I watched the movie "Precious" the other night. As you probably know the movie is about a teen girl growing up in New York city. Her entire life has been characterized by physical, verbal and emotional abuse.
Now before you rush out and watch the movie please be aware that there are disturbing scenes of physical and sexual abuse. There's nothing erotic about the scenes but to be honest it was difficult for me to watch.
As in every movie there were points in the movie I shed a tear or two but "Precious" has impacted me in a more profound way than other movies. For 3 days I haven't been able to get "Precious" off my mind.
I've been wondering, are there students I come in contact with that are in similar situations? Sure it may not be as extreme, but isn't there a good chance that if you are like me and work with students, every week we are making eye contact with students who have been neglected and abused?
1 in 3 girls and 1 and 7 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. This means it's very likely that students we are brushing up against every day have experienced abuse. That statistic doesn't even cover other physical and emotional abuse.
So here's what I've been asking myself. How do I see students? Do I simply look at the exterior? What are they wearing? How are they behaving? Or do I take the time to look beneath the surface?
When we come across a student that is difficult to handle and perhaps not that much fun to be around there's a chance there just acting in a way that makes sense. When we encounter a student who seems to have extreme anger issues maybe they're angry because they should be.
You never know, we may be the only source of hope a student has. As youth workers, we could be the first person who has ever really shown a student compassion. That's a really big deal.
So, tonight or this weekend when you're around students, and THAT kid is there, take some time to look beneath the surface. Let's remember that Jesus is in the business of making all things new and even in the toughest situations he can bring restoration. Jesus loved the unlovely, let's keep doing that but even more.
I haven't seen "Precious" before. I'm aware that some of the students in our lives don't have 'nice' or 'pleasant' home lives and that we are their safe place. I think it's sad but that's the way it is in this broken world we live in. That's why I thank God that he loved us so much that he sent his only son to save us and to make all things new. I particularly like that "make all things new" part. . . it's nice to know that we aren't 'ex-(insert label here)' but that we are instead new creations in Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity to be the love of Christ in their lives.
ReplyDeleteLove this post and your heart, dude. Thank you for writing this.
ReplyDeleteDude, I am still processing that movie. I'm thinking about having a leaders movie night where we watch the movie and then discuss.
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard for me to watch. Last night I met with a gal who is an abuse victim. There all around us. The challenge is building the relationship where kids can trust us enough to confide. That takes a ton of time.
ReplyDeleteHey Adam thanks AND I love your heart will.
I read the book and have absolutely no desire to watch the movie. As a victim of sexual abuse myself, it is a good reminder of the present day realities of our students.
ReplyDeleteAnd even though my kids are white middle class, the statistics don't care. It is a very present reality. Great post man.
Thanks so much ken. Sorry about the abuse. I know that stuff goes with you for the rest of your life. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAs an abused child, thank you for this article. Also, thank you for the reminder that there are the bruised souls in our midst. I so much longed to know forgiveness and to have relief from the deep shame when I was in high school. I pray that this article helps to prompt healing for wounded hearts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. You're another reminder that students like you are all around us. We need to keep our eyes peeled.
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