A monthly message from Fred Lynch. Fred is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
May 2007
We all were shocked again as a nation at the horror of one of our young doing what was once the unthinkable atrocity: snatching away the innocent lives of his peers right in the place that is considered the safest sanctum besides the church and the home: the classroom. The brutal killings of students by students is nothing new for us in the city, but I still hope that we never get so numb to it that it doesn't disturb us. Eight years ago on April 20th, 1999 I was right in the middle of a school assembly in Tennessee when the Columbine massacre happened. We all stopped what we were doing, and looked around at the kids and wondered how could these babies be pushed to such rage? Thirty-five years ago Funkadelic released an album titled America Eats Its Young; who knew that the next generation of youth would turn on America with a craving for blood and return the favor. Kenda Cressy Dean, in her book Practicing Passion: Youth and the quest for a passionate Church, said that, "Martyrdom has gone mainstream among youth around the world." I think that she has a strong point that we in the inner-city need to take heed to. You see young people willing to die for their cause in far regions like Iraq and Palestine, but realize that the desperate need to gain control and the rage that drives a person to using destruction as an answer isn't an imported commodity, we face the same evil right here on our streets and we must find a way to help our babies stop killing each other. This month we're going to talk about helping students deal with their stress and inner rage by conflict resolution.
We must find a way to help our babies stop killing each other
M.U.D. Reality (Here's What's Up)
Far too often do we all hear about little disputes that turn into full-blown drama among teens and seem to only lead to outbreaks of violence. One national survey taken by the CDC back in 2004 revealed that 33 percent of high school students said they had been in a physical fight within the past year. Conflicts are a part of life; (Jesus even said that "Offenses will come." Matthew 18:7) but those offenses don't have to necessarily end in violence. Here's what's up:
*Helping teens learn how to maneuver through the treacherous terrain of violent youth culture is a must in 2007*
M.U.D. Battle (Here's Why)
So many argue back and forth as to the source of the rise in violence among teens today. Some attribute the spike in violence to the influence of media with the shameless video games, music and movies that seem to offer 'thug lessons' to kids on a 24-hour basis. Everything from the 'round-the-clock news shows to the magazines and advertisements follow the popular train of thought that 'if it bleeds, it leads'! But like most complex problems that the inner-city battles, you can't identify nor eliminate the reality of the situation with one stroke: this is deeper than you think. Take the issues of school environments where teens are overcrowded and under-resourced with sub-quality conditions that'll make any person in their right mind 'wanna hollar'. What about issues at home; when the father is absent or overworked or the mother is preoccupied with trying to keep things together in a cruel world that doesn't offer time outs, we're all too familiar with my point: the potential for violent eruptions are all around teens today: there is nowhere that is considered safe. So instead of trying to create a detour, we have to show our babies how to walk through the valley of the shadows of death.
M.U.D. Tip (Here's How)
Throughout the scriptures we find the practical wisdom to deal with everyday stress. Proverbs reminds us of the importance of keeping our anger in control (Proverbs 29:11). Ecclesiastes warns us about getting used to temper tantrums (Ecclesiastes 7:9). But Jesus prescribes an incredible strategy toward overcoming evil: with good. I'd like to encourage you with a few pointers and also offer a few resources where you can go deeper. First for a few pointers in helping teens deal with conflict:
Each of these principles could be developed and written about, but to keep things brief I'd like to encourage you to look at each point and think about ways that you could implement them among your students.
To end us up, I'd like to offer a few resources for you to check out. The CDC has a great amount of information to deal with teen violence and conflict resolution. A helpful link to check out is http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/bestpractices.htm for Best Practices of Youth Violence Prevention. Also check out some great scripture-based resources on conflict resolution at: http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/christian-conflict-resolution-faq.htm. If you're looking for an interesting book to take a small group through, then check out Peacefakers, Peacebreakers and Peacemakers by Ken Sande, and Kay Moore (Hannibal Books).
Be encouraged as you help your teens deal with these turbulent times that try men's souls.
FREDDIE FREEBIE:
I have a fun video that you can share with your friends and students on evangelism. It's called 8 reasons why I can't share my faith. It is hilarious! If you're looking for a tight new clip to use for a message go to my website @ www.godstyle.com and visit the download page and you'll find it along with many other goodies.
Sharing the gospel from 'Street to Street',
Fred Lynch III
GodStyle Productions
Fred Lynch is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
