"Let all the Children come to Me..."

What if I told you, you had the chance to speak life into a child's future? What if I told you, you could be the only voice of encouragement to help a youth live out his or her dream? What if I told you, you had the power to motivate the younger generation to live radically for Christ?

What if you believed me and went out and did just that?

Every child matters.

Every child needs someone in their life who is going to motivate, encourage and empower them.

When I think back to my childhood, I remember all the people who inspired and helped shape the person I am today.

I also remember all the people who degraded and devalued my self-worth.

While Jesus was on earth, He took the time to express how important children are to this world. He proclaimed in the book of Matthew to let ALL the children come to Him, for the kingdom of heaven BELONGS TO SUCH OF THESE.

You do not have to be a parent, uncle, guardian or teacher to start investing in these children's lives.

They are all around us. They are watching how we act, talk and handle situations. They are looking to us to be their role-models and examples.

God says that we are to multiply and subdue the earth. I think God was trying to give us a deeper meaning here. With EVERY single child we come into contact with, we have the chance to either hinder or empower.

I have learned that when you give a child your full attention and an attitude of praise and positivity, you have just given them the whole world.

And seeing their face light up with excitement and hope is the best feeling you will have.

Children are not the future, they are the today. The youth are not "messed up", like the world calls them - they are full of creativity, imagination, dreams and visions to make this world a better place.

Children everywhere are crying out for their voice to be heard and self-worth to be valued.

So, what are we going to do about it?

Remember, the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN belongs to these children. If you ask me, we do not give them enough credit for what they are TEACHING US.

In Matthew 8:6, Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2 Jesus says these words:

"If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea."

This is serious stuff.

You have the chance to touch a child's life in a way no one else can.

You can give them hope, laughter and strength for a better tomorrow.

You can be the living example of Christ through your actions and words.

And trust me, they are going to remember it.

Forever.