By Stephanie Mann

Empower Children to Stay Safe and healthy

American society has changed! Look at youth behavior today vs. 50 years ago. Homelessness, street violence, domestic violence, drug abuse, suicide and self-destructive behavior has dramatically increased. Today many families are at risk! Government programs, psychologists and counselors try to fix us as we march toward socialism. So… what happened?

When I grew up, no one locked their doors and young people didn’t steal, vandalize or shoot each other. Children were respectful, listened to their elders, respected authority and neighbors knew each other. At that time, people talked about the power of God at home, in school and in the community.

My parents divorced when I was 10 years old. We never attended church. My mother and her boyfriend abandoned me in Mexico City at age 15 and I didn’t speak the language. I was alone, isolated and didn’t know anyone in Mexico! Panic and fear took over my life until I remembered hearing about the power of God at school and from my grandmother.

There was an empty church in the neighborhood. I needed help, so I walked in and sat there for a long time. My fears slowly disappeared as “I” came up with a plan that saved my life.

Today, I’ve been a crime and violence prevention consultant for 40 years. I also worked with the homeless for 4 ½ years and learned what they never learned as children. Many of the homeless are lost and alone. They don’t understand that they can tap into their inner power for support, if they ask. Many of the homeless turn to drugs and never learned that everyone, no matter what has happened, can develop the 3C’s, Courage, Character and a self-protective Conscience and find a path to freedom for themselves. Today the homeless mostly rely on the government to supply them with money, drugs and food which keeps them weak and dependent. They are locked into a downward spiral as local governments keep taxpayer’s money flowing, which often ends up in corrupt pockets. Homelessness is big business!

So…what must change to enlighten the next generation?

During the last 40 years, many churches closed due to sex scandals and lack of participation. However, non-denominational churches have grown. There are over 350,000 churches in America today.

Every child has incredible inner power if they know how to build happy, healthy lives. Here are two critical ways church leaders empower families.

1. The Bible teaches families and children about personal responsibility, do unto others, respect for yourself and love thy neighbor. Families grow stronger and listen to their conscience as they learn how to stay “centered” so they don’t become victims or grow to be bullies. Human beings are born imperfect with the power to change and live a centered life with supportive families and friends.

2. A church family offers a support network of caring people who empower families and help children learn how to evaluate people who come into their lives. A healthy extended family will listen, will not bully, fly into a rage, become abusive or mean to each other. Without the ability to discern the difference between good and bad influences, many young people can be misled and pay a huge price in the future.

Personal responsibility and family support are two critical issues that can bring families together and change the mindset that we are okay just the way we are. Families can discover what must change to make life worth living. Everyone has the power and ability to reduce anger and develop self-control, self-worth and self-confidence. No one can do it for you!

If you are struggling as a family or single parent, you can find people who will care about you. And if you are sick, have a family crisis, need help finding answers or need a sounding board to solve problems, your extended church family will be there for you. Isn’t it worth an hour a week to focus on caring for yourself and the people you love?