Ministering: Annual Hepzibah Youth Week: Panelists.
Text: 2 Cor. 3:17 & Gal. 5:1.
“2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Gal5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” KJV
Panelist Question & Answer Session
Depression in Youths: The Panelist advised that Christ should be the standard in our homes. Parents should please make time for their children so that they don’t feel isolated, burdened and neglected. Children are more inclined to share their emotional state when Parents are courteous in their approach
Desensitization: Desensitization a method to reduce or eliminate an organism’s negative reaction to a substance or stimulus. It is a process of becoming numb over time. Dentist numb patients so as to reduce the pain during a surgery. Being dull of hearing should be eschewed. The goal of discipline is to correct behavior and if over time there is no change, then a change in approach should be explored. Desensitization is influenced largely by what we read, listen to, watch and relate with. We should be very intentional in our approach. “Do I conform or be transformed” are two choices before us every morning. Rom. 12:1-2. None of us is as helpless as we feel, there is help in God.
Unresolved Trauma in Youths: Trauma is your response to any unwelcomed emotional experience. It is a trigger point for the brain. Trauma can be acute or extreme depending on our reactions to situations. Panelists advised not to pretend trauma never happened, rather help should be sought for. An unresolved trauma grows with you, it doesn’t just go away without necessary guidance. Traumas should be resolved. Recognize the trauma, acknowledge your emotions (how does it make you feel), investigate your experience (how did it happen, how do I leave without it, etc.), – above all recognize Christ is ever available to help you in overcoming the trauma.
Men’s Mental Health Needs: Early age is the best time to grow in your communication with your Children. Ask about their day, get involved in their daily activities so there would be no disconnect as they are growing. Prov. 22:26 says We should train our Children. Don’t miss communicating with them in their young age so that they will be emotional healthy. Your children have to feel very comfortable talking with you, else they go seeking help outside which might be counter-productive.
Sex Education/Talk: Panelists advised Parents and the Church should teach our Children more on Sex using age appropriate language. If they are not taught at home, the world will teach them in a wrong way. Get good books or resources that could help you in having “Sex Talk” with your children. Help them understand the sensitive parts of their body. Let them understand boundaries when with other people.
Tattoos and Piercings: The Bible advised against these in Lev. 19:28. According to 1 Cor. 6, our body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost. Your intent or motive for doing tattoos or piercings is more important to God that the acts itself. Health-wise, these acts affect your health and total wellness. Tattoos and piercings tend to connote a negative image especially in a corporate or formal settings. Don’t get tattooed or pierced because many of your friends are doing it. Don’t make excuse that you want to tattoo Scriptures on your body, rather “tattoo” the Scriptures in your heart.
Building Trust: Children learn to trust their parents as they grow. Children will not hold information from you if they trust that you will respond in love and not negatively judgmental. Be approachable to your children, rent a room in their head, because they need you and you need them. Trust is easily broken than being built up. There is no trust so broken that cannot be repaired if both parties are committed to restoring the trust. Parents, please continue to make efforts at building more trust in our Children. You cannot address a problem you are not aware of.
Disconnect of Youths in today’s Church: The Church has to learn to bridge the gap between the Youths and today’s Church. The Church has to be intentionally about inclusiveness – the Church should welcome the Youth’s innovations as long as it is not against the Scriptures. The Younger Generation have their unique way of Prayer, Worship, and Praise to God; the Church should not force the previous Generation’s style on the Younger Generation.
God bless you!
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