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Did you know that 90 percent of high school seniors say they’ve drunk alcohol sometime in their lives; 67 percent say they’ve used alcohol within the last month, and 38 percent say they’ve had five or more drinks in a row within the previous two weeks. These figures are from the Josh McDowell’s Handbook on Counseling Students. Alcohol Use and Abuse is a serious issue among students. Some believe it only affects our Teens, but the problem goes even further to middle schoolers. His book also revealed that 88 percent of eighth-graders had tried alcohol, 25 percent had five or more drinks, and 36 percent of fourth-graders say they have been pressured by their peers to drink alcohol! Young people need to realize that alcohol abuse will cause serious problems. Some of the effects are low self-esteem, loss of control, confusion, and depression just to name a few.

I know a lot of you never say to yourself, I'm going to grow up and be an alcoholic. The truth is, it normally starts by trying to fit in at a party, you may have grown up in a home where heavy drinking was the norm, or you believe society when it says that drinking can help you deal with your problems. Know that just because your society or your environment is full of alcoholic temptations, it doesn't mean you have to fall for them. I know it's important to fit in and have friends, but if you have to drink to win some friends, they may not be the type of friends who care about who you really are. Trust me, I grew up around some adults who use to drink and like some of you know, it ain't pretty. Most of the time it can be really embarrassing. So if you know drinking really doesn't lead to anything positive, be the one in your family, school, or neighborhood to break the cycle.

Challenges

In the movie Batman Begins, it reintroduced Batman to the masses and filled in the gaps between the murder of his parents and explained why he donned a cape and bat mask. X-Men joined rare cinematic company as a movie so good, the sequel even improved on the original. And Spider-Man really delivered on the hype. It had all the action, laughs, stunts, and romance you wanted from a big-budget summer flick. The theme that ran throughout Spider-Man, “with great power, comes great responsibility,” generated the most discussion. And amazingly, those trying to make the most out of life have a similar responsibility. We can’t ignore the pain, despair, and conscious ignorance that surround us. Even though people may misunderstand, make fun of, or even reject our mission, Those with character must continue pursuing good and speaking truth (Bryan Belknap, Ministry & Media). One thing each of the superheroes have in common is, they all went through some sort of transformation to get their power. Consequently, you are no different than superheroes. Why, because all of you have gone through some sort of change in your own life. That’s why today’s reading is guiding you to answer this one question, “Do you have what it takes to be a Superhero?”

In order to answer this question, you have to fit in at least 3 categories. You have to have special powers, you have to have an enemy, and you have to be on a mission to help people. In reference to the first category, I suggest that some teens have discovered their power, but don’t want to use it. You would rather be a follower instead of a leader. Most teens have discovered their power, but use it the wrong way, like manipulating parents, boys, and girls. A lot of teens have power, but it’s buried under a whole lot of other stuff like generational curses, abuse, and laziness. Think about this young people, if Life gave you power to fight, it must have known you were going to come up against an enemy. In reference to category 2, I believe all of you have some sort of enemy. Some of you are fighting the enemy of low self-esteem and depression. Most of you are fighting the enemy of peer pressure and temptation. A lot of you are fighting the enemy of disobedience. You need to understand that if you continue in disobedience, it will cause you to do what you want to do and keep you from doing what you were born to do, which leads us to category 3. You have to be on a mission to help people. I believe teens want to do the right thing and help people from their problems, but the challenge you run into is some of you only want to help yourself, most of you act like you only want to help the people you like, and a lot of you haven’t realized that in order to help others, you first have to be healed yourself.

As you begin the year, I want all of you to realize that you have what it takes to be a superhero. But you have to continue to learn from the positive role models. We also want you to remember that you don’t have to use your power all the time. Life will let you know when to use it. The key is to remember that, just like your positive role model, you too have the power and what it takes, to be a superhero.

