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When American Idol reached full stride this past summer, television ratings for the hit show reached new heights each week. Based on the formula of making some talented young singers superstars overnight, the show was watched by millions (me, too!). The appeal of making it big in the world of music with all the fame and fortune the world has to offer captivated thousands who tried out all over America. The prospect of money and recognition speak loudly to a generation of young people longing for meaning and purpose in a world where the media's raising the kids and making the heroes.

Before the success of American Idol, other shows toyed with the reality TV concept by featuring adolescents trying to make it big in the world of popular music. One such show, Popstars - Boy Meets Girl, aired in Canada last spring. The 13 half-hour episodes chronicled the real-life selection, creation and development of a male/female recording act. The popular series followed the tears, fears, laughter and shattered dreams of girls and guys competing to become the next pop culture icon.

One of the 16 finalists was a very talented 20-year-old singer from Calgary, Alberta, named Rachelle Raine, who had dreamed of making it big in the music industry. Reaching the final round of the competition exceeded her wildest dreams. For all the finalists, it appeared the golden carrots of money, fame and wealth might only be another couple of nationally broadcast performances away. To those who made the cut, phone calls of excitement and jubilation were in order. The thrill of making it this far was too much for all involved, except for one. Rachelle had concluded that to continue on any further in a competition that was becoming more and more sexual would be a violation of her faith, morals and character.

Much to the surprise and disbelief of the judges, Rachelle asked to speak to them privately. She told them she was withdrawing from the competition. The panel of adjudicators was shocked and couldn't believe she was walking away from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As she shared with her fellow competitors afterward, "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I have little sisters and I have youth in my church back home and I was just thinking that I am a role model to them already. I don't think I should be in a group like this." For Rachelle, the world was not enough. Her commitment to Christ took precedent. There simply was no other choice. Compromising her faith was not an option.

I caught up with Rachelle and want to share her encouraging story with you. As parents, we need to realize it is possible to raise kids who can look away from all the enticements of the world - many of which require compromise of Christian character - and still be successful and happy. Here's what Rachelle had to say to me about her experience with Popstars and her courageous decision:

CPYU: What was it about this competition that attracted you?

Rachelle: Initially, I thought it would be a blast to be on TV, but all along I was very low key about what might come of it all. No matter what, I knew it would be an incredible auditioning experience that would prepare me for the music business.

CPYU: At what point did you know you were going to have to withdraw?

Rachelle: As soon as we got paired up with girls and guys dancing I started to think hard about what I was doing ... I felt very out of place and like I couldn't be myself. The (sexual) dancing issue really got me thinking. It also got me thinking about the lyrics I would have to sing and the things I would have to wear. I came to the point where I realized I wouldn't be able to be "me" anymore ... I don't necessarily have to be singing Christian music all the time but I want to it to be obvious that I am a Christian who is a musician. In order to do this, all areas of my life must reflect Christ even though I am not blatantly singing His name.

CPYU: Who and what have contributed to your faith development?

Rachelle: My parents and my entire extended family have played a huge role in my faith, especially my dad. Not only was I taught the basics of the Christian faith but I was challenged to find where my own thoughts fit into all that I was taught ... I learned from my parents how to identify with the world without becoming a part of it. They aren't "stuck in a box" Christians but rather real people who shine Christ to everyone. I'm still learning through school and friends who I am as a Christian, but through it all I try to model myself after my parents.

CPYU: What advice would you give parents who are trying to counter the influence of media on their kids?

Rachelle: Don't tell kids it's all wrong. Instead of being naive to the media, we need to know how to function in our society without being alienated from it. Some parents tell their kids that all aspects of the media are wrong. For example, some kids aren't allowed to listen to secular music. This only pushes kids to rebel. I learned to appreciate some aspects of the media, but I also learned what it means to be a Christian woman. Once I identified what these things were, it was easy for me to distinguish what I wanted to be a part of in regards to the media and what I didn't want anything to do with.

CPYU: As you look back now on your decision not to continue on Popstars, what difference has it made in your life?

Rachelle: The biggest thing I learned is that when God gives you a choice to make and you obey Him, you must then give it back to Him so He can do with it what He wants. I had originally thought I would start working with some Christian artists who may have seen the show. When this didn't happen, I was a bit disappointed. However, I have started to speak at youth events and do Christian magazine articles. I would never have expected this to happen but I've learned not to hold on to your choices but to give them back to God.

CPYU: You mentioned that after your decision to leave the competition, one of the boys in the competition told you he wished he had morals. Why do you think so many kids are growing up without a clearly defined set of moral boundaries?

Rachelle: Either they haven't learned morals from their parents or they are aware of the morals that they should have but have no one in their lives who is challenging them and keeping them accountable. It's hard to be the person you want to be without the support of a mentor. If kids don't have someone they can look up to, it's hard to make right choices on their own.

Learning the significant role Rachelle's parents have played in her life, we couldn't resist asking them a few questions as well.

CPYU: How did you feel when Rachelle told you she wasn't going to continue on?

Rachelle's parents: We were relieved. We knew she had the potential to make the final group but we didn't feel good about her being a part of it.

CPYU: What have you done as parents to raise a young lady who is able to live out her faith in the marketplace as strongly as she has?

Rachelle's parents: Teaching your kids about integrity starts when they are very small. As parents you need to make yourself emotionally available as they grow older, even if they burst into your room at night while you're sleeping, crying and needing to talk! We try to teach our children that we aren't just floundering aimlessly on the earth but we are called to touch lives for God and live a purposeful live. Kids should not be ashamed of their convictions, but they should also accept those who don't have the same convictions.

CPYU: What advice would you give to other parents who are trying to raise kids in the Christian faith in a world where anything goes?

Rachelle's parents: Because many kids have low self-esteem, encourage them to discover what they are good at. Besides talents, maybe they are compassionate or a good listener who befriends others. Compliment them when they put others ahead of themselves. The strongest value we've tried to teach our children is to have a deep relationship with God. Be aware of some of the suffering in your own community as well as to be globally minded. We've taken family mission trips that impacted all of us. We've always told our daughters that we aren't just proud of what they do but who they are. Teach them to grow from the inside out. What you do flows from who you are.

Rachelle's story is a refreshing one in a world that seems to be filled with bad news about kids. We should be encouraged to know the faithfulness and dedication of parents can and does make a difference in the lives of our children. Time invested in our children now, will pay character dividends in the future. Rachelle's parents have already "collected" on their investment. And judging from this talented young woman's character, they're sure to realize more in the future!

he Center for Parent/Youth Understanding grants permission for this article to be copied in its entirety, provided the copies are distributed free of charge and the copies indicate the source as the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

For more information on resources to help you understand today=s rapidly changing youth culture, contact the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

82002, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

Popstars-When the World is not Enough

By Paul Robertson

Hey!!

Welcome to our new website!! I hope everyone is excited about starting a new year at youth!! God is doing some cool stuff at our church. We have welcomed Jimmy Elliott as our new pastor. We also have 2 new teachers on Wednesday Night: Sherry Elliott (K-3rd grade) and Tim Jordan (4th - 6th grade). We also have done some redecorating, and even have a new store!! We are also planning some new and different activities for the coming year! So, grab a pair of sunglasses!! This year the Chapel Grove Youth are going to be shining so bright for Jesus that the whole community will be taking notice! If you haven't been to youth in a while, come and see what's new. If you are looking for a youth group, you are always welcome here. We will be having an Open House on Sunday, Sept. 5 immediately after morning service. Come and check it out!

Crystal
546-8577
[email protected]

Reflection #1 on 'Jesus Freak' by dc talk

Try this experiment the next time you're at the mall. First, find a central location where the most people seem to walk by and stand there. Next, take out your Bible and begin reading-out loud.

I'm sure you're probably smiling as you imagine the sight. Can you imagine the kind of looks you'd get? Most would just ignore you as they shuffle past, but others would be a little more vocal. "Freak" would probably be a word you hear.

Lonnie was called a freak by many people. I can still distinctly remember his mop of blond hair, and his slightly rounded face and body. I can still see his hands clutching his Bible, curling the left side down behind the right. I can still hear his voice echoing off the dormitories surrounding the courtyard on the university campus. Every day, whether anyone was listening or not, Lonnie would stand in the middle of the courtyard and read his Bible out loud.

I have to admit that I was one who thought Lonnie was acting like a fool. But another part of me admired his courage. That same year the following lyrics were heard on radios and CD's players all over the country:

I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak,
There ain't no disguising the truth.

Jesus understood that following Him wouldn't be easy. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV).

It's not easy to make yourself stick out in a crowd, especially when it could end up with people hurling insults at you. But the Bible says it is worth it. Maybe God isn't calling you to take your Bible to the mall, but perhaps He's calling you to stick your neck out in other ways.

Maybe you have a word of encouragement to give to a friend and you're not sure how they will take it. Do you know someone going through a difficult situation?

Sometimes offering to pray with them will do wonders. Is there a new family in the neighborhood? Offer to help baby-sit. Above all, don't be afraid to show others what God has done in your life because ultimately, it is the "freaks" that have the greatest impact.

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

-Ben Z.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:11-16

For more quiet time thoughts on your favorite contemporary Christian songs, visit www.SolidSound.org

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