Hard and Healing

Last night LS YL hosted a hard and healing convo.  With two recent deaths in our community we felt led to host a place where we could have experts or experienced come share.  I will say that it was better than I expected.  Parents, student leaders, adults, and teachers came and dialed in.

I walked away reminded that being a teen is hard.  That they are often expected to be an adult and make adult decisions but their brain isn't fully developed and they are impulsive at times and overwhelmed.  I was reminded depression is real and not a thing kids can just "snap" out of.  I heard how important it is to be there for our teens.  To create a culture where hard convos are the norm.  A place where they belong and feel heard and valued.  Listen not dismiss their emotions and help them sort thru those often new feelings.

I know that teens need more that just caring parents they need caring adults... 5 is ideal!  That in order to make it thru these tough years students need 5 caring adults to be in their corner.  YL wants to be one of those!  We want to support parents and be team players.

My son Otto is three.  He said something profound a month or two ago.

He said, "Mom, look at the moon."  "It is so full of light."  "I know who lights up the moon."

I asked, "Who does buddy?"

Otto replied, "God does and I bet HE has so much fun lighting up things that are dark."

Otto gets it.  God does love lighting up things that are dark.  The light wins.  We want to be a part of the light.  Last night was a shining light moment.  Light won.  Healing won.  Hope won.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  John 1:5

Thank you to my friend Brad Edgar (now YL staff for Blue Springs) and licensed counselor for speaking truth and hope.  Thank you to Rick Mumford (KC YL Metro Director) for being a part of the panel and speaking life.  Thank you Jonathan Kindler (former YL kid, now licensed counselor in LS for speaking wisdom and heart.

I want to point you to resources!  I know that we need two things often in life:  1.  Jesus  2.  Counseling.  I would highly recommend Jonathan Kindler if you or your teen is struggling with depression/ anxiety / or just need a listening loving ear.

Jonathan Kindler- 816-892-0902
Serenity Life Resource Center
521 SE 2nd St. Suite C
LS MO 64063
kindlercounseling@gmail.com

Lotz Therapy
816-581-3737

Peace Partnership and Wellspring Ministries
816-886-0195
www.peacecounseling.org

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)