We must press on

"Who is the most important influence when it comes to how teens feel about themselves?" Anastasia at Ypulse gave the following answers from some research she read in this post:

- Your girlfriend/boyfriend (84%)

- Your religion (82%)

- Your friends (79%)

- Your parents (74%)

- Your teacher(s) (72%)

- TV shows you watch (51%)

- Celebrities (e.g. actors, athletes, musicians) (49%)

- Magazines you read (38%)

- Advertising you see (on TV or elsewhere) (33%)

- Other kids in school (31%)

May we take seriously our call to "be there" for students in our ministry who are longing for fidelity and looking for a passion outside of themselves to define them. As Dean suggests, "Before adolescents can take seriously the gospel's claim that Jesus will 'be there' always, a community of affirming others must 'be there' for them, demonstrating steadfast love on their behalf." (Practicing Passion, pg. 77)

We must press on!