Thoughts

INTIMACY
When Reuel first approached me to be part of a panel for Alpha, our church's high school group, my first thought was about guy-girl relationships. But after he reassured me that it was more about being open, honest, vulnerable, and transparent with others, I felt much better and agreed.
It turned out to be a really good time for all three panelists (Danette and Hannah were the others). We all had different experiences, but we all had something really positive to contribute that not only helped the high schoolers, but also ourselves. Plus, it was amazing that on multiple occasions, I remember just sitting there looking at Hannah and then looking at Danette, and thinking, "Wow, that was an amazing answer -- so true, and said so eloquently."
The kids had a lot of good questions (everything from how to do establish that kind of community to can guys and girls have that kind of platonic relationship.)
For me, the few messages I wanted to get across to the kids (the guys especially) is how important and necessary it is to have those close bonds with people, to have them be Christ-centered, not people-centered, and how guys should set up that kind of community with other guys, not girls. I told them the church (and Alpha in particular) was a spiritual hospital where people could bring their "baggage" and get well with the help and support of others. It was especially important since their fellow Alpha-ians were going through the same teenage angst. Guys have a much harder time letting their guard down and discussing difficult topics, like lust (probably one of the biggest one for high school guys). To get it, one person just has to start and make himself vulnerable. It's the only way to take otherwise "on-the-surface" friendships to a deeper level. Plus, it's so great to have that guy accountability because it's so unique. You don't have to talk everyday or even every week. And you could be messing around all day and then suddenly sit down and have a deep, serious conversation. Guys have the ability to do that. I definitely wanted to emphasize those key points.
I hope God was able to use the three of us to get those messages across.