Empowering Our Youth: Addressing Trauma and Building Community

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of our youth and the challenges they face in our community. We began by expressing gratitude for the support and prayers from our church family, acknowledging the power of music and prayer in our lives. We then delved into a pressing concern: the dwindling number of young people in our congregation. This issue is not just about numbers but about the future of our church. We must come together as a village to guide and support our youth, ensuring they feel valued and understood.

We explored the concept of PTSD, not just in its traditional sense but also in the context of post-traumatic slave disorder and post-traumatic sin disorder. These forms of trauma have deep roots and long-lasting effects, influencing how our young people perceive themselves and their place in the world. We discussed the importance of recognizing these traumas and addressing them before they reach a boiling point, using the metaphor of a frog gradually being boiled to illustrate how unnoticed, gradual changes can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Our young people are dealing with unprecedented levels of stress and trauma, exacerbated by the rapid advancements in technology and the constant pressures of modern life. It's crucial for us to build genuine relationships with them, to watch, pray, and intervene when necessary. We must move beyond superficial interactions and truly understand the struggles they face.

We also touched on the importance of accountability, especially among our young men, and the need for healthy, respectful relationships. We must teach our youth to recognize their worth and not settle for less than they deserve. This involves holding each other accountable and providing support without judgment.

In conclusion, we issued a call to action for our church community to step up and actively engage with our youth. We must be vigilant, supportive, and proactive in addressing the traumas they face, ensuring they do not reach their boiling point. Our mission is to protect, guide, and build up our young people, preparing them for a future where they can thrive and lead.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Community Support: Our youth need a strong support system within the church. It takes a village to raise a child, and we must come together to guide and support our young people, ensuring they feel valued and understood. This collective effort is crucial for their growth and the future of our church. [04:23]

2. Recognizing and Addressing Trauma: Our young people are dealing with various forms of PTSD, including post-traumatic slave disorder and post-traumatic sin disorder. These traumas have deep roots and long-lasting effects. It's essential to recognize these issues and address them before they reach a boiling point, preventing long-term detrimental outcomes. [11:42]

3. Building Genuine Relationships: To effectively support our youth, we must build genuine relationships with them. This involves watching, praying, and intervening when necessary. Superficial interactions are not enough; we need to truly understand their struggles and provide meaningful support. [22:43]

4. Accountability and Respect in Relationships: It's crucial to teach our young people, especially young men, the importance of accountability and respect in relationships. They must recognize their worth and not settle for less than they deserve. This involves holding each other accountable and providing support without judgment. [34:35]

5. Call to Action for the Church Community: We issued a call to action for our church community to actively engage with our youth. We must be vigilant, supportive, and proactive in addressing the traumas they face, ensuring they do not reach their boiling point. Our mission is to protect, guide, and build up our young people, preparing them for a future where they can thrive and lead. [46:42]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Gratitude and Acknowledgements
[03:28] - Concern for Youth Attendance
[04:23] - The Village's Role in Raising Youth
[06:06] - Recognizing New Leaders
[07:59] - Opening Prayer
[09:02] - Introduction to the Topic
[10:02] - The Concept of PTSD
[11:42] - Post-Traumatic Slave Disorder
[12:55] - Social Learning Theory
[14:35] - Shared Trauma Across Generations
[15:27] - The Impact of Imagery
[17:53] - Post-Traumatic Sin Disorder
[19:11] - The Boiling Point Metaphor
[21:06] - The Frog Experiment
[22:43] - Relating to Young People
[24:03] - The Role of Technology
[24:56] - Keeping Up Appearances
[26:11] - Suffering in Silence
[27:37] - Personal Tragedies and Trauma
[29:39] - Real Issues in the Adventist Church
[30:51] - Watching and Praying
[31:50] - Advice for Young Sisters
[32:55] - Advice for Young Brothers
[34:35] - Accountability Among Young Men
[35:35] - The Impact of Social Media
[36:40] - Recognizing When to Get Out
[37:42] - Mental and Spiritual Health
[39:17] - Spiritual Abuse
[41:14] - The Need for Intervention
[42:22] - Preparing for Christ's Return
[43:28] - The Reality of Trauma
[45:02] - Addressing Uncomfortable Truths
[46:42] - Call to Action for the Church
[49:09] - The World Approaching Its Boiling Point
[50:22] - Protecting and Building the Youth
[52:29] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 118:24 (KJV): "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
2. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV): "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
3. Galatians 6:2 (KJV): "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

