Wake Up Call

From Mark Yaconelli (yes...Mike's son) in his book "Contemplative Youth Ministry" (forward by Anne Lamott--how cool is that? If I ever write a book, I want a forward by her or Donald Miller):

"Sadly, most adults are unable to see the truth--that drug use and sexual promiscuity among youth have continually decreased over the past 20 years. So much so that Bill Strauss, co-author with Neil Howe of Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation claims, 'Never before has there been a generation that is less violent, less vulgar, less sexually charged than the culture being offered them.' We fail to recognize it's the adult culture that's far more 'at-risk' than the youth culture. Strauss claims, 'We need a youth committee on adult drug abuse, not the other way around.' But many of us believe the story the media and culture tell us about youth. We don't take the time to get to know our youth as they really are. Instead, we view them through the media lens. We see them not as children, or even as people; we see them as a dangerous tribe, a marauding cluster of 'at-risk' statistics evoking fear and aprehension."

Another, this time on the reality that adults really just want a safe place for their kids and want them to have good morals, rather than truly following Christ:

"Sometimes it's difficult for us to admit that Jesus came to offer us another way of life--one that involves more than being good citizens, obeying the law, recycling your garbage and attending church on Sunday. Although many adults try to ignore Jesus' life of passionate freedom and relationship, youth are drawn to it."

*laughing to himself, knowing that these two grenades should explode about the time the patrons arrive.*

*brews coffee*

*waits with anticipation*