This morning, I was reading an excerpt from the Spring, 2005 issue of Reclaiming Children and Youth (I strongly urge you to order a subscription of the INCREDIBLE journal). I came across an article entitled, "Helping Youth Overcome Trauma" by Jamie C. Chambers. There was a brilliant quote I wanted to share from this article that ties beautifully to our mission in The Salvation Army - and specifically Project 1:17:
"Youth who live in virtual war zones extend emotional antennae, build behavior shelters, and dig mental trenches to protect themselves. This often means disowning parts of themselves that have been under attack. They struggle to cope and survive within the narrow parameters of rigid roles and rituals. Under these conditions, they are like roses who fail to thrive and never blossom. I believe failure to thrive is evidence of a spirit held captive. Soon, like the rose, the spirit withers and is doomed to create, express, choose, or transcend in a crooked fashion.
"Healing requires shedding layers of protective clothing contaminated by the stench of the murky fog. The human heart begins to beat as the soul is freed to create, express, choose or transcend in ways that are helpful, useful, and less symptomatic. Consquently, there is a gentle recognition of self and of a higher being able to restore meaning to life" (Chambers, p.20).
My prayer is that as youthworkers, we will remain resolute in our callings to help bring freedom to captive youth (Isaiah 1:17).
Steve
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