When was the last time someone unexpectedly cared about you? In our large youth group, all of us struggle to find our identity. Between insecurity and cliques, this is hard to accomplish. That’s why, as a student, one of the most refreshing things I’ve ever experienced is someone coming up to me and genuinely caring […]
Author: Paul Santhouse
The beauty of treachery
It’s said that friends make the best enemies — especially when there are three of them. Triangulation is great for navigation but terrible in relationships. All it takes is one friend “confiding” to another about a third. A delicate stack of dishes, easily toppled! Which is where the beauty comes in. There’s nothing so human […]
How to see a student
Know someone who talks way too much? What races through your mind when you see that person approaching? Duck into the washroom? Take “a call” on your phone? What if your favorite friend comes your way? A burst of joy? Run to meet that person? How we see others determines how we engage. Fear, boredom, […]
A Student’s Perspective / Being Hurt and Heard
My youth group is huge. There are nearly one hundred of us. Even our “small groups” are eight to ten students each. In the freshmen class alone there are more than twenty boys. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd. One night several weeks ago, I sat by a girl who was obviously hurting. […]
Jesus influence
Some years back there was an International discipleship conference in Europe. Many lectures and much discussion. Toward the end an elder statesman of the faith suggested that the root of discipleship was loving Jesus. The closer you are to Jesus, the more of His influence you wield. Consider whether you would like to make Jesus […]