Disappointments

A lot of smart people have done studies and research on the effects of disappointments like divorce on children, identifying a wide range of results and responses, both immediate and long-term (Josh McDowell Handbook). Some mental health professionals believe that a divorce is more hurtful at some ages than at others, there is certainly no good time for a young person to deal with the divorce of his or her parents. We know some of you believe it ain’t no big deal, I can handle it, it won’t affect me. But the truth is, you respond to divorce in a lot of different ways. Most of these ways include denial, shame or embarrassment, blame or guilt, anger, fear, relief, insecurity and low self-esteem, grief, depression, alienation and loneliness. Some students even have effects that lead to academic problems, behavioral problems, sexual activity, suicidal threats, and maybe some other affects not listed. Just know that it’s normal to go through some of these feelings and situations when your parents are getting or got a divorce. I have personal experience with this subject, so I know how you feel or will be feeling. One thing I can share with you is it will be alright and you will get through it. Every type of disappointment makes you stronger and prepares you for your next challenge.

A lot of students ask me what does Life really say about divorce? Well, Life doesn’t really promote divorce and is pro-marriage. But, check this out. Life loves us so much, it gives all of us free will and that means we can do what we want to. And yes, doing what we want can still hurt other people in the process. There’s a lot of positive ways you can deal with disappointments like divorce, but here’s two good ones from Josh McDowell. First, find a positive, good friend or adult who will take time with you so you can talk about how you feel and what you think about the disappointment. Second, keep talking to that positive, good friend or adult, who will share with you the difference between things you can control and things you can’t control. Remember, life will never put more on you than you can handle. Even in your darkest times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope

In the movie, Fantastic Four, there is a scene where Dr. Doom fires a heat-seeking missile. Johnny leaps off the building, hoping he can fly and divert the deadly weapon. He falls through the air, finally bursting into flames and flying through the city with the missile hot on his trail. This part of the movie shows us that it wouldn’t really be hope without a frightening leap, would it? While it’s natural to collect all the facts, figures, and advice possible, it ultimately boils down to a leap into the unknown. A lot of times we need to jump willingly when it comes to hope in life because once we do, our conscious will ignite our lives with personal fire (Bryan Belkap, Ministry & Media).

Some of us tend to get in a condition where we need to do something to jump-start our hope and find the power to do something about our current problems. Young people, I want to give you three things that you can do that a woman with an issue of blood did that can help you in the future. First, you have to survey your situation. When you read her story, it says she suffered for 12 years and similarly a lot of you have suffered in life and tried to invest in things you thought could solve the problem. Based on those bad investments, some of us are physically drained because we waste too much energy on nothing. A lot of us are emotionally bankrupt because we depend too much on others and end up getting our feelings hurt. Most of us are spiritually broke because during the process of trying to get better, we starve our spirit and feed our flesh.

Like the woman with the issue of blood, we can’t afford to waste anymore time. The second thing you need to do is seize the opportunity. But unfortunately we fall short sometimes because some of us complain too much when it comes to challenges. A lot of us wait too long when it comes to doing something about our problems. Then, most of us give up too soon when it comes to waiting on Life. Like the woman with the issue of blood, you have to say enough is enough.

The third and final thing you need to do is set-up a strategy for success. You have to say it to yourself, for yourself. You can’t say it to impress people. Next, you have to go after it for yourself. You can’t wait for your friends to be successful in things that require faith. Finally, you have to realize that you’re already healed, if you have hope in Life. But like a famous person from a popular book said, “Hope without works is dead,” so you have to do something with your hope. Remember that the power is within you, only when you seek Life. So, stop investing in name brand clothes, unhealthy music, and dead relationships to solve your problems. Start investing in Life if you want real healing power.

Materialism

There are a lot of students who are mistakenly in a hurry to die. Some even speed up the process by trying to get rich the wrong way, along the way. If you took a survey of most people who are in jail or those that have died before their time, they will probably tell you two things. They ended up that way because of the disease materialism or angerism. These diseases are becoming the largest reasons for death among young people today; more than anything other disease in history. Why is this happening? Let’s break down the disease materialism.

