Teen depression, the subject of the movie It's a Funny Kind of Story, affects millions of young people in the United States. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 20 percent of all people will experience depression before they become adults. LinC looks at depression and how and why it affects so many American youth. We'll also examine Romans 8, which affirms that no amount of suffering or despair can separate us from God, who is present with us and sustains us by the Holy Spirit. Key Scriptures: Lamentations 3:21-23; Romans 8:18-25, 26-30, 31-39. After spending time in jail for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring, Michael Vick is once again a starting quarterback in the NFL. While football analysts have been impressed by Vick's on-field performance, the American public is conflicted. Some people are happy to see the All-Pro quarterback turn his life around; others are not ready to forgive Vick of his horrible crimes. As Christians we are called to a ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation. While neither of these things is easy, God doesn't expect us to work alone. Next week we'll look at how we can extend God's grace and forgiveness to people in need of restoration and reconciliation.
