Table of Contents
What People Are Saying AboutTeens Talkin Faith...
Teens Talkin Faith is a testimony to the never ending love that God shares with His children. It is comforting to know that so many young people of my generation are waking up to the meaning and purpose of their life with God.
Matthew, 21
Teens Talkin Faith is a great book for all teens, even if you doubt God. There were several passages from teens that I could relate to and that let me know I am not the only one who has certain thoughts or doubts about God.
Amanda, 15
This book will completely soothe your soul!
Liz, 14
Teens Talkin Faith touched me because it helped me to know that kids like me pray to God for courage. The teens who wrote for this book inspired me to look to God when I am feeling sad or lonely and to remember that God will always be with me.
David, 15
This book is an assurance to teens, to let them know that there are others who feel the same way they do about their beliefs and struggles with God. We will use it as a companion to teach teens who are searching for the light of Christ.
Keith and Nicole Lewis youth ministers
As far as I am concerned, Mrs. T was sent here by God to share His love and compassion with us and to help us, as teens, find our way. Thanks, Mrs. T!
Ian, 17
Every time I read Mrs. Ts words or hear her speak, she reaches a place in my heart that I never knew I had!
Terran, 16
Mrs. Ts Teens Talkin Faith hit home with me, and I know that other teens who read it will love it as much as I do!
Mandi, 15
This book is dedicated to
My parents, Gary and Judy Williams
Is there a greater gift that parents can give
their child than that of faith?
You have filled my life with love and
shown me faith through your example.
I love you both.
And
In memory of
My grandfather, Robert E. Williams
Who blessed my life with lessons of humility,
wisdom and integrity.
I love you, Bapa, and Ill carry your smile
in my heart always!
Acknowledgments
This book would not have become a reality without the input, insight and inspiration of so many people. I would especially like to thank the following:
First and foremost, God! His presence joined me on the spiritual journey that became Teens Talkin Faith. I thank You and praise You, Lord, for Your inspiration and Your love. Through You, I know that all things are possible!
My husband, David. Your love gives me strength; your humility touches my heart. I thank God for blessing me so richly with your love! Thank you for the time you spent editing this book and helping me to be a better writer.... And to our children. You fill my life with joy!
Eileen Decker and Joanne Kortan. You saved me (and my back)! Thank you.
The staff at HCI, especially Lisa Drucker and Susan Tobias. I feel blessed to work with you both! Thank you for your editing expertise, compassion and for letting teens have a say in how the book was designed and developed. Peter Vegso, thanks for giving this book an opportunity to touch teens! Erica Orloff, you make the editing process insightful and fun! Thank you for your knowledge and encouragement.
Joe Gorton, Brandy Rapley, Laura Peterson and the Rauber family. Thank you for letting me share your stories. And to Amanda, Sarah, Sion, Courtney and Jason, too. I appreciate you all!
All of those who provided spiritual counsel and prayers, especially the pastors, priests and youth leaders with whom I consulted, and my mom Judy Williams, Janell Sheets and Father Warren Savage, as well as friends and family who supported me throughout the process.
And last, but definitely not least, to all of the teens who contributed to this book. Thank you for sharing your hearts and your lives. This book would not have become a reality without you. Thanks also to the many teachers and principals who allowed their students to write. Thank you all!
Authors Note
While writing this book, I tried to put myself in your shoes. I realized that you may be incredibly strong in your faith and committed to Christianity. On the other hand, you may be struggling with your spiritual beliefs and looking for answers. Perhaps you are not a Christian but open to learning about this faith. Regardless, I pray that wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you will keep an open mind and allow the words written on these pages to touch your heart.
Furthermore, please understand that this is not a book about religion. It is, instead, about accepting and building a relationship with God through your life experiences as a teen. My personal contributions are written from a Christian perspective. However, teens throughout the nation from all ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds also contributed. It is important for you to know that the thoughts and beliefs of these teens do not directly reflect my thoughts and beliefs as the author. They also may not coincide with your personal ideas or opinions. So please, take them for the individual life experiences and spiritual perspectives that they are.
In addition, please know that I have changed all of the names of the teen contributors, as well as a few of their ages, in order to protect their privacy and that of their friends and family. When needed, context, and less frequently, content, was modified for the protection of those involved and to contribute to the continuity of each chapter.
The format of this book was designed with the input of teens like you. Each chapter of Teens Talkin Faith begins with an introduction or brief excerpt from me, Mrs. T, as I am known to most teens. This is followed by a collection of writings from teen contributors. Every chapter concludes with a T Talk, again written by me. I use the T Talks to summarize each chapter with personal stories, spiritual insight and inspirational guidance.
Finally, know that I wrote Teens Talkin Faith to honor God and bring His hope to you, as a teenager. I pray that this book will lead you on a spiritual journey that will enrich your faith and draw you closer to God.
CHAPTER ONE
Faith!
Just for starters, lets talk about faith...
At fifteen, Brandy was presumably a lot like you or some of your friends. She was a star athlete and incredibly social. Brandy hung with the in crowd and didnt have many worries. Her world revolved around school, friends, sports and occasional parties. It was after one such party that Brandys world was shattered. On the way home from this party, the truck she was riding in was hit by another vehicle and rolled three times. Ironically, out of the five people involved in the accident, Brandy was the only one badly injured and the only one not drinking that night.
Brandy was left unconscious in the cab of the pickup while the others escaped to safety. Unaware that the truck would ignite, her friends were more concerned about staying out of trouble than rescuing Brandy. They either left the scene or scurried about trying to hide all evidence of their under-aged drinking. While they were scattering beer cans, Brandy was burning.
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