Just finished the Colfax Half Marathon.
As I sat in my office (one of many coffee shops around the Denver Area) I overheard a young man talking to a girl about how he doesn’t like looking at “that stuff” because it degrades women. (I usually have my headphones in but had just taken them out to take a phone call…I’m usually not the creep that listens into people’s conversations – at least I try not too!) I was shocked, most of the conversations I have with young people I work with on the inside; I’m trying to get them to treat women with respect in words, actions, and with their thoughts!
I recently came home from being out on the streets of Denver and inside a juvenile detention center and heard the laughter of my kids in the backyard. I thought to myself how “odd” this is. I “get” to come home to a family, two parents who love each other, my children who know that nothing will take away their parent’s love or more so, nothing will take away their Heavenly Father’s love! They are supported, not manipulated or abused. They are taken care of (hey, Raman is an acceptable meal…every once in a while) being fed, a place to sleep, and protected. (I had walked into a “home” earlier that day of one of the other young men I mentor and he doesn’t have a bed to sleep on.)
I know, I know you are thinking how is this culture shock, you are thinking of third world countries and the lack of clean water, hunger, and homelessness. But on this day, I reflected about how different of an environment my children are being raised in compared to the youth I work with on the inside and outside youth detention facilites. Most of the youth I work with have less than 10 developmental assets which leads to so much more unstable living. So…count your blessings today, realize that you are loved by a Heavenly Father, you are cared for and He will never give up on you. If you want to be a part of this mission to bring hope and healing to these young people, give me a shout!
_perspectiveofachaplain 