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Bible Questions and Spiritual Discussion
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| Help with helping my youth group | | i have a student who is having family struggles with communication and valuing one another. this is being reflected in my student who doesn't see her value in being who she is. she wants to have a sex change. she has gone quite a way in this thinking and is seeking councling on this subject. she has asked on of our youth workers to help her get chest binders. we are not equipt to deal with this issue as it stands now. we need advice from a Christian/Biblical perspective
| | Chris Latta 07/09/2010 10:16 | |
Hello Chris, My what a complex situation. When you say youth do you mean teenager or young adult. I turned 60 this year so youth could mean someone in their 30's. I am sonly asking because the age group would impact my response. You said she was seeking counseling! Is this a christian counselor? Are this young lady's parents' involved with this situation?? I probably need a little more info. However I will say this regarding your comment that you didn't feel equipped to deal with this issue. I have found that it was at times when I felt so unequipped that I relied so much more on the Great equipper and He guided me through and gave me insight and wisdom. I am praying and will continue to pray for God's wisdom for you and those involved in this dear young lady's life.
| just lots and lots and lots of compassionate dialogue. Lots of questions that help her sort through her desires. When did she first begin pondering this idea? Did some event provoke it? what specific changes in her life is she expecting a sex change will compell? Is there another way to make those changes? what does she find unsatisfactory about being a woman? If she thinks she is supposed to be a man sometimes it is because her closest feelings of intimacy have been with other girls, then again some of these kids have a deep feeling of being born into the wrong the body somehow.... which you can imagine the sense of betrayal these people feel being expected to live their whole lives as something they deeply know they are not. So it comes full circle into where we all have to go... no matter what our issues... we have to learn to TRUST and lay down ourselves and walk out what He has given us. This is a hard word to anyone, let alone a youngster. Cover her with prayer. Keep listening. Keep listening. Keep listening.
| I like that Kelley Keep listenting, keep listenting keep listening. So often as adults we tend to think we know how kids are feeling and disregard or minimize what they're saying, thinking and feeling. Oh, what an awesome listener our Father is!!!!!!!
| joyce,
the young lady is a junior in high school. she has been thinking about this for a few years. i think it a group think thing as she is a Japanese animie group. this sort of anamie tends to feature androgynous characters. the councilor is not Christian and neither is her family though she has expressed interest in following Christ herself (which is encouraging) we don't want to just be another adult that tells her "don't do it". we want to listen to her and really help her sort out her feelings and make a Godly choice. thank you all for your feedback. we will continue to pray for her and rely on God's strength and wisdom
| Thanks Chris for the clarification. As I was reading your response I couldn't help but think how incredibly awesome it it that God has brought this girl into the path of believers. I don't believe this is any coincidence but rather an opportunity for her to be exposed to God's word. You are right she doesn't need to hear any shaming statements but I'm sure she would be attracted to feeling love care and concern from God's people. I would probably approach her identity issues as a non issue and just love her and gently give her God's word as it pertains to unconditional love. It is God's love that can help this little young lady right now. Gosh I will so be praying for her and I know that others here at DAB will join in. Much love and strength Hugs.
| Oh and of course for devine intervention for her parents. Sorry I was trying to rush through--I so often time out when I'm posting--and didn't want that to happen again. Please keep us posted. Hugs again
| I am praying God give you the wisdom to see the right thing at the right time. There is a tendency in our junior and high schools to allow and encourage this type of thinking, whether transgender or homosexual, its all ok. And as mentioned above, just saying no, translates into another adult voice sounds wah wah wah.
| i am a high school music teacher and i completely agree with what Timothy is saying. the schools encourage this sort of mindset, they want kids to explore all of these things. we don't want to just say "don't do it" we want her to explore what God thinks of this decision. we want to discern what God would have to say through the Scriptures. we want to empower her to do what is best for her. again thanks for everyone who is giving feedback on the forums. God bless you all.
| Chris, it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders spiritually, I'll bet you are a great youth leader. Trust what God gives you! :) Praying for you.
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