(Photo by Selma Komisky)

Why Tweens Can Make a Difference

By Roselyn Barrios

Hi everyone, I hope you are all having a great summer so far. Today we are going to start off with a very important verse. 

 “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”

– 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

 What does this mean to you? To me, I think of it as a wake up call to any teens. The reason why I feel this way is because there are teens out there who are insecure about themselves because of the way people look at them or just because the teen is at a very young age. We shouldn’t be judged like that; if a teen wants to do something that can benefit themselves, they should be able to do it.

The words people say to me that I’m not very fond of are, “You’re too young, you can’t do that.” Or, “You can’t come, you’re too young.” Teens can do so many things as well as 18+ year-olds. I’m not saying for teens to go do drugs and stuff their parents wouldn’t approve of, but we should be given a chance. Also, non-teenagers should lift up teens who feel as though they can’t do something they want to do.

For example, a teen is on a sports team and wants to change positions, but feels as though the position they want is for an older kid. Either their friend of the same age or an older person should bring up that girl or boy to their coach and ask about it because they might actually be good at that position which could benefit that team.

One other thing to remember is that we can look up to God because He is always there especially for us younger ones. As we get older, we will need Him a little bit more because we go through so much changes, like changing schools, changing physically, and also making changes mentally when it comes to what we think of ourselves.

The love that He gives us can help us through many of our problems, so we must stay faithful and committed to God. You might be wondering, “Why is it important that teens make a difference?” My answer to that question is that we may be looking up to adults in our lives, but there may be adults who might even look up to us… even if we’re shorter… you know what I mean? By our actions and the way we present ourselves, we can make a difference. How can we do that? We could become more active at church, talk to people about God and how He is a part of our lives, and overall be an example as if someone is always watching us – which is true.

God is always up there watching you.

Well, I pray that you all have a great summer and hopefully no problems that may cause you to feel any sort of sadness. I love you all and may God bless you.