This message is excerpted and edited from Chapter 7 of True Mother’s memoir, MOTHER OF PEACE: AND GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES. The published English edition has been reviewed against the original Korean and adjusted to more closely reflect the text of the Korean where appropriate.—Editor’s note.
Young people today endure a great deal of heartache. Sometimes, they compare themselves to others and lament their circumstances. A desire to give up may pop into their heads and, rather than looking within, they may feel like blaming others or the world they live in. The more difficult their situation, however, the more they need to return to where they started.
Especially in our younger years, we face countless temptations, endless concerns and unbounded desires. The way to overcome them is to