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I wrote this essay for the Youth Speak Out program sponsorsed by C.A.R.E. After writing the essay I read it infront of a panel of judges from people in my community and district. This is my essay:

    Many people try to argue that there is not a moral decline going on. I have heard things such as, “The ratio of moral people and immoral people is the same as fifty years ago; as the population grows the amount of moral and immoral people grows too.” And what about “life around us is changing, we just have different priorities and values which determine our morals.” Everyone has their own idea of morality, what’s right and wrong and what is causing this moral decline, if there even is one.

    I believe there is a moral decline in our country and 74 percent of Americans agree with me according to the Cultural and Media Institute. Not only do people feel there is a decline, but the Public Agenda Survey reported that 61 percent of adults are convinced that today’s youth face a crisis in their values and morals. This problem has been going on for a long time, but people seem more concerned about our generation. I feel that we have the power to change our generation and that we can turn this moral decline around, even though some adults of this nation do not see it as a possibility.  The Youth Service of America says that only 31 percent of adults believe today’s children, once grown, will make the world a better place. Based upon what I see, I am tempted to agree, but I believe we can change this.

    Morals are based on values. Values are defined in the dictionary as the ideals, customs, institutions, etc., of a society toward which the people of the group have an affective regard. These values may be positive, as cleanliness, freedom, or education, or negative, as cruelty, crime, or blasphemy. This country was founded on values. Values of freedom, independence and “laws of nature and of nature’s God.” As a country, we have fallen away from the values that this country was founded upon, and we have fallen away from the God who gave us this land. Why is there an economic downturn? Why has extreme poverty in the US reached its highest point in at least three decades (McClatchy Newspapers, February 2009)? Why is suicide the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds (according to the CDC)?

    Our country has fallen away from Jesus Christ. The foundation on which we were built has been destroyed, leaving us with a broken house. This nation is not living under God. The Bible, which should determine our values and thus our morals, has been ignored making our nation morally corrupt. As we continue to let others, such as our peers or the media, determine our self-worth, social status, priorities, and boundaries they will continue to direct us in the ways of immorality. We need to start thinking for ourselves and getting back to Godly basics.

    As a Christian, I have observed in my school and in my generation that youth do not understand what it is to be a Christian and disciple of Christ. There are those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ nor understand what being a true Christian means. Then there are those who claim to be Christians but continue to live their lives like the rest of the world. And last, there are those who have truly dedicated their lives to Christ and have a personal relationship with Him. In 2008 I started my own organization to encourage teens to have a daily prayer life and personal relationship with Christ. I saw this need in my school and I decided to do something about it. The scripture that I use for my organization is 2 Chronicles 7:14. Its says,

    "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray     and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from     heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

The Bible says, if we pray, seek God, and turn from our wicked ways we will be forgiven and our land will be healed. Is that not what we need in America, our land to be healed? Healed from this moral corruption? But we must turn from our wicked ways and seek God’s face, which mean to go in search for and try to obtain. This is the first thing we must do before we can start changing our generation. I believe the return to morals will begin to follow.

    A good way for students to make a difference is through positive peer pressure. After all, if a person will do drugs with someone then would they not be open to someone sharing the answer for life? If we are living our lives based on Christian values and morals then we can positively influence others to do so as well.

    Another powerful way to help the moral decline of this generation is through positive reinforcement in the school system. Unfortunately, teachers have been banned from sharing their faith or religion in the public school system, which seems to make them hesitant to even bring up the subject of morals and values. But don’t be fooled. We are still being taught a version of morality, just not a good one. Why is it that in my Family and Consumer Sciences class I was taught to have “safe sex” rather then stay away from it all together? Why is it that I am told not to “drink and drive” rather than not drink at all? Why do these messages try to stay politically correct and not offend anyone, which in turn ends up making them not as powerful? We are taking the moral messages in “awareness” programs too lightly.

    Finally, it is critical for our parents to be living a moral life and teaching it to us at home. Family is so important. Look at voting statistics. They show that often a child will join with the same political party as their parents. Why is that? It’s what they were raised on. Since they were a little kid they probably overheard their parents talking about politics and their political affiliation. So naturally, after eighteen years of hearing this they decide to vote, and most likely in the path of their parents. The home is a place of reinforcement. Often times parents are too scared to bring up tough issues to talk about. But if the only message kids hear about at school is to have “safe sex” then they are going to think that is what they need to do.  Then, the parents will try and address the issue after their teen daughter is pregnant.  A lot of good that does, right? We need our parents teaching us the principles of life. Sean Covey says in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, “ A principle-centered life is simply the most stable, immovable, unshakeable foundation you can build upon, and we all need one of those.” We need our parents instilling the principles of honesty, respect, gratitude, moderation, fairness, integrity, loyalty and responsibility (a few listed by Sean Covey) in our everyday lives. With peers, teachers, and family living a Godly, principle-centered life, our youth will always have someone there for them. Even if their parents don’t know how to be principle-centered or have no understanding of Christ, at least a teacher or friend can be there to fall back on.  

    Only 20 percent of young people perceive that adults in the community value youth according to the Search Institute. It’s hard for teens to want to make a change and stand up for what they believe in this country. Remember when I said that only 37 percent of adults believe today’s children will make the world a better place? It seems like people have no faith in us. It’s almost like people give up before even giving us a chance. A Gallup Poll found that 77 percent of Americans say the moral decline will only get worse. Can you see why we have continued to fall in this path? The Josephson Institute took a survey in 2008 and 93 percent of the high school students surveyed said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character. Is it because they have simply given up? Or is it because we believe the adults of this country have no faith in God or us?  Is it because we have lowered our standards so low that we don’t even realize what kind of condition our country is in?

    Do you believe that we can make a difference? I believe we can change our generation. Not on our own, but by the power of God and with your help. I challenge you to pray for us and to speak up about your own morals and faith. We need your support. The youth of this nation have been known for making huge differences in our country in the past. Do you believe that we are strong enough or capable of doing it now? Do you think that the moral decline of this nation can be turned around by a group of young people that are determined and passionate for Jesus Christ? I do.   

-Leigha Briscoe

Dear Members,

Generation of Prayer is announcing a new way to declare your faith and speak up and pray! GPGs, or Generation of Prayer Groups is comming soon. We will help you start a prayer group at your school, tell your school about it, and give you pointers, ideas and instruction on how to do so. You can also post your Group on the website and be a part of the mission to spread prayer in our schools. Downloads, videos and forums will help you jump start your group and give you encouragement and tips. Check back for the new Groups page and launch video!

Speak Up and Pray