Loving Our Young Men

 

Photo credit: @Kaysha

 

“…He felt compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.” –Matthew 9:36

Jesus’ heart went out to the people. They were distressed. They had physical and mental illnesses. Their needs were many and their burdens heavy.

We’ve been shocked and saddened beyond words to hear of one mass shooting after another. In his book The Boy Crisis and in a podcast titled “Avoiding School Shootings and The Boy Crisis,” Dr. Warren Farrell discusses the issues that lead to mass homicides. He points out that all of the mass shootings in the U.S. were committed by young men, and that these young men had many strikes against them, including having no father figure. They were troubled, lost, and angry. They mistakenly thought they had nothing to live for.

As with all other huge and complex issues, if there were a simple solution to this one it would have been implemented by now. Instead of throwing up our hands in despair, though, and letting someone else fix the problem, maybe we can do something. Parents and guardians, teachers, coaches, and mentors already know the positive impact they may have on young people. LeBron James talks often about how the male role models of his youth saved him from life on the streets. Without those father figures, he says, he would have become just another statistic. But thanks to those mentors, LeBron has succeeded in many ways and has used his influence to give the youth of Akron – and their parents and guardians – a future with promise through education and a network of other community resources.

What can the rest of us do? Maybe you’ve considered coaching, tutoring, or volunteering with an organization that serves youth. Whether in an official capacity or not, all of us can have a positive influence on the boys and young men in our lives. We can love them by creating opportunities to give them our undivided time and attention. Let them know that what they have to say is important. Assure them that their value isn’t dependent on their performance. Help them discover what their gifts are and see that they have something unique to offer.

Let’s use our particular circumstances to make a difference. And if you kick yourself for not taking advantage of an opportunity when it presented itself, resolve to do so next time.

The issue is difficult and complex. To choose not to do anything gives evil a free pass and an unfair advantage. Let’s start with trying to have the compassionate heart of Jesus. Let’s find ways to reach the young men in our lives and make sure they know they’re important, loved, and wanted – and convince them to believe it.

 “Lord, bless the young men in my community. Show me how I can be a positive source of affirmation to the boys and young men around me.”

 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

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