#### Observation Questions
1. What concern did the pastor express about the youth attendance in the church? ([03:28])
2. How did the pastor describe the role of the church community in supporting the youth? ([04:23])
3. What metaphor did the pastor use to explain the gradual impact of trauma on young people? ([19:11])
4. What are the two types of PTSD mentioned in the sermon, and how do they affect young people? ([11:42])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "post-traumatic slave disorder" relate to the historical and ongoing struggles faced by the youth in the community? ([11:42])
2. In what ways can the church community build genuine relationships with the youth to help them feel valued and understood? ([22:43])
3. How can the church hold young men accountable while also providing support without judgment? ([34:35])
4. What does it mean for the church to be proactive in addressing the traumas faced by young people, and how can this be practically implemented? ([46:42])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unsupported or misunderstood as a young person. How can you use that experience to better support the youth in our church today? ([04:23])
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma before it reaches a boiling point. What are some signs of trauma in young people that we should be vigilant about? ([19:11])
3. How can you personally contribute to building genuine relationships with the youth in our church? What steps will you take this week to start or strengthen these relationships? ([22:43])
4. Accountability and respect in relationships were highlighted as crucial for young men. How can you model these values in your interactions with the youth? ([34:35])
5. The pastor issued a call to action for the church community to engage with the youth actively. What specific actions can you take to be more involved in the lives of the young people in our church? ([46:42])
6. Think about the metaphor of the frog gradually being boiled. Are there areas in your life where you have been slowly adapting to negative changes without realizing it? How can you address these before reaching a "boiling point"? ([19:11])
7. How can we as a church create a more open and supportive environment where young people feel safe to share their struggles and seek help? ([26:11])

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Community Support
Our youth need a strong support system within the church. It takes a village to raise a child, and we must come together to guide and support our young people, ensuring they feel valued and understood. This collective effort is crucial for their growth and the future of our church. When young people feel isolated or misunderstood, they are more likely to drift away from the church and its teachings. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can help them navigate the challenges they face and reinforce their sense of belonging.

The role of the community is not just to provide guidance but also to listen and understand the unique struggles of each young person. This means being present, offering a listening ear, and providing practical support when needed. It's about creating a safe space where they can express themselves without fear of judgment. By doing so, we can help them build a strong foundation of faith and resilience that will carry them through life's challenges. [04:23]

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: Think of a young person in your church or community who might be feeling isolated or misunderstood. How can you reach out to them this week to offer support and encouragement?

Day 2: Recognizing and Addressing Trauma
Our young people are dealing with various forms of PTSD, including post-traumatic slave disorder and post-traumatic sin disorder. These traumas have deep roots and long-lasting effects. It's essential to recognize these issues and address them before they reach a boiling point, preventing long-term detrimental outcomes. Trauma can manifest in many ways, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. By acknowledging these traumas, we can begin to provide the necessary support and interventions to help our youth heal and thrive.

Addressing trauma involves more than just recognizing its presence; it requires active engagement and intervention. This means providing access to mental health resources, creating open dialogues about mental health, and fostering an environment where seeking help is encouraged and normalized. By doing so, we can help our young people process their experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms. [11:42]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed trauma. How did it affect you or those around you? What steps can you take to support a young person dealing with trauma in your community?

Day 3: Building Genuine Relationships
To effectively support our youth, we must build genuine relationships with them. This involves watching, praying, and intervening when necessary. Superficial interactions are not enough; we need to truly understand their struggles and provide meaningful support. Building genuine relationships means taking the time to get to know young people on a deeper level, understanding their fears, hopes, and dreams. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to be present in their lives.

By investing in these relationships, we can create a strong support network that young people can rely on. This network can provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that is crucial for their development. It's about being there for them in both the good times and the bad, offering a steady and unwavering presence that they can count on. [22:43]

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Reflection: Think about a young person you know. How can you deepen your relationship with them this week? What specific actions can you take to show them that you genuinely care about their well-being?

Day 4: Accountability and Respect in Relationships
It's crucial to teach our young people, especially young men, the importance of accountability and respect in relationships. They must recognize their worth and not settle for less than they deserve. This involves holding each other accountable and providing support without judgment. Accountability means being responsible for one's actions and understanding the impact they have on others. It also means being willing to accept constructive criticism and make positive changes.

