“The second greatest Commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself." ~ Mark 12:31
Born Shannon in 1999, she was a
timid blond beauty: “well-loved by everyone,” according to an obituary provided
by the family. Add “Trailblazer” to the
long list of noteworthy achievements.
At an early age, she started expressing feelings that who she
was inside didn’t match up with the body she was born with. Her parents didn’t panic. They gave her freedom to explore those emotions. They even allowed her to cut her hair and
switch up her wardrobe. No one in the
family judged the self-discovery.
With unwavering support, her confidence grew. As a fifth grader, Shannon organized a
petition drive to present testimony to the school board, insisting they
restore the theater program that they'd removed from the schools. Her actions led to theater and arts programs being
reinstated.
She was transitioning from female to male prior to her suicide.
As Charlie, he was brave; a pioneer to all who supported him. He fought anxiety, depression, and the gender
dysmorphia that haunted him. Despite
counseling, medications, and researching how to confront his demons, Charlie
lost his spirited battle to suicide at age 19.
Even while quietly fighting those battles, he spread love
and compassion freely, fostering sick and feral kittens from local animal
shelters and nursing them back to health until adoption.
He planned a walkout at his high school protesting gun
violence. When told his actions might
prevent him from ‘walking’ at graduation, Charlie did it anyway.
He never got a chance to walk.
Charlie created a bot (a software application programmed to
do certain tasks), on the internet chat room for his high school robotics
team. Every suggestion sent in was
automatically marked "VALID". “Nothing is invalid,” said Charlie, “except
bullying, rejection and pineapple pizza." That defined Charlie - validating everyone and
every idea.
Thoughtful, brave and unselfish; Charlie inspired many
during his short time on earth.
Suicide is the 2nd leading
cause of adolescent deaths in the U.S. The
risk is especially high for transgender boys who were born female.
Young people naturally go through
multiple transitions in life. As they
move to adulthood, they may move from middle to high school, transition to
college or the military, move due to parents’ employment, experience the loss
of a loved one, change peer groups, etc.
Families, churches, and mentors
can bring much-needed stability during these life changes. These occurrences can provide for growth in their
relationships with Jesus and His Church.
But Satan sometimes uses these transitions to pull young people away
from God’s promises and grace.
We can’t ignore young people or
families during these difficult times. Congregations
must work to connect all God’s people to Jesus; it’s not alone the work
of pastor or other staff.
