“Sometimes people tell me I’m too young to do anything great for God, but one day I’ll be old enough. I just want them to respect me and my faith now. Is that too much to ask?” – Brad

hey Brad,

I know how frustrating it is when people look down on you because of your age. But I’ve got an awesome true story to share that I think will encourage you. (I know, you’re asking for advice, not story-time, but bear with me. I promise it relates.)

This story takes place back in the Old Testament age of princes, prophets, and priests. One particular king ended up rejecting God, the very One who had appointed him. So God decided it was time for a new king, one who would follow Him wholeheartedly.

God talked to one of his prophets (let’s call him Sam) and told him He had chosen a new king, one of the sons of a specific family. Following God’s instruction, Sam went down to visit the family, and he was impressed by the sons.

One by one, Sam appraised the sons, beginning with the oldest. Aha! Samuel said to himself. He’s tall, strong, a great leader. Surely this is the new king. (more…)

The Jonas Brothers talk about their Purity Rings.

What do you think of purity rings? Do they really matter? Do they make a difference?

by RTF Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

Breathe it in, soak it up.
Can you feel it, can you see?
Revel in, embrace it fully.
It’s a beauty, it’s a gift.
Highly valued, yet it’s free.

It is ours, to be owned,
Though it cannot be controlled,
Sometimes quiet, but sometimes bold,
Wholly unpredictable,
Priceless, worth more than gold.

Fight for it, this dear gift.
Cultivate it, let it thrive.
This is the gift: you are alive!
Savor it, every moment.
Love it, live it: it’s life!

Happy Retro Day! This week’s retro piece is a great reminder that no matter what kind of darkness you may find yourself in, you are never alone. And if you ever need someone to talk to, we’re here. Email us. ~ Halee

by RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

I’m not the type of girl who likes to be put in a box. But on a warm Fall day in the mountains of North Carolina, my friend Laura talked me into it.

Literally.

“It’ll be fun,” she said. “Just crawl in.” (more…)

by RTF Staff Writer Derek Hanisch

I was in the middle of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a very bustling, modern town, yet when I looked around me I saw none of that. Instead I saw a warehouse that had been converted into a marketplace, sectioned up into stalls where Somali (from Somalia, a country in Africa) Muslims were selling goods and clothing of all kinds. It was quite a sight to see, quite a culture shock.

Here I was, a in a group of white men, about to journey through a Somali Mall filled with African Muslims. Many of the women in the market stalls were wearing the full hijab (Muslim women head covering), chattering away in their own language. Man, I was intimidated, I was nervous, I was even a bit scared.

They were so unlike me. They were so different. What was I doing here? (more…)

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

“Young lady, do you believe in premarital cosexual interdigitation?”

I felt my jaw drop as my pastor’s question rolled around in my brain. “Premarital… cosexual…” Sex! He said sex! He couldn’t want me to say yes!

(more…)

Plugged In, one of our favorite movie review sites, recentrly reviewed the movie, Letters to God. Here’s what reviewer Bob Hoose had to say:

Excerpt: Tyler is a typical tree-climbing, soccer-playing 8-year-old … who’s been pretty sick.

After brain surgery and radiation treatments for the rare form of cancer he suffers from, it appears that things might be getting better. He’s even starting back to school. But a thing like this can tumble a boy’s whole world. And he’s got a lot of questions.

What’s he supposed to do about this bald head?

Will the kids at school accept him or think he’s a freak?

Will he ever get back on the soccer field?

Is there anything that will help take that sadness out of his mom’s eyes?

Only one course of action makes sense to the faith-filled Ty. He needs to get some answers, and maybe a little help. So the ever-smiling youngster starts writing down his thoughts, fears and requests. Then he addresses them to God … and pops them in the mailbox.

Read more of this review on Plugged In.

Have you seen this movie? What’s your review?

Happy Retro Day! This week we’re taking some time to look inward. This article has some great pointers for being authentic in your faith, but it’s also fantastic advice for any number of situations. Enjoy! ~ Halee

 

By RTF Staff Writer Catey Yuen

Actions speak louder than words.

How many times have you heard that before? I’ve heard it, at a rough estimate, more than a million times in my still-brief life. But I never really thought about it until just recently.

I’m part of a Christian young speakers’ group. I’m used to representing Christ and my group on the platform. I can look really good if I try hard enough and I’m thinking about it.

But get me off the platform and how well do I represent Christ? Am I consistent in my witness, or am I causing people to think badly about God’s people sometimes? (more…)