How to Share Your Faith Using 'Slanguage'
So...what's a 'fo sheezy'? Well, that all depends on who you're asking. The majority of teenagers in America would know, but the majority of adults wouldn't...and that's fo sheezy!*
No doubt about it, the teenage culture has soaked up hip hop-isms like a sponge, and pretty much everywhere you turn there is a someone gettin jiggy wit it, and others are agreeing wholeheartedly in a 'word' sort of way.
So whether you are 'down' with the whole 'slanguage' phenomenon or not, there are definite opportunities to bring God up by way of hip hop that seem to be in everything from bling barbies (I'm not kidding) to rides that need to be 'pimped'. Why? Because behind every slanguage word or phrase is a reference to something deeper that you can turn into a spiritual conversation. Here are a few examples of questions to get you started-
- What's the obsession with bling and why people want so much of it? Do you think bling can ultimately make someone happy?
- Why or why not?
- Can I tell you about something that is way better than bling?
- Who are some of your closest peeps?
- Why is friendship so important to most people?
- Have I ever told you about how a person can have a friendship with God?
- Do you know anyone munchin' on hater tots?
- Why is there so much hatred and violence in the world?
- Did you know there is a way to find permanent peace in life?
As you probably know, the general attitude behind the hip hop culture is about materialism, pleasure, and power-which are all quick ways to a miserable life. This week, pray for opportunities to use the 'slanguage' of a destructive view of the world to show others the Light of the world...tru dat!
If you are a youth worker that is 'slanguage' challenged-we have a great resource for you! Dare 2 Share's good friend Jonathan McKee just finished a new book What's a Fo' Sheezy? that he co-wrote with Fred Lynch. Much like the books Would You Rather, or Unfinished Sentences, this book has more than 300 Questions to get teenagers talking, laughing and thinking. These questions are perfect for small groups or even casual hang out times. Read all about it in our exclusive interview with Jonathan and Fred.
