Being Intentional

Today, many of our students as young as 2nd graders are struggling with their identity and look for it on line. This is causing a greater increase in unhappiness and suicide.  Did you know right now for 7 year olds-10 year olds suicide is the 3rd cause of death? For 14-24 year olds, suicide is the 2nd cause of death?(https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/LeadingCauses.html) We must be intentional about helping our students understand that their identity is not built around what others think of them. However, the social media apps are created to be addicting.  Addicting so that young minds are tied to them and what others think. How many likes, how many "friends".  It is leading to their destruction.  Young minds need to know they are unique-one of a kind-an unrepeatable miracle.  that they have a destination to fulfill which only they can do.  This begins with their Creator and understanding that the God of the universe loves them even when no one else may seem to.  They need to know they are NEVER alone.  God is always there, always pursuing them, always loving them no matter what.  As parents, we get caught up in who likes my child and who doesn't. We want to rank them on their popularity.  Please be intentional about building character and love for themselves.  Not in a narcissistic way or purpose but in a way that they then can truly love others and make a positive impact  Your kids can be popular one year but not the next.  Or all through high school but thrown into the world where no one knows them. Can they not only survive but thrive? Be intentional about your priorities for your own children but also students placed in our care. It is not about you but helping children discover who they are and whom they belong to. 
Social media causes young minds to never settle, to never really become bored.  Do you know that empathy is developed when we are still and quiet with our minds daydreaming.  Yes, being still and quiet builds empathy towards others.  As parents, we have become entertainers to make sure our children never get bored.  What are we doing to our future? Creating very young people who do not have empathy.  Again, it takes time and energy to be intentional.  But it is worth it.