Hurt and Grace (recently read books)

I (Matt) have been doing more reading lately.

First I read Hurt 2.0 by Chap Clark.  This book attempts to look inside the world of today's teenagers in America for the purpose of describing their world in a way that will help people know how to love and care for them.  His observations include that many teens feel systematically hurt and abandoned by adults.  This does not mean that adults are intentionally hurting youth, but are hurting them through their lack of intentionality and understanding, especially when pushing youth fit their personal agendas.

Next, I read the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  This entertaining novel which has gained quick popularity including a movie contract, to me felt like I was reading Hurt 2.0 again.  The story is told from the perspective of teens and they describe how they feel hurt and abandoned by the adults in their lives.  While there is some debate about whether these are actually good books, it is very clear to me now why they are popular.  The intended audience, teens, are able to identify with the characters; and even though the characters live in a futuristic world they deal with the same real life struggles that today's teens face.


I am currently reading The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  He writes in the first section of the book that we 'bear one another's burdens' when we forgive their sins.  In doing so we identify with the hurt and abandonment that Christ felt when he died for our sins on the cross.

I just finished re-reading Hebrews.  Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble."  When we refuse to forgive we develop a root of bitterness and keeps us from experiencing the grace of God.  To break free from hurt and abandonment is to seek Christ.  Christ is able to set you free from the bitterness that results from systematic hurt and abandonment that is a very real part of this world.