Hi there NasieInspirasie Readers!
This month NasieInspirasie interviewed two Teenagers; kind enough to share their hearts and thoughts during this busy time with their end year exams!
Now I don't know if you remember what it was like being a teenager...sometimes misunderstood not only by those you were surrounded with, but also soaking in the season of discovering and understanding who you were!
So Here Goes!
UMYA CROUKAMP
Q1: What would you say are the challenges teenagers face today? (Christian and non-christian teenagers - all teenagers)
"I personally think some of the biggest challenges a teenager faces is getting mixed up with the wrong friends that have a bad influence on you. This can lead you to dangerous activities for example the use of drugs and alcohol...maybe having a boyfriend and not acting your age in the relationship. Also the pressures of trying to fit in and trying to be popular."
Q2: How do you as a christian teenager cope or counter-act these challenges?
"I found that you should just be yourself and not try to be like ''them'' because that is when you will get mixed up with all that stuff..., just be yourself . To have a vision for my life and plans for when I am finished with school. A plan for a successful life. I have a relationship with GOD and spend time talking to Him and have faith in Him."
Q3: What are your thoughts on parents; what would you like parents of teenagers to know, things that they as parents are missing or not giving enough attention to? (Where teenagers might be slipping through the cracks?)
"Parents are very important, but they have to realize that they are our parents and not our friends...they should respect that. One must be able to tell them anything and I think parents should be sensitive to the things that might embarrass their teenager with regards to emotional and personal stuff."
Q4: The bible says that the word of God is like a mirror and the more we look at God the more like Him we become...in a culture where teenagers are very focused on outside appearance and popularity
What Bible verse do you value most about God's Love for you?
Zephaniah 3:17
"Your GOD is present among you, a strong warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back ,he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.."
Q5: What uplifting message would you give to christian teenagers all over the world, facing the same things that you are facing on a daily basis?
"I would say just keep your focus on GOD and don't listen to the lies the devil tells you. Don't be embarrassed to talk to your friends about GOD...if they laugh at you it means they aren't the right friends"
THARINA OPPERMAN
Q1: What would you say are the challenges teenagers face today? (Christian and non-christian teenagers - all teenagers)
"Group pressure. It is difficult to be unique and do things different than the norm.
Mostly teenagers pretend to be something else and you can get hurt by choosing the wrong friends.
You are judged by how you look/ outward appearance and teenagers usually do not go through the trouble to get to know you for who you are."
Q2: How do you as a christian teenager cope or counter-act these challenges?
"By being assertive and not allowing other people’s opinions to affect you. It is very important to still stay in line with God’s word. I usually ask God to reveal potential friend's hearts and character before I choose friends.
It is more important to me to take what God says and thinks about me, than what other people say and think."
Q3: What are your thoughts on parents; what would you like parents of teenagers to know, things that they as parents are missing or not giving enough attention to? (Where teenagers might be slipping through the cracks?)
"I feel that parents need to be more supportive towards their teenagers. And be more aware of the challenges teenagers go through and be more patient and understanding with teenagers."
Q4: The bible says that the word of God is like a mirror and the more we look at God the more like Him we become...in a culture where teenagers are very focused on outside appearance and popularity
What Bible verse do you value most about God's Love for you?
"The verse that means the most to me is Numbers 6:24-26 it expresses God love towards me so clearly: “The Lord bless you and Keep you; The Lord makes His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”
Q5: What uplifting message would you give to christian teenagers all over the world, facing the same things that you are facing on a daily basis?
"It’s sometimes hard to stay positive but if you focus on God and believe He has a plan for your life you can conquer the impossible"
Thank you girls for sharing a bit about yourselves and the way you see things!
God bless you and keep you!
"...I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (Jeremiah 29:10-11 MSG)
Much Love,
iskra
Opmerkings
Plaas 'n opmerking