Facing Todays Challenges St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church

+ Facing Today’s Challenges St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church; Washington, D. C. Youth & Young Adults – March 22, 2009 Yousry Armanios M. D. YARMANIOS@HOTMAIL. COM

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD” (Romans 12: 2)

The Seven Big Challenges Today 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Today’s Language Apathy Understanding Love Emptiness Anxiety Depression Loss of Control

1. Today’s Language What Does It Hide?

Today’s Language! n Let me have fun! n It feels good; It’s Cool n I’m old enough n It won’t hurt me n They all do it! n I can stop it if I want n Nobody understands me

What is behind? n Sensuality n Short-Sightedness n Defensiveness n Shallowness n Self-Deception n Loss of Control n Irresponsibility

2. Apathy: The Mask We Hide Behind!

Stereotypes of Apathy n Who cares? ! n I don’t care, either! n Homes Where We Grow n When we take it to church n When we bring it back after we marry n Understanding the Body of Christ n Having Guts of Compassion

3. What is Love? The “Confusions” of Love

The “Questionable” Love n Are You in Love, Really? n Is it Love or Infatuation? n Expressing Your Love n Love in the Short-Term n Love & Commitment n Gratifying Your Love n The Beloved Other

4. Emptiness The Vacuum We Live in!

The Two Evils! "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. ” (Jeremiah 2: 13)

Which Water Do You Drink From? This World’s Water: n All Impurities n Thirsty All the Time! n Toxic Water n Exposed Cisterns n When You Wake Up One Day! n The Deception of the “New” Serpent! n Before It’s Too Late!

5. Anxiety Are You Worried?

What Are You Worried About? n About the Unknown n About Failing Myself n About Losing My Job or My Career n About Finding a Good Spouse n About My Family Life n About Death and Dying n About My Own Salvation

Where is Your Faith?

6. Depression Are You Depressed?

Four Dimensions: The 4 D’s of Depression n Disturbed Feelings n Distorted Thinking n Destructive Actions n Dysfunctional Life

How Does Depression Hurt? n n n n "I feel sad all the time. " "I don’t like myself any more. " "I no more enjoy being with anyone. ” “I don’t enjoy doing good things like before. ” "I've been having trouble with my sleeping. ” "I keep having aches and pains. " "I often feel like my life is not worth living. "

7. Loss of Control Are You Still In Control?

When We Lose Control n We Become Servants of Another Master n We Lose Touch with Reality n We Lose Our Self-Awareness n We Have to Deal with Our Obsessions n We Are Never Gratified n We Pay a Price: The Consequences! n We Lose Our Freedom (Dependency)

Two Sorts of Loss of Control n Over a Substance: Alcohol & Drugs n Over an Action: Sex & Gambling

The Solution! Drink from the Living Water n You’ll Feel Safe, Secure & Significant n You Raise Your Self-Awareness n You Learn How to Deal with Reality n You Are Able to Manage with the Future n You Become a Leader, not a Follower n You Feel Gratified! n You Shall Be Happy!

The Blessing: You shall Serve the One Who Loves You, Forever!

Finally: Never Give Up! “With God, All Things Are Possible” (Mark 10: 27)

Thank You! Dr. Yousry Armanios YARMANIOS@HOTMAIL. COM 614 -327 -8289 (M) 614 -777 -1251 (H)