Hurting for our youth

Last week, I found myself heartbroken once again by the violence that has affected our young people. I began to cry as I watched video online of the incident in Roseland that ended with a young life taken. I thought of my friends who work at the Agape Center who watched this unfold in their parking lot.

Much is being spoken and written about youth violence because this video brought to light things that are happening day in and day out in many communities. I can't say that what I saw on the video was something that I haven't seen in front of my own house on occasion. Mobs of people fighting. Boards. Bats.

The Chicago Tribune published an article today titled "Fenger kids tell why they fight". It gives a bit of insight into the challenges that many urban teenagers face daily in their pursuit of an education and a better life. Some of them are honor students like Derrion Albert.

Dennis Byrne points to all male high schools with all male teachers as a solution. I think this has some validity, but the problem is more complex than one solution can offer.

Youth violence has many causes: male aggression, youthful indiscretion, rebellion, hopelessness, racial neglect by society, poverty, etc. But I believe that one of the core issues is a breakdown of the family. We live in a culture that does so many things to discourage strong family relationships. As a result, we are reaping what we have sown.

What do you believe is the answer to the violence of our youth?

What can be done to strengthen the role of the family in society?

Disconnected

I will admit that I am an internet addict. I appreciate the tremendous resource and speed of information. Sometimes, I waste time on the computer.

I'm sure that no one else does.

I had the privilege of spending the last two weeks of the year in Florida with my family. What a blessing. It was great to spend a lot of time with my wife and kids. The 70 degree weather every day wasn't bad either.

One bonus was that I disconnected. I was off line for about ten days. No e-mail. No facebook. No news. No sports updates. No blogs.

It was good to be away. But I am glad to be back too. Life is not meant to be lived disconnected from people.

Anyone else ever feel that they need a break from the internet?

Family Photos

One of my greatest joys in life is being a husband and a father. I can't say that I love getting the family together and taking family pictures, but I do appreciate the end result.

A man who loves his family

I saw this first on my friend Chris Brook's blog. Of all the things that I would like to be, I hope that people know me as a man who loves his family.

Shayna's Birthday

Today is my daughter Shayna's 10th birthday. She is growing up to be a lovely young lady.

Today, I am reminded how fast time flies. I am wondering, "how did she get so old so fast?".

Are there things in life that remind you how quickly life passes?

Joshua's wedding debut

The ring bearer

Other members of the wedding party
With Shayna and Matthew

Graduation Day

Robin & Lisa
Lisa & me
Lisa with the kids


Lisa with her mom & dad

Today was graduation day!!! Lisa went back to school two years ago and today she finished her degree in elementary education. We are all so proud of her.

It made it extra special that she graduated in the same graduating class as Robin. We never would have thought when we dropped Robin off at college that she would graduate with Lisa. We are very proud of you too Robin. We knew you could do it. God is so good.