I often wonder how different “reading the news” would feel if reporters began a quest to share good news, inspiring news and hopeful news instead of twaddle, drama and gore. Sometime, back when yellow journalism first reared its ugly head, news used to be good, or, at least, informative, humorous and/or helpful to the general population.
Not so, nowadays. Given 10-15 minutes of online scrolling time, one is likely able to find perhaps 20, 50 or more headlines referring to horrific crimes, Hollywood and/or political scandal and myriad other meant-to-shock-us stories that typically leave readers shaking their heads and wanting to get off the planet. Many bad news stories involve teenagers. In fact, if one merely relies on what one reads online or sees in movies, an assumption might be made that America’s teenagers are caught in a vicious downward spiral with no way out.
It’s a good thing that in addition to what we see and hear on television or the internet can’t compare to real life. In reality, I see a different story – a good story — a hopeful story. I see young people who are kind, creative, industrious, honest and hard-working.
Christ is alive in the youth of our world, today. I see Him in my own children.
- When I walk into a room and find one of my older kids helping his/her little brother or sister
memorize the Ten Commandments. - When there’s a new face in the crowd of our parish and I watch my teens go up to that person to welcome them and shake their hand.
- When I watch them bow their head and offer a heartfelt intention for a friend in need, for the unborn, even for our president.
- When they do something wrong, and quietly come to me, in private, to speak truth and apologize.
- When they have the courage to change the radio station, in front of their friends, when an
inappropriate song is being played. - When they take bags of sandwiches to the homeless in the park.
- When they serve the residents at Mother Teresa’s House in Washington, D.C.
I am a humble student at the feet of my children and many other youths in my life. For, like Saint Francis, they are, indeed, preaching the Gospel (without words), by living their lives.
Jesus makes Himself known to us through others. I give thanks for the
Youth of America. They are on-fire with love for the Holy Spirit. They want to live their faith. They are the future of our nation. They are the vessels God will use to share His love with the world.
It doesn’t matter what is happening in the White House, as much as it matters what is happening in our own houses. My heart relates to these words by an anonymous author:
” I am busy teaching my children all about life. They are busy teaching me what life is all about.”
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