This disease can be traced back to ancient times and was not originated by someone’s favorite secular artist. Materialism is wanting things so bad, that it doesn’t matter what you do to get it, or how much it cost to get it. Materialism comes in several different forms, but the most common ones are money, clothes, jewelry, homes, or cars. Most people chase wealth because they believe the results of materialism are power and fame. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being provided with the finer things in life. The question is, are you willing to sacrifice your life, even if it means death, to satisfy the desire of materialism. It is said that, an obsession with getting wealth is a self-feeding fire (Good News Gateway Commentary).

Dying while trying to get rich consumes not only your time and energy, but it also consumes your values. What’s the proof? Ask yourself this question? How many different artists are thrown in your face, either through radio or video, that always talk about getting money, the process it takes to get money, and what they’ve done after they got the money. If you really look at what’s happening, these people aren’t rich because they did something to get money; they got rich because someone spent their money on them for talking about the love of money, sex, and violence. So, if the public stops giving them their money, they would have to figure out another way to get rich or do positive songs. Young people, you have to realize that dying to get rich makes you put false hope in the world’s meaning of power and security. That’s why it’s said that, “you cannot serve both Life any money”. Even if you try to fake it, your real reason for dying to get rich will come from your heart. A famous book clearly says that, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in places, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Even on the best of days, those claiming to be ballers who value this world’s wealth, are still limited and can’t save their soul.

Music

Some students would say the type of music you listen to does not affect your attitude, your way of thinking, or your behavior. Most of us don’t take the time to listen to the lyrics to find out what the artist is really saying about certain issues. Therefore, music that highlights sex, crime, and violence is pumped inside of you on a daily basis. So if this is what you’re listening to everyday, don’t you know that this will eventually have some type of affect on you? The more you listen to certain types of music, the more you began to take on those types of feelings and attitudes. The more you see how certain artists dress, the more you want to dress like them and you begin to lose your own individuality. The end results are in your speech, appearance, and attitude about you and life. You begin to change and not even realize that you have been changed. Some of you may still say that I can listen to whatever I want to and it won’t affect me. Peep this. Think about how many times you walked around the house after you heard a certain song 5 hours ago and found yourself playing that song over and over in your mind. Does that surprise you? What about this. You’re listening to the radio- edited version of a song and find yourself accidentally repeating some of the curse words from the song. Answer this question? Why would you listen to music that degrades women, if you’re trying to be a woman? Why would you listen to music that tells you the negative things a man does, if you’re trying to grow up and be a real man? Why would you listen to music that talks about sex, if you’re trying to abstain and maintain your virginity? Why would you listen to music that talks about drugs and money, if the love of these things always lead to the destruction of most families?

Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting in your minds through music, videos, television, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read positive things that will help you reach your goals. Ask a positive role model to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done. It’s not enough to hear or read positive things, or even to know it well, we must also put it into practice. How easy it is to listen to the beat of the music and forget about what the lyrics say. Don’t be fooled, music and videos do affect your conscious. Start today, by replacing the negative music you listen to with positive music and words. Remember, exposure to positive things in life is not enough. It must lead to a positive change in your life.

Parents

The challenge of parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Think about it, you didn’t come with an owner’s manual or operating guide. As a soon to be Father, I don’t have whole lot of experience in this area yet, but thank goodness for people like Josh McDowell who gives us plenty of information to think about. Think about this, when your parents were your age, things were a little different. Your grandparents tried to raise your parents the best way they knew how to raise them. No matter what’s going on in life, your parents are trying to do the best that they can with the little time that they have with you under their roof. Regardless of how they try to prepare you, they’re really just trying to make sure you’re prepared to deal with life on your own. What you have to remember is just like you, adults grow into being good parents; it’s not something that happens overnight. And you have to admit, there is a tough line for your parents to walk and manage. For example, overprotective parents may be seen as parents who will not let the young person out of their site except for school and perhaps church, screen and monitor every one of your phone calls, show a determination to protect you from all harm, or show difficulty trusting you all the time. And then there’s the perception of an inattentive parent, who may be seen as a parent who has circumstances that lead to neglect or inattention; inability to deal with more than one sibling, challenged by a lack of education; or someone who didn’t have a proper role model for developing effective parenting skills. Either way, Life provided you with your parents for a reason and a positive role mode is the one you should ask to give you guidance and wisdom to understand what your parents are trying to teach you.

It always amazes me when a student gets into trouble, they’re so quick to go to everyone else for help, except their parents. Regardless of the problem, the only one who can really help you is the one who really knows you – your parent. Even if you didn’t go to them at first, you still have to go to them eventually. The bottom line is no one can love you more than your parents, except the person who gave you your parents - grandparents. Basically, what we’re saying is, if your relationship with your parents is strained, do something about it. First, develop a relationship with someone positive, if you already share with someone positive, get into a deeper relationship with them, so they can guide you and give you wisdom. Next, turn to someone positive in confidence and rely on them for whatever you lack. Next, remember what positive books say about honoring your mother and father and use your great skills to find ways to really honor them. Next, ask a positive role model to help you open a respectful, non-threatening dialogue. One way to do this is Ron Hutchcraft’s method of writing a letter. It may sound corny, but how do you know it won’t work until you try it. The last thing is one of the biggest things you can do: always find ways to prove you can be trusted. This is really the same thing you should be doing with in Life. Why, because the closer you get to Life and live a positive lifestyle, the better your relationships get with other people. But, the society doesn’t want you to do this. Society would rather see you fussing and cussing with your parents and trick you into leaving the house before your time. Don’t let society keep using this played out trick against you. Get smart and let Life help you develop a closer relationship with your parents. If you already got that type of relationship, keep doing what you’re doing and help your friends with their parent/teen relationship.

Relationships

According to the Barna Research Group, only 23 percent of the post baby boom generation claim to stay away from sex before marriage (Josh McDowell Handbook). A New York Times report stated that some studies show 75% of boys and girls have had sex their teenage years and 15% have had four or more partners (Creative Dating). Sexual activity among some faith-based students ain’t great either. By age eighteen, 27% have experienced intercourse and 55% have engaged in fondling. Basically, society is tricking students into thinking there’s nothing wrong with sex before marriage. How can the smartest, younger generation ever, keep falling into this trap? Some of the causes of premarital sex are educational and societal messages, low level of faith-based commitment, family structure, poor sex education at home, relational needs, early dating, peer pressure, and alcohol and drugs (Josh McDowell Handbook).

Now here’s what people forget to tell you about premarital sex. It leads to emotional distress, broken relationships, self-hatred, sexual addiction, and spiritual bondage. Don’t get us wrong, Life is about pro-sex, but only in a marriage can it be healthy. This is the only time it’s really enjoyable and beautiful. Think about it, if you keep falling for the set up, before marriage, all you’re really doing is giving away your best gift, to people who don’t deserve it. Then, when you really meet the person Life has in store for you, you can’t give your husband/wife the perfect present because it was already opened before Christmas! That’s also why it’s OK to be a second time virgin and recommit yourself until that special someone comes along. Josh McDowell has come up with some ways to prepare you for the set up. The seven steps are: Rely on Life, not Society, Set standards beforehand, Make definite plans, Date only those who have the same convictions, Avoid being alone, and Consider taking a dating break. They used to say, ain’t nothing wrong with a little bump and grind, but keep it up, and you find yourself doing physical and mental time. Stop falling for the set up. Wake up and Wise up. Commercials about wrap it up just leads to a set up. We don't want you to be another statistic.

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