Beliefs of young people

Many people were shocked to hear that Mosese Fotuaika killed himself.  The natural question people asked was "why"?  Mosese was a young man, and a rising football star with the Balmain Tigers.  He shouldn't be feeling depressed and upset about his life.  He had a promising career ahead of him.  Why would he do such a thing?

I suppose we will never know for sure.  Some think it could be because of a mental health issue.  This leads me to the next question - what do young people think about themselves?  Do they see themselves as able to face the world?  Do they feel that life is worth living?

As many people grow up, they are told many things about themselves.  Some are told that they are wimps.  Ugly.  Lack potential.  Etc.  Some are told other things.  People can grow up believing the truth, some end up believing lies.

I found http://www.charismamag.com/life/culture/16886-an-open-letter-to-gay-teens interesting.  The article addressed an issue where a teenager believes that he is gay, when his parents know he is not.  Are young people around you similarly deceived?  What other deceptions do young people face?

I am sure some would be told very positive things as well.  And in this culture of positive thinking, one would rather believe a positive lie than to believe the truth or believe a negative one.

I believe that Steve got it right when he said that "human beings are paradoxical. We are mere dust, and yet we have the breath of God within us."  I think we should not be too proud of ourselves, but at the same time, also realise that we are something of value in the eyes of God.

What do you think?  What would you encourage the young people around you to think?