Tuesday, April 19, 2005
The Value of Youth Leaders
In her latest book, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith, Anne Lamott makes an apologetic for why teens need good youth leaders. I thought her words were a great reminder to all of us adults of the kind of people we should be, not just to reach teens, but to keep our own hearts and dreams alive. She writes:
"I make Sam [her son] go because the youth-group leaders know things that I don't. They know what teenagers are looking for, and need - they need adults who have stayed alive and vital, adutls they wouldn't mind growing up to be. And they need total acceptance of who they are, from adults they trust, and to be welcomed in whatever condition life has left them - needy, walled off. They want guides, adults who know how to act like adults but with a kid's heart. They want people who will sit with them and talk about the big questions, even if they don't have the answers; adults who won't correct their feelings or pretend not to be afraid. They are looking for adventure, experience, pilgrimages, and thrills. And then they want a home they can return to, where things are stable and welcoming. I mean, how crazy can you get?"
"I make Sam [her son] go because the youth-group leaders know things that I don't. They know what teenagers are looking for, and need - they need adults who have stayed alive and vital, adutls they wouldn't mind growing up to be. And they need total acceptance of who they are, from adults they trust, and to be welcomed in whatever condition life has left them - needy, walled off. They want guides, adults who know how to act like adults but with a kid's heart. They want people who will sit with them and talk about the big questions, even if they don't have the answers; adults who won't correct their feelings or pretend not to be afraid. They are looking for adventure, experience, pilgrimages, and thrills. And then they want a home they can return to, where things are stable and welcoming. I mean, how crazy can you get?"
