Book Tour June 19, 2006

The Coconut book came out almost a month ago. I have on the road since then on every weekend. I am covered four cities so far and got six more to go. This has been a new experience for me and have been having a good time connecting up with friends. I am also enjoying sharing the insights from the research.

I am making this entry from Houston. I am struck here due to heavy rains and flash flood. It has been pouring cats and dogs all weekend. And last night was the worst one so far. We all woke up to see the city flooded and all flights cancelled out of here.

I was feeling bad for being away for Father's day and was wanting to get back home. I use to enjoy travel, but these day it  does not excite me anymore. Being away every weekend is no fun.

Here I was interviewed on a radio station about the Coconut book. Check out www.khcb.org next week (27th & 29th June) during morning ride to listen to my interview.

Last sunday, I spoke at a church on Father's Day from the life of Jospeh the father of Jesus – Joseph:Lesson on Fathering from a Forgotten Father. I got the sermon idea from a young man in our church in Chicago. Last mother's day I spoke on Mary: The Model Motherhood and this young man came up to me and asked if I would speak on Joseph on Father's Day. And when I was asked to speak last sunday, I ended up studing the life of Joseph for lesson on fathering. I have relied so much on youths on what they want to hear from me. They continue to impact what I am learning about life and ministry. Thanks, guys!

Self Abuse June 7, 2006

I came across this distrubing new trend among young people: self-abuse. Nearly 1 in 5 students at two elite U.S. universities say they have purposely injured themselves by cutting, burning or other methods, a disturbing phenomenon that psychologists say they are hearing about more often. (Source: PTI)

The results of the survey at Cornell and Princeton are similar to other estimates on this frightening behavior. Counselors say it is happening at colleges, high schools and middle schools across the United States.

For some young people, self-abuse is an extreme coping mechanism that seems to help relieve stress; for others it is a way to make deep emotional wounds more visible. Some of them have suffered sexual, emotional and physical abuse from others which triggers self abuse.

I had come across teens and 20 something folks who were into self abuse in churches as well as college campuses. And there is no simple solution to this complex problem. If you are or know of people who inflict injuries to themselves, get them some professional help ASAP.