Teens
The Dangers of Dusting
By Dan Blankenship
© 2006 Dan Blankenship
We’ve all heard the expression, “People do stupid things.” It has even been made into a series of commercials promoting a phone company. But sometimes a large group of people begin to do the same stupid thing. This is the case with a new and nearly hard to comprehend, self destructive practice of inhaling compressed air from cans of computer dusting products. The resulting “high” is not only a “stupid” thing to achieve, it can be, and has been, deadly!
Teenagers are always seeking out excitement and experimenting with new things, but the dangers involved with trying new ways to alter one’s consciousness by introducing mind altering chemicals or limiting the amount of oxygen to the brain is downright mega-stupid! Dusting is hurting kids because they are quick to believe they are invincible, and hearing about a new way to “get high” – especially from friends who are supposed to care about them – can have a great influence upon them.
It is that invincible feeling teenagers have that subconsciously convinces them that tragedy is not just around the corner. Tragedy from “dusting” is not widespread, but if teens aren’t warned about the dangers, it could become a story repeated on the front page of many local newspapers. These stories of tragedy are not limited to the teen who falls victim to the effects of dusting, the heartache engulfs everyone around them who feels helpless and regret for not somehow intervening in time.
Teens have died immediately following “dusting”. Some have died hours later from the effects. And some kids have died as the result of car accidents directly related to the inhalation of cleaners while driving their vehicles. It is time teenagers and pre-teens were sent the clear message; dusting is deadly.
Remember to seek God’s wisdom in all decisions. James 1:4-5 (NIV) reminds us that God is the supplier of our good decisions: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Use the wisdom of God to shield yourself from decisions that steer you toward tragedy and heartache. A true friend would never suggest performing a self-destructive act such as “dusting” to another person. In my opinion, suggesting someone perform this act of stupidity is tantamount to assisted suicide or possibly accessory to murder.
Most of the teen columns I write are important to me, but this column is extremely urgent in that there are some teens and parents who have not heard about the dangers of “dusting”. Internet searches will point teens and parents to different stories about the resulting death and pain from “dusting”, but it takes serious discussions between teens, teachers, parents, and community leaders to make sure no more local newspapers make their lead story the tragic tale of another loss to such a mega-stupid practice.
Take this column, take this message, and take wisdom with you; and be an informed intervener in this battle for common sense. There is no greater “high” than knowing Jesus Christ as our Great Intervener, our great source of wisdom and comfort, and the One who gives us the strength to challenge bad advice, fake friends, and enticing temptation.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 1058 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Dan Blankenship or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 1058 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.