I'm Just a Kid (and life is a nightmare)

OK, so there is this song that I just can’t get out of my head ever since the first time I heard it.  It’s called “I’m Just a Kid” by the band Simple Plan.  If you’ve never heard it nor read the lyrics, please stop reading right now and give the song a listen while viewing the music video here (you need to scroll to the end) and check out the lyrics here. 

So, what do you think?  I’d really love to know what you think, but in the meantime, I feel a need to tell you what I think. 

First of all, I think this song reflects what a lot of teens today are feeling, either in part or altogether. And I believe this simply because of what I am hearing from teens on a regular basis on our retreats, as well as through email and Facebook correspondence.  So, this song breaks my heart.  I hope it breaks yours. 

In particular, I am struck by this line, “Nobody wants to be alone in the world.”   

Can I get an “Amen” to that? 

So, here is a simple plan (get it?) on what to do with this song, now that you've heard it.

One thing I ask is that you please pray for anyone who feels this way and for those who work with troubled teens...

If you are a teen, please pray for your friends who might feel this way.  Try to reach out to people at school who might be alone and lonely.  And if you ever feel this way PLEASE tell a trusted adult who loves you and can help you through your hard times.  Finally, don’t forget to talk to God, the most trustworthy friend ever, because He is always with you and you are never alone, even when you might feel that way. 

If you are a parent, consider listening to this song with your kids.  I did.  Ask them if they feel this way.  I did.  And let them know that if they ever feel this way that you are there for them, any time, 24/7.  I definitely did. 

If you are an educator or a youth minister, this song might be a good starting point for a great discussion with parents, your students in the classroom, your youth group members, your fellow faculty members, or with your core team.  My advice, should you choose to do this, is simply to play the song or the music video for your group.  And before getting preachy and teachy, consider asking your audience questions like this…. 

What is your reaction?

Does this reflect what teens are going through today?

Do you know anyone who might feel this way?

Have you ever felt this way?

What advice might you give to someone who feels this way?

What could our community do to better reach out to teens who feel this way?

What do you think Jesus has to say about this song and its message?

If you feel a need to get preachy or teaching, I would recommend a well-prepared lesson about God’s unconditional love for us, and our call to love others the same way. 

And if you discuss this with teens, be sure to let them know that you, and God, are always there for them if they need to talk. 

It’s a simple plan, but it could change someone’s life and give them a chance to open up like they never have before. 

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PS - OK, so I love this band, since I think they reflect youth culture quite well.  If you think that using “I’m Just a Kid” in this way might be helpful, check out some of Simple Plan’s other songs and music videos, especially “Welcome to My Life”, “Crazy”, and “Untitled” - pretty powerful stuff.