Our Generation is THIS one.

So, here I am...writing again...

My newsfeed is always full of previous generations passive aggressively ripping on kids today. It gets old. This weird "rose colored nostalgia" is misremembering the past and selling the present short. My generation was "ruined" by the harm of the backwards music lyrics. My parents generation was "ruined" by the harm of television shows. But I don't see that remembered in my newsfeed.

My point, If we were raised sooo much better, then we have the responsibility to be actively involved in the lives of kids now. More than just our own families. These kids & students are growing up in an incredible time with so many ways to change the world. They want to do it and I think they will. Let's equip. Want kids to play outside more? Go outside yourself. Let's push for safe cities. Don't want your kids always on the phone? Take it. Make rules. Think an iPhone or social media is horrible? Teach them how to use it appropriately and for good.  Be an example of appropriate social media usage. Kids haven't changed. Adults have dropped the ball. Our generation is THIS one and the next one. It's time to be responsible for that. If we don't like something, we can only blame ourselves - or fix it. 

Ya Doubt? (and some of why I do what I do)

This started as a Facebook post, but then it chased a rabbit down a hole, in typical Ashlea fashion, and grew up into a beeeeautiful blog. Or whatever. 

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Luke was a scientist. A doctor that wrote a facts-based account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He included a whole chapter (24) about how those closest to Jesus struggled with doubt. It did not make them less in the eyes of Jesus. He did likely want to scream "Dude, I'm RIGHT HERE." But He knows we needed more. 

That's a very compelling part of the gospels. I think it's a compelling part of being a disciple today, as well. We've all had to work through doubt. This all requires faith. It's an assurance of things hoped for that we cannot see or understand. (Heb 11:1) You don't get to the Faith part without the sometimes muddy tug-of-war with doubt. Sometimes, multiple rounds. 

Maybe you're reading this and think "yeah, doubt is wicked familiar." It's ok. Be assured that you're loved by God already. I do this tug-of-war sometimes. I talk to trusted friends, read through John, and find my faith again in the power of his creation. The tomb is still empty. He's alive! If Easter was real, then it has to move me to audacious love far beyond my comfort zone. 

Challenging? Good heavens, yes. But I know that this is something far bigger than me. It's legacy work. I want to burn out everything I've got for the cause and finish this life knowing I made a tiny little difference in the grand scheme of things. I believe in the power of kid and student ministry. I'm not a believer in "Christianese" behavior modification. This is ❤️heart work, but man is it going to be worth it to see what God does in their lives. I want to be a safe place for them. I'm not going to flinch when doubt is an issue. (I really don't flinch at much, honestly. Ha!) I want to show them how to walk through this muddy mess so that they can help the next person. 

It's big stuff. 

You in? 

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I'm serious. Wanna get involved like this? If you go to church with me at New Community Church, that's easy. I can hook you up. If not, I'd encourage you to meet with your pastor and tell them what you want to do and why. The "what" part is really all most need, but the "why" part can encourage them too!