Feb. 21: Helping After School

After graduating from high school, Demetrius Phillips had one wish—to help others.

The Oakland, California teen found the right fit in an organization called Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships.  The group focuses on preventing teen dating violence and abuse.

Phillips visits places frequented by teens his age and talks with his peers about understanding and preventing abuse.  “Teen violence is not taken seriously,” he says, believing it has direct connection to a young person’s own family and friends, in some cases.  He also points out that a teenage male who abuses his girlfriend is likely to become an adult who abuses a child.  He and others feel strongly about stopping that from happening.

No matter our age, we’re called to understand and respect the dignity and inherent worth of all around us.

Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct.  (1 Timothy 4:12)

Fill my heart with Your gentle Spirit, Lord.