A new study shows heart disease, lung cancer, and emphysema may be more prevalent in popular youths. The University of California and the University of Texas collaborated on a study which found that popular students in seven different California high schools were more likely to smoke cigarettes than unpopular students. (see full article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249965.ph )
When I was growing up, almost everyone in my family smoked in one form or another. My dad preferred Winston's, and smoked about two packs a day, but quit cold-turkey in 1980. My great-grandfather, Bly, smoked a pipe. Even though he lived to well into his 90's, it was throat cancer~caused from the raw tobacco in the pipe~that killed him. The cancer came to the top of his skin like giant bruises, 2 to 3 inches in diameter, all over his body. He died the day after my 19th birthday.
All teens are looking for acceptance~they need to fit in, be a part of the gang, yet be unique at the same time. In their search for the place within the popular groups, they fall into the trap of being just like everyone else. It was not so many years ago that I was a teenager myself, and I have since raised two of them, so I know what I am talking about.
Everyone knows that cancer kills. And, everyone knows that one of the many ways to get cancer is by smoking. But, what is the reason behind the smoking? Why would teens risk their lives to 'look cool'? Are the peers they want to be accepted by really a better person than they? Of course not! Sometimes, acceptance and confidence can be hard things to come by, especially if there's turmoil at home, grades are low, or there is other social pressures. Smoking does not keep things like this from happening, or make them go away if they show up. In fact, if anything, it shows weakness of character in person who gives in to the peer pressure. A person should not have to smoke just because their 'friends' do.
It's time teens and young adults found their originality. And the best way to do that is live their life for Jesus. After all, He was an advocate for the minority in His day~women, outcasts from society, children-teens included. Remember, Mary was young when she was chosen to bear the baby Jesus~probably 13-17 years old.
A person should not have to risk their health, or die, just to be accepted and 'look cool'.
When I was growing up, almost everyone in my family smoked in one form or another. My dad preferred Winston's, and smoked about two packs a day, but quit cold-turkey in 1980. My great-grandfather, Bly, smoked a pipe. Even though he lived to well into his 90's, it was throat cancer~caused from the raw tobacco in the pipe~that killed him. The cancer came to the top of his skin like giant bruises, 2 to 3 inches in diameter, all over his body. He died the day after my 19th birthday.
Everyone knows that cancer kills. And, everyone knows that one of the many ways to get cancer is by smoking. But, what is the reason behind the smoking? Why would teens risk their lives to 'look cool'? Are the peers they want to be accepted by really a better person than they? Of course not! Sometimes, acceptance and confidence can be hard things to come by, especially if there's turmoil at home, grades are low, or there is other social pressures. Smoking does not keep things like this from happening, or make them go away if they show up. In fact, if anything, it shows weakness of character in person who gives in to the peer pressure. A person should not have to smoke just because their 'friends' do.
It's time teens and young adults found their originality. And the best way to do that is live their life for Jesus. After all, He was an advocate for the minority in His day~women, outcasts from society, children-teens included. Remember, Mary was young when she was chosen to bear the baby Jesus~probably 13-17 years old.
A person should not have to risk their health, or die, just to be accepted and 'look cool'.
