Americans are watching crime and violence on our streets, with teens and young adults looting stores, rioting, hitting strangers, and killing innocent people. It is sad to see and tragic for everyone who doesn’t feel safe in today’s cities.
Yes, we need more police and consequences for criminal behavior, but that will not solve the problem. The real problem is that young people will have criminal behavior on their conscience. They may try to ignore who they are becoming by escaping into alcohol or drugs. Many of today’s youth never learned how to love themselves or care about others. It takes family love and support to empower children, but they also need a spiritual understanding of themselves.
Many teens are told they are victims of society, and they blame others for their problems. The blame game allows them to shut down their God-given conscience, steal from others, or hurt innocent victims.
Children growing up with abuse and neglect never heard about the power of God, who teaches us to love one another. When we remove God from our homes and schools, those hurting children do not know where to turn when life gets tough. Then, anger can turn into bullying, violence, and even murder.
God is America’s savior! We all have the freedom of choice to have faith or not. Parents, how do you want your children to spend their lives? Will your children have the emotional tools to be successful or go the opposite way?
A tragic example of going the opposite path is from a former homeless man. I met Butch at a Rescue Mission, who had been a drug addict for 40 years. He stated during our interview, “I forgot how to love!” That statement made a big impression. You be the judge. (Video below.)
Over half a million homeless people and drug addicts are on our streets! Will misguided young people join the lost generation? That will not be answered with more money or politicians. It will be up to Americans to pray for help, reach out to strengthen family support, and work with neighbors to build trust and reduce social isolation. Crime and juvenile violence will decrease, and neighbors will not feel the need to buy a gun for protection.
Prayer can help stop violence in our homes and neighborhoods. As a free nation, we are meant to help each other to live happy, healthy lives together. That decision will be up to the American people! You decide.
Note: The church is growing in American Public Schools. Check out www.lifewise.org
