Hurt
From our e-mail bag

Dear Hurt:
It’s obvious that he doesn’t want to communicate with you any longer. I know this hurts, but instead of trying to hang on and pressing him to explain what happened, move on. If he’s not man enough to communicate with you, he’s certainly not the man for you. You deserve much better!

Dear Susie:
I’m a big fan of God, but most of the people I hang with are becoming atheists. If I’m still a Christian, I’ll lose my friends; and I can’t live without my friends.

Should I still be a Christian and act like it? Or be a Christian but keep it a secret?

Confused
Sioux Falls, S.D.

Dear Confused:
First of all, there’s a difference between being a “fan of God” and a committed Christian. In a way, Herod was a “fan” of Christ. Herod had heard about Jesus and wanted to see Him. But Herod never professed faith in Christ, and he even mocked Jesus before the Crucifixion.

Are you simply a “fan of God,” or are you a totally committed follower of Christ?

Let’s turn the tables for a moment. Imagine yourself standing in front of God on Judgment Day. You know you’ve done some things that have embarrassed Him in your lifetime (as all of us have). Should God publicly admit He knows you and allow you to spend eternity with Him? Or should that be kept His secret?

I’m guessing you already know the answer: God has to be more important than friends, possessions and family. God has to be everything. Ask Christ to give you the strength to stand boldly for Him right here, right now — even though it may mean you’ll stand alone — and He’ll reward you later.

Dear Susie:
I’m 16, very open-minded and into the goth scene. I stopped reading Brio because you frustrate me so much. I told my religious aunt to stop buying me Christian stuff because I don’t believe in that religion. Stop being so closed-minded and maybe people will like you more.

Ticked Off
From our e-mail bag

Dear T.O.:
Thanks for taking the time to write. I hope you’ll someday understand that Christianity isn’t simply a religion; it’s a relationship with the living God of the universe. You say you’re open-minded and you’re into the goth scene. There’s certainly nothing sinful about color. The fact that you wear an all-black wardrobe isn’t wrong, but a rebellious attitude and spirit behind it can be wrong. You say you’re open-minded, but when it comes to Christianity you’re actually being close-minded. I encourage you to discover what a relationship with Christ is all about. Do some research.

This may surprise you, but I’m totally OK with people not liking me because of my beliefs. In fact, Christ said to expect that: “All men will hate you because of me” (Matthew 10:22) and “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).

My goal as Brio editor isn’t to get people to like me; it’s simply to reflect Christ and draw our readers closer to Him. We love you, and we care about you no matter what you think about us.

Dear Susie:
I’m 16, and I live in India. We place a high priority on our studies here. The courses I’ve chosen require hours and hours of studying. I know this is for my own good—and for my future career—but I can’t motivate myself to give up hanging out with friends and watching TV. Does this also mean I shouldn’t have a boyfriend or even crushes?

Stressed
From our e-mail bag

Dear Stressed:
We love hearing from our international readers! I’m sorry you’re so stressed right now with your schoolwork, but as you already know, it really is important. And do you know what else is important? God, your friendships and some relaxation!

It sounds as though you simply need to find balance. Moderation is the key word here. Ask your parents to help you create a schedule that allows for maximum study time with some space for friends and entertainment.

I think it would be impossible not to have crushes. God wired you to notice and desire the opposite sex. But dating? That’s totally between you, your folks and God.