AboutDr Tim Gladu Expertise I can answer questions on most Youth and Teen issues as they pertain to what God has to say on the subject.
Experience I have been in Youth Ministry for more than ten years and I have also raised 3 Teenagers myself.
Bachleor in Ministry, Masters in Pastoral Counseling, and Doctorate in Theology.
Expert: Dr Tim Gladu Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Teen life in general
Question Hi,
Lately, I have been having ridiculous problems that put me down a lot. Someone close to me has a cancerous brain tumor, and most of my friends are putting all of their problems on me. In fact, I have had a girl who was my friend pretty much betray me, for some reason that shouldn't have mattered. Sometimes, I just can't take it anymore, I just feel like I'm going to blow up. I was just wondering if you had any suggestions for me to be able to overcome these problems, without it becoming overwhelming. You may not, but I thought I would ask. Thanks for your time.
Answer Caitlin,
After many years as a youth minister I have heard a lot.
when dealing with friends the best way to handle them is to be careful not to take to much. If someone is having serious problems then you need to get them to an adult for the right kind of help. You do not have the life experience or the wisdom to be able to really help them. The best help you can give is to get them someone who can really help them. Betrayal is just part of being a teenager. I have seen to many teens who were lifelong friends that one day just decide to turn on their best friends. When something like this happens be fast to forgive and slow to condemn. You may be the one to turn on someone next and not even realize what is happening. I would also recommend getting close to a good youth minister. Find an adult that you can talk to that will not betray you. There are adults in your life that you can tell anything and they will be there to support you. They are there you just need to find them. Most of the time a minister can not mention what you tell them to anyone because they do not have to. I would also suggest that you try to find a few minutes in every day to spend time with God. Find yourself a devotional that gives you time with God and also gets you into the Word. You will find that if you spend time with God He can help you through most situations. Also continue to pray and speak to Christ because in most situations if you ask Christ for help He will be there to get you through.
