"But he's weird..."

August. For the south, it's basically one big giant "Monday." For the north, it's more like the Sunday of the year. School is starting back. If you have a job where you get summers off, first of all, lucky you, and secondly, you're about to have to start work again. And August, unfortunately enough, is here. For kids and teens everywhere this means going back to school, and reuniting with friends that they lost touch with over the summer, meeting new people, and seeing those people that they probably wouldn't be complaining if they never saw again. And that's the problem with school, and people, and how we approach other people.

It's happened to all of us, no matter which side you happened to be on. Maybe you've been seated next to the weird kid in class, and he/she won't stop talking to you, and they've decided you're going to be the absolute best of friends. And you don't want to be seen with them in public. Or you said one nice thing to the kid that no one ever compliments and now you're seriously regretting it because now they won't leave you alone. But, maybe you feel like everyone's always judging you, whether you think it's because of your hair, or your clothes, or your personality. If that's you, remember this: even the most confident of us feel awkward all the time. It's just how you choose to deal with it.

For starters: ignore them. Don't care what other people think. I know this is probably engrained in your brain from parents, and teachers, and who knows who else, but it's true. You'll never grow in Christ and be a better person if you're focusing on living up to someone's standards instead of those that God has set for you. You do you, and let them do them, and you'll find it makes you a whole lot more confident. Fast.

Second of all: don't judge other people. It's not your place. So, when that weird kid starts talking to you for the millionth time, be nice. I don't mean invite them to your house or walk down the halls with them between all of your classes or anything, but if they ask you a question, don't ignore them, as badly as you might want to. Your friends won't care. It won't ruin your reputation, and you never know how much good your kindness might be doing for someone.

So, God bless as everyone heads back to school, and keep in mind that He loves us all equally, so you probably should, too.

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." -1 John 4:11-12

"What do I say to Atheists?"

It's such a hard question, and it's one that I can't give you the answer to. This is such a common problem in today's world, and a lot of times, instead of trying to find a solution, we give it up, saying, "Eh. There's no hope. It's not like I can change someone's mind."

So, maybe you're right. You might not be able to change their mind. It's hard to accept, but we can't make anyone believe anything, and it's asking a whole lot of someone to get them to believe in Jesus when they haven't grown up with Him and have no experiences. It's a lot to swallow. Unfortunately, "It's too hard" and "I can't" aren't really good excuses when you're dealing with the big guy himself. While one little thing you say may not change their entire outlook on life, it could. It's happened before and it'll happen again. So, it's worth a little extra effort on your part to try, and if it doesn't have any immediate effect, that's fine. Pray for them. God might have a better time for them. Consider this: You mention how thankful you are that God got you out of a bad situation, and you talk about how much better off you are now. They might laugh at you, or disagree, or even not say anything at all. But if they find themselves in the exact same situation you were in, and they remember what you said, and see how God is working in them? Be patient. Something you say may end up sinking in their thoughts, way deeper than they're ever going to delve, but then resurface at the right time. Trust His timing.

Something else to remember: Christians can seem like a pretty exclusive group from the outside. Don't be a part of that. Practice what you preach- don't be that person who parties on Saturday night and goes to church Sunday morning. There's no such thing as "I'm sorta Christian" or "I mean, I believe in God but I don't really live like that"- you're either in this or you're not. When it comes down to someone who is Atheist or from a different religion seriously looking at the Christian faith, hypocrisy is going to be the first thing to turn them away. You individually are the only one who can change that. The way you live, whether you go around quoting the Bible or not, can make such a huge impact on someone, and you may never know it. So when you think, "Atheists- how do I talk to them?" remember that there really isn't a them to it. God doesn't love them any less than He loves you. He created us all, we're all brothers and sisters in Christ. Accept Atheists as you would accept anyone else. The smallest gesture can make the biggest impact.

The smallest gesture can make the biggest impact.