There’s a personal story that I have shared on occasion with younger people who are still in their formative years.
While studying for my Masters of Divinity degree at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary [a three-year course that I managed to complete in eleven years as a part-time commuter], I heard about a dual degree option with the University of Pittsburgh that would merge coursework and allow me to also attain a Master of Social Work degree [which would have been a door-opener for me into the world of counseling].
I applied and was not accepted. I appealed the decision and was told that they had MANY applications that particular year and they had to go back to high school records to make final decisions. They then reported that although all of my graduate and post-graduate work was excellent, I had received twenty-eight C’s during my high school career! That eliminated me from consideration.
I had not been highly motivated in high school. My parents didn’t place high demands on me; they were happy with C’s. Obviously, I was capable of much better grades, but I had no sense of purpose in making the investment to receive higher evaluations.
Very few high school students are aware of the impact their high school performance might have on their future.
________________________________________
For several hours yesterday, I sat and watched the broadcast of a Senate subcommittee in the process of questioning [and lecturing] Pete Hegseth – President-elect Trump’s candidate for the Secretary of Defense.
It was difficult to listen to. For the most part, the Republican Senators complimented him on his qualifications and passion, while their Democratic counterparts literally took Hegseth apart in many areas. It should be noted that this is standard procedure for Senators in this process.
At one point or another during this process, Mr. Hegseth was accused openly of the following:
·
repeated
public incidents of being extremely drunk
·
being
in his third marriage
·
admitting
to having immoral sexual relationships while in his first marriage
·
having
an immoral sexual relationship outside of his second marriage that ended in a
pregnancy [and his third marriage]
·
making
public comments about women not having a place in the military
·
drinking
on the job while a host on the Fox News Channel
·
inappropriate
behavior with female employees
·
poor
management of several organizations that he previously led that reportedly saw
a significant drop in contributions during his leadership
He was repeatedly accused of having a lack of integrity and being extremely unqualified for the level of leadership that he was nominated for.
He consistently defended his record and withstood the onslaught of accusations and allegations. He frequently referred to “having been cleared of all wrongdoing” or by openly denying the reality of the Senator’s reports.
Although I am a Trump supporter, I have
no vested interest in the outcome of this process. I am not particularly a fan of Pete
Hegseth. I don’t have sufficient
background information to be capable of deciding whether or not he should serve
in this role at such a high level of our government. I will leave the outcome of this process to
those who do have the information and the power.
My interest in this painful and embarrassing saga is the education of our youth!
Here’s a man who clearly has struggled with alcohol abuse. His insistence that he will NOT drink if appointed as the Secretary of Defense is hard to believe.
Here’s a man who has had repeated marriages and has a record of infidelity.
Here’s a man who has failed to garner respect from his fellow employees.
Here’s a man who is reported to have treated women in a demeaning manner.
Here’s a man whose past statements have the potential to prevent him from holding a highly privileged and extremely powerful position.
Here also is a man who claims to have had a spiritual awakening within the last thirty days – since he was nominated by President-elect Trump for the position of Secretary of Defense!
THESE ARE HEAVY CONSDERATIONS THAT OUR SENATORS ARE CONSIDERING!
________________________________
Suddenly – in a totally unforeseen manner – Pete Hegseth discovered that he had been noticed by the President-elect!
In a turn of events that most would never have imagined, Pete Hegseth is seriously being considered for an extremely important leadership role in the future development of our country!
Here’s the question for young people to
consider: If Pete had seen this coming, might he have
changed his behavior in the past? Having
lived in an apparently reckless manner, does he now look back with
regrets? Does he wish he would have
worked harder on his marriages? Do the
fleeting rewards of sexual irresponsibility now seem foolish? If he could, wouldn’t he like to purge
numerous areas of his life from public knowledge?
Our youth are not known for great wisdom. They are inexperienced and curious. They want to experiment and discover things for themselves.
They need guidance and parameters! That’s why God gave them a parent from each gender to advise and protect them throughout their development.
Wise parents might take the ‘Pete Hegseth’ episode and talk about it with their youth. Some starting points might be:
·
Do
you think Pete has regrets about his past behavior?
· You need to be careful about your daily activity. It may affect your future! Life is a progression. The things you say and do today may have an impact on your future.
·
What
are your goals for the future? What are
some behaviors and decisions that could totally destroy your hopes?
·
In
light of your hopes and dreams, what kind of behavior today will develop
character and integrity in you that will facilitate your dreams coming to
reality?
Parents have the potential and opportunity to have these kind of vital conversations with their young people. Wise parents will take full advantage of modern-day examples to help their children develop with wisdom and integrity!
And while you’re talking with them, why not also pray with them about their future! Let them hear you voice your concerns to God on their behalf!
