The Cries of Our Students

Last night, I finished a series at Breakaway called Scarred. We sought to explore what it means to feel emotional pain and how God heals us.

I thought it would be appropriate for a couple students to come up and tell real stories of real hurt with real healing. It was intense and had a greater impact on our student congregation than anything I could have conjured up to say.

At the end of worship, I wanted every student to get the chance to tell their scar story. So, I had cards ready that said:

I am Scarred.

I am a Guy or Girl

This is my scar:

This is how I deal with it:

…and, while our worship leader played Psalm 145 (by Shane & Shane), the students were invited to come and fill the cards and place them “at the foot of the cross” (on our altar).

The response was jaw-dropping.

…i’m depressed; i’ve attempted suicide, twice; my parents cheat on each other; i feel responsible for their divorce; i gave up my virginity because i was drunk; my dad hits me…

My heart breaks for our students. Many express a feeling that no one gets them, or that no one believes them, or that no one loves them.

Yet, their response to adversity has impressed me all the more:

…God knows everything about me and chooses to love me anyway; i know God loves me even if my dad doesn’t; i am praying for real love; i opened up to my parents and have never felt more loved…

As I read these cards, I hear the voice of a generation that feels unloved, neglected and guilty. Though, some have found ways of coping/healing, I know there are many more dying (both emotionally and physically).

My prayer is that we, the leaders of the Church and lovers of God’s creation hear the cries of our students.