Getting Started
- Would you rather go to the Super Bowl or The World Series?
- Would you rather never be able to eat warm food or cold food?
- What are some of your least favorite words? Why?
Digging In
- On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst, how would you rate your stress and anxiety right now? I love this question that was first suggested by Dr. Clint Daniels, a mental health professional.. Dr Daniels breaks down our range:
- 1–3 is a normal level of anxiety we all experience from time to time, and a
- 4 or 5 is probably handleable. If your child rates their stress at a
- 6 or above, they probably need more help from you and likely also a trained professional (see more on how to connect with a trained professional below).
- As you look back at your day, when did you feel most anxious? (Leader Hint: This is a great question to ask at dinner or bedtime( with your own kids)…or small group to stay in touch with the people, places, and times that leave people most stressed. Just make sure you also answer the question so you’re having a dialogue and not a one-sided interview.)
- What close friend(s) can you talk to about your stress and anxiety? (Leader Hint: Pinpointing another kid in math class, on the soccer team, or in youth group who can be a confidant can help decrease your stress and increase confidence.
- If you were feeling really stressed or anxious, or maybe even thinking about hurting yourself, what caring adult (besides me) could you talk to? (Leader Hint: Asking this helps them identify an adult they could go to.
Strategies For Leaders
- Statement or Question : I would be anxious, too, if I was navigating what you are.
- Question? What do you think might be your next best step? Lisa Damour wisely suggests that we pair our empathy with an increase in our kids’ agency by helping them identify at least one baby step they can take to move forward.
- Statement or Question :
- What can I do to best support you right now? (Leader Hint: Let’s stop guessing what our kids need and ask them directly.
- What else you can say: If they are too overwhelmed to name any tangible response, perhaps we should name some possibilities (e.g., “I could keep sitting here with you…or maybe I could try to distract you…or we could take the dog for a walk or go to Chipolte and grab some food”
- Statement or Question : The next time you feel anxious, what core truth or phrase about yourself or God would you like to remember? This is a great question for when students are headed into a stress-filled few days…like finals, or performance, or game. Helping our students identify a meaningful Scriptural passage worship song, prayer, or mantra they can repeat to themselves can give them the peace they need
Prayer
Take a couple minutes and pray this over your group.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Lord, you give life and life abundantly. I don’t always experience the goodness you have to give. I don’t even know how good your goodness is. But I want it, Lord.
Sometimes what I think should happen isn’t actually good. My limitations, my inabilities, my refusals, my attempts to get things my way make it hard to receive what you want for me. I’ve struggled and pain is all too familiar.
Lord. Help me experience the power of your life at work in me, and your beautiful life flowing through me. Replenish what’s been stolen or lost. Fill me to overflowing with what comes from you. When I feel troubled and unable to do simple things, I choose to receive new strength that is only found in Jesus our sustainer.
When abundant life seems impossible, and my thoughts take me down with reminders of all I lack, renew me with glimpses of your love in this life. Bring to mind the truth of who I am in you and how much you say I am worth. Amen
Whats Happening!!
Red River Gorge!!!
Summer Trip June 13-16This summer the high school ministry heading to an outdoor adventure to experience God through the natural beauty of His creation. On Monday June 13, 2022 we will venture into the wilderness of Red River Gorge KY. While we are there we will carve out space for mediation, prayer, time with Jesus, physical challenge and conversations all geared to help us grow in our intimacy with Jesus. We will return on Thursday June 16. Space is limited! Register Here!