Respect in relationships is foundational for building trust and mutual understanding. By teaching young people to value themselves and others, we can help them develop healthy and respectful relationships. This includes understanding boundaries, practicing empathy, and communicating effectively. By fostering these values, we can help our youth build strong and meaningful connections with others. [34:35]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Reflect on your own relationships. Are there areas where you need to practice more accountability or respect? How can you model these values for the young people in your life?

Day 5: Call to Action for the Church Community
We issued a call to action for our church community to actively engage with our youth. We must be vigilant, supportive, and proactive in addressing the traumas they face, ensuring they do not reach their boiling point. Our mission is to protect, guide, and build up our young people, preparing them for a future where they can thrive and lead. This call to action is a reminder that we all have a role to play in the lives of our youth. It's about being proactive rather than reactive, anticipating their needs and providing support before crises arise.

Engaging with our youth means being present in their lives, offering guidance, and creating opportunities for them to grow and develop. It also means advocating for their needs and ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. By working together as a community, we can create a nurturing environment where our young people can flourish. [46:42]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to engage with and support the youth in your church or community? How can you be more proactive in addressing their needs and helping them thrive?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Because it takes a village to raise a child. It takes a village to guide our young people. And if we, the village, are losing numbers, then we've got to get together and sit down and engineer a plan on what we got to do to get them back." [04:23] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Understand how important imagery is. Right? So we were so caught up in looking at this image that there was an internal conflict and a struggle that made us feel like, well, maybe even though the people who have historically oppressed us resemble this man that I'm praying to and worshiping, maybe something's wrong with me. And so what does that breed? It breeds a form of self-hatred." [16:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How many of you know that each and every one of us has a boiling point? And there's two factors. And there's two ways that a boiling point will operate. That is through the offensive and the defensive. The frog was dealing with the defensive boiling point. Meaning that he was in a position in a vulnerable state. Where if he didn't realize when the boiling point would arrive. That he could lose his life. And ultimately he did." [21:59] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So our young people are dealing with various forms of self-hatred. PTSD. Post-traumatic sin disorder. That one's getting a little closer to home. Because that one deals with every last one of us sitting inside of this church who knows. And the thing about post-traumatic sin disorder is that it's something that's going on. And it's born out of our nature because we're born in and shaping in. So that's a self-inflicted trauma born out of our nature because we're born in sin and shaping in iniquity." [17:53] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So I say all of this. To say to my young people. Don't get to a point. Where you've gotten so accustomed. To adapting. Where you've gotten so accustomed. To adjusting your temperature. To match the climate. Or the climate. Of what you're dealing with. That you don't realize. When it's time to get out." [36:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "But you see. Our need to keep up appearances has some of our brothers and sisters sitting beside us in the pews. Suffering in silence. Because the reality. And the image of their reality. Does not match. The. How did I put it together? The image of their reality. Doesn't match. The narrative of their religion. See. I slowed it down and it messed up. So I'm going to say it again. We allow some of our brothers and sisters to suffer in silence because the image of their reality. Of their truth. Does not match the narrative of their religion." [26:11] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And you know it just seemed just unfathomable right? So just imagine how the increase in technology also allows for the enemy to increase in his attacks. Also allows for the enemy to reintroduce new distractions. To reintroduce new temptations. To reintroduce new trauma to the generation of today. So it's up to us to really tap in. We've got to check in. And like I said if the village is losing young people then the village is losing steam. The village is losing power. So it's on us." [24:03] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And when you enter into a relationship. You're dealing with. Another person. And if there is toxic. Elements. In this relationship. One or two of you. Are going to end up at your boiling point. It's either going to be him. Or it's going to be her. And that's what leads to things. Where some who can't. Manage those emotions. End up doing what they did. To my little cousin. And because of that. Now we got to deal with it. So trauma only begets trauma." [36:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And I hear us say a lot of times. Your body is the temple. Your body is a temple. Your body is a temple. Oh man. What do we attribute to that? We talk about councils on diets and foods. Eat right. Watch what you eat. Be careful what you eat. But I would argue. That a part of your body. See a part of your body. Is also your mind. Take care of how we eat. But you gotta also be careful. Of who you give access. To your mind. And to your heart." [37:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And I want you to just. Because I never thought. I would have to watch. My cousin bury his daughter. And so many of this. Trauma goes unnoticed. So the call to action. Is really this. Each person here. Has the responsibility. To at least keep up. With one of these young people. Some are faces I haven't seen. But I pray that I continue to see you. Because we got a job to do. We have a job to do. We have a mission. And we need an army. And this. Is the army. We gotta protect them." [47:14] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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