Isn't that what we all want? To belong to a community? Where we truly listened to one another and we attempted to understand each other's needs?
And just what would happen if that were the case? Would there be less teens being bullied? Would fewer young people attempt suicide? Could it be possible that we would witness fewer dropouts who fell through the cracks? What would happen?
I, for one, need to know. I need to know what would happen if we created a community that cared for each other. A community that heard one another. A community that encouraged and inspired one another.
I had a vision of a community such as this, where all young people knew their purpose and their worth. A community where they never were left alone to fend for themselves. A place where they could share their dreams and fears freely.
I couldn't find a community on a map, so I decided to create one. Welcome to my community!
Jody McPhearson
Jody - I think the sense of community you and your organization are trying to instill in the lives you touch and influence is a wonderful thing. At a work off-site, we watched a video called "Souls of the Children" (or something similar) and the students interviewed felt very much like an outcast, and it was a apparent that they truly felt like they either did not belong, or that the community in which they were apart of did not belong to them. Having the Redefined Project rebuild their sense of self worth and belonging will provide empowerment and confidence - making our teens stronger believers in themselves, in others, and in Christ. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteGeorgette,
DeleteYou are right! We decided that if we want our community to change, then it is up to us. We are responsible for nuturing our next generation of leaders. They should never feel isolated and alone! We want to make certain that they don't!