of the Father.

Is your child at risk? We all want to answer "No! Not my child." Identifying a child at risk and seeking help are vital. Tough Love is a great organization that provides support for parents of teens in crisis. Living in denial will not solve the problem. Do not hesitate to seek outside help for a teen who shows signs of depression, aggression, anger, drug use, sneaking out of the house, disrespectful, and so on. These are all signs of an at-risk teen. There are supports for parents of teens in crisis. You have to be strong before you can help your child. Is your child failing in school? Get help. Is your child sullen and withdrawn? Get help. Do not let denial be your protection. It will fail you every time.