Forged in Fire

I taught and coached in the public school system for the first three years of my career. Fresh out of college, I threw myself headfirst into the development of our nation’s youth. Now on the other side of this experience, with plenty of great memories and lessons learned, I have a completely re-shaped perspective of the children of this world.

We hear it all the time – a phrase that goes a little something like “the future doesn’t look so bright” or “these kids don’t stand a chance.” 

Believe it or not, these are real statements – some of which I’m sure have run through my own mind a time or two. 

In some ways, they hold some validity. Today’s children seem quite removed from those of years and decades past. The decrease in social cues, attention span, and respect for elders. The increase in metabolic health issues, attention-deficit disorders, and drug addiction. All of this is grossly apparent for anyone paying attention. Things are, at the very least, different.

This is true. They are different. But – so too are their surroundings, and the things that are made readily available to them.

The absurd amount of technological intake.

The poisoned and ultra-processed food they eat.

The rigid academic expectations placed upon them.

The absence of true leadership in their lives.

The ultimate confusion that comes from it all – this is the true crisis at hand.

Our world has turned against the best interest of our children, this much I’m absolutely certain of. So, how do we course correct?

Guidance.

These young minds are troubled by so many things. Most of which being the noise around them on a daily basis. The absurdity they see in their schools, on social media, and even at home.

The constant fighting, physical and verbal alike. The rampant uptick in social pressures centered around substance abuse. The disregard for accountability. The “to hell with it” mentality that has taken over those around them. It’s too much, and they know it.

They recognize the negativity that surrounds them, but feel hopeless. Who do they turn to? How do they rise above the crippling tide of nonsense? These are real questions, with only one viable answer: the aforementioned guidance they deserve.

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Brace yourself for a quick, but powerful story that reinforces all of what I just said.

Just a few weeks ago, I was having lunch with someone I consider to be a good friend and the father of one of my former athletes. 

As we were getting caught up on current life-events, the idea of a youth bible study/discipleship group was brought to the surface. Being something that I’ve had in mind for several months, he wanted to express that his son and at least one other teammate would most certainly have interest if I were to kickstart such a group. 

Immediately after lunch, I sent the following message to two of them:

“I’ve been putting some thought into starting up a Bible study for some younger guys. Wanted to put a bug in your ear about it. Figured you’d maybe have some interest? Maybe know of some others that would be interested + take it seriously? 

I don’t have much for details but it’s something I’ve wanted to get rolling. Something like one night per week. Let me know what you think.”

From there, I put it in their hands to gauge interest from others around them. 

I didn’t know what to expect, but let them loose nonetheless.

Less than 24-hours later, I get this message back in response:

“There are nine of us. But six of them don’t own a bible.”

Truth be told, I was in awe. 

In such a short amount of time, these young guys took it upon themselves to recruit their peers to something with no real parameters – just a core-concept of faith and fellowship.

And so, thanks to a generous donor to Forged in Fire, we purchased a batch of bibles for those who needed one. 

That following Sunday, we held our first meeting. 

The next week, nine became eleven.

This week, eleven became twelve.

A movement is underway, spear-headed by a group of young men eager to chase their faith, and to seek something greater than what they are so constantly surrounded by.

Completely on their own terms, some of which for the very first time, they are committing to climbing out of the pits they find themselves in. They know right from wrong. They see the evil and they long to become the good.

How awesome is that? 

Despite all of the misconceptions about the state of our children today, let this serve as a tangible example of the goodness they are so desperately hoping to bring to the table. 

Maybe it’s not the kids, huh? Maybe it’s us. Perhaps it’s we who aren’t holding up our end of the bargain. Perhaps we’ve created this mess? 

Take this scenario, and run with it. Go be a leader – a real one. Offer guidance, meet them where they are, and lend a helping hand. Be the example they need, and they’ll follow. Guaranteed.

Forge on.

Audio version of this blog post:

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