For You From The Word
A friend loves at all times.
(Proverbs 17:17)
For You To Think About
Today’s teenagers and young adults place a high value on relationships.
According to Christian pollster George Barna, “One of the distinguishing marks of today’s kids has been their insistence upon the importance of personal relationship. They appear to esteem relationships more highly than has been the norm for more than a quarter century.”
That’s why seventeen-year-old Stephanie just told her best friend – rather than her parents or a teacher – that she’s pregnant.
Stephanie has reached out to a “911 friend” – a friend who is always loyal, even in times of trouble (Proverbs 17:17).
Three in ten girls in the U.S. get pregnant at least once by age 20, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. That’s a lot of girls who need a 911 friend.
If you work with teenagers, know teenagers, or have teenagers of your own, make them aware that they might encounter a Stephanie.
They don’t need to have all the answers. They simply need to listen and know where to point Stephanie for help. And stay with her.
For You To Pray
Loving Father,
Help pregnant teenagers have a “911 friend” – someone who will listen to them, encourage them, accept them, connect them to what they need, and be there for them.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More about Pregnant Teens
4 Things a Pregnant Teens Need Most
American Teens are Getting Pregnant Less
How to Encourage a Pregnant Teen