This past weekend, I read a heartbreaking article about a new trend among teens. I felt led to share this discovery with you all in hopes of supporting and caring for students and each other. I asked my good friend Michael Wiltshire, to do some research on the trend and compose a loving challenge to us all. I pray that we will all be called to Christ-like action.
Michael's Response:
The trend that we are referring to is a developing YouTube phenomenon where adolescents are posting videos asking the question, “Am I ugly?” The teens then open the comments section up for people all over the world to post their judgment on the teen’s appearance. Some of the comments are supportive. Many of them are horribly crafted to inflict painful judgment on the young girl or boy. Here is one of those videos:
Lysa TerKeurst, an author and blogger for Proverbs 31 Ministries gets to the heart of this trend when she writes, “I could have been one of these questioning girls. I remember what it was like to feel different. Unaccepted. Not pretty. Desperate for someone to validate me. Craving acceptance from friends and attention from boys. Because that’s what I thought would fix me.”
Lysa rightly points out that these teens are not merely curious about their appearance: they are desperate for validation, affirmation, and unconditional love. We believe in engaging culture in meaningful ways and we will certainly do our best to communicate the love and acceptance God has for each and every student. Our hope and joy would be that because of this post, you will be emotionally moved to action. If you're a parent, please take time to watch this video and know that there are countless like it (from both genders). More importantly, take time today to tell your children how beautiful and special they are to you. And how much joy they bring you every day! Don’t just assume they know that—tell them regularly! If you're a teacher, be on the look out(as I know most of you already are) for students who may just need an extra cheerful, 'hello!' or 'how are you today?' If you're a student, be bold and mention to your friends how important it is for you to encourage each other and not bully. Let’s work together to develop students(and adults) who are confident in themselves and in their Father God! Let’s work daily to show them that they are loved. No matter what.
Thank you, so much, for your love, compassion, and action.
If you have any thoughts you would like to share or other resources that may be helpful please share them in the comments section below. Let's equip and encourage each other.
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