Oasis

So, yeah. Here I am at the library again… a place of rest from the noise outside.

Last night, I realized so many, many things. People act the way they do because there are reasons that make them that way. As a leader, I am told to be sensitive and kind to people, especially to the people that I lead. Dealing with people that act differently–some of them very difficult–has always been a challenge. I tend to be shallow and insensitive and prone to blaming others for their mistakes. But last night… last night, it changed.

One of my cell group members messaged me that she is not okay. And she later on told me about her situation. Her dad doesn’t want her to stay in their home anymore, and was telling her to go to her mom. They are a broken family so she doesn’t know where to find her. He was telling her things that are really painful for a child to hear. I imagined myself in her situation and it’s not easy… especially when words like “you’re worthless” comes from the mouth of your dad. I told her that is not true. Our worth is not lessened just because of other people’s inability to see it. It’s God who only sees.

Later on, I finally called her after praying, and a choking voice answered the call. She told me that God is still good, because her auntie was used by God to provide her a place to stay. I was relieved, disturbed, and guilty–all at the same time. Relieved because the situation is getting better. Disturbed because I was worried about its possible effects on her. Guilty because I finally understood why she is being difficult. She has issues, bogged down by many problems in their family at a very young age… and it’s not just right that I chastise her when she goes to church and add to her frustrations. The church–her spiritual family is supposed to be her place of comfort, and rest from their home. Just like this library, an oasis on a desert.

I know that there are still a lot of things I don’t know about these children of God (and about leadership), but I am trusting God that He will help me lead. The Holy Spirit is the real Leader, and I’m just His follower. He is the Senior, and I’m just a junior. He is the Boss, and I’m His servant.

Re: A Letter From a “Kidult”

Kidult (ˈkɪdʌlt) n. A person in transition between childhood and adulthood; an adult that acts more like a kid; in Taiwan they are called the cao mei zu (Strawberry Generation)—they look good on the outside, but are easily bruised.

Hello friends!  I am a kidult. I heard that people call my generation the “kidults,” because we really look good on our outside appearances, but when it comes to challenges, we appear to be “weaklings”.

Okay, society. Honestly, I do not like the fact that we are called that way, but thanks for telling us we’re beautiful people though. 🙂 Apostle Paul said that we should not let anyone think less of us because we are young but instead we should be an example to all believers in what we say, in the way we live, in our love, faith, and our purity (1 Timothy 4:12). I believe that this generation is not what you think it is. In fact, I remember one of our pastors calling this generation the Joshua Generation, where young people are anointed as true leaders that will bring God’s people to the Promise Land. From what I see, more and more young people today (and  still counting) are getting involved to the greatest purpose of humanity and I know that God is using our leaders to mold us into leaders that will not just lead people, but will also produce more leaders, mimicking the act of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I like this song of Chris Tomlin,

We are the chosen generation
Rise  up holy nation
God we live for You

Our generation has been chosen by God! Isn’t that amazing? Shouldn’t you be proud of us, society? I am so excited about God’s plans for us, for all of us. I wish you are, too. We have better future when we are in God, you know. So society, please. Instead of judging us, why don’t you just help in molding us into better leaders by taking the advice of Apostle Paul. I think everyone should follow that instruction regardless of their age. Together, let’s influence others in love, faith, and hope. Let us help each other get closer to God.

Sincerely,
me
Reppin’ the Kidult Gen

Similar resources: http://www.ourdailyjourney.org/2013/08/02/not-being-a-kidult/