ACCEPTING THE YW WARTS & ALL

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 

So lets take a "leap" of faith and Fully Rely on God!  He will accept us warts and all.  Warts are unsightly to look at  ‘spiritual warts are often a symptom of sin but  we must not focus on the warts but rather look past them to the beautiful young woman inside that Heavenly Father intents her to become. 

Don’t be like the 3 beer frogs: Judg  -  Men  -  Tal 

We need to accept them where they are now and try to nurture and love them into the gospel where the spirit can convert & lead them to Choose The Right.

Include youth in planning.  When the YW organize and help to plan an activity,it increases participation and creates ownership. Because the ideas were their own, they really care about their success.

Observe or create ward traditions. Traditions give a sense of belonging.  For example: Christmas caroling in December, a car wash in the summer, a special daddy daughter dinner each year—any activity that brings people together in wholesome fun and purpose can become a regular event.  Think of events in the past that you have had that were successful & make them a tradition. Traditions make them feel a part of something bigger.

Extend personal invitations. Phone calls & personal visits take more time than simply announcing the next activity in opening exercises, but personal invitations reach people & help them feel wanted. One young woman, commented: “Even though I couldn’t attend the mutual activity because I was working, the fact that my Laurel adviser took the time to call made me feel special.”

Show acceptance. When we smile and give needed and deserved praise, even for small things, we help young people feel loved and accepted.  Such approval feeds the Spirit just as food feeds the body.  One woman said that she has never forgotten a time in her teen years when a leader praised her for her dependability. That small comment stuck for life. 

Listen respectfully. When youth share their feelings, they are usually not seeking advice as much as they are seeking a sympathetic listener—someone who will listen in a nonjudgmental manner. A girl, explained: “Sometimes my parents & leaders are too quick to offer advice when I begin to tell them what’s happening at school. They start to lecture & warn me to stay away from temptations.  That makes me feel like not saying anything.”  There will be times when we are impressed to respond with instructions or advise.  We never want our silence to be misunderstood as support of improper behavior.  However, for the most part we should listen attentively & withhold comment until an appropriate time.

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