We hear of many stories of a young person losing his way

Why does a young person lose his or her way ? Is it because of lack of love or it is it because of bad company ?

I think both cases could cause this waywardness .

Most often it is ‘bad company’ and peer pressure . This happens in university . Who does not want to be cool or look cool or do things which show a person doing things to impress others . Moving in bad company leads to doing what the others are doing , be it drinking excessive alcohol, or doing drugs .

What I find hard to understand is Jesus came for the lost and sick . He said ‘I came not for the virtuous but for the sinner. The sick need the doctor more than others.’ Can I match this when I interact with the gang of so called ‘bad’ guys , without myself getting into any trouble?

Obviously we will need to rely on the Lord, for guidance , by our prayers.

The second category are those lacking love. Here it is quite complicated. The person needs affirmation and recognition to do anything. It may be anything as long as he/she gets noticed. This may not be easily detected , and this lack of love may lead the person to behave badly in order to seek attention.

So where are we …what will our response be to these cases . I still think loving them is important.

I have seen this in a classroom. The troublesome students are the ones who need more attention. When this is implemented those very students who are given special attention, begin to respond and ‘change’ happens .

A realisation I have made is that often these students will listen to anyone, except their parents.

Students remember their mentors many years later and it’s a joy to see them succeed in their careers and many happily married.

In conclusion, I think that one should not give up on anyone no matter what their circumstances are, and what they do .

Love and prayers go a long way .

Can we carry our candle to light the world of those are losing their way ?