"You are beautiful. You are loved."

 

These are the words that I have spoken over my friends so much these past months, as I am struck by how little they feel loved and beautiful. Words I’ve spoken when they’ve tried to back down when they are called to step up. Words I've spoken when they felt empty due to their lack of romantic relationships and being overwhelmed by loneliness. Words I've spoken after they've been broken by boys who made them doubt their worth. Words I’ve spoken over my male friends. Words I’ve spoken over my female friends.

 

Our generation has no idea of their worth

 

This so-called ‘snowflake’ generation has been broken by the world around it. Social media has led to a daily feeling of being less than. The internet, tinder, and easy access porn has completely changed the way we view relationships and our 'connected generation' is really not that connected. Behind the smiling instagrams, and the documented, ‘great life,’ Is a generation crying out to be seen for who they really are. A generation crying out to be told who they really are. A generation in need of family. In need of hope.

As churches, we need to rise and meet this generation. My generation. We always talk about showing Gods love and we’re so quick to tell people that God loves them, but if we follow the teachings of Jesus, we need to love as he loved. We need to be broken for this generation. We need to tell this generation that we love them, with our words as much as our actions.

“Above all love each other deeply”- 1 Peter 4:8

So take the time this week to tell a student that you love them. Remind them that they are valued. And for all the students who may be reading this;

You are loved. You are beautiful.

From one member of this generation to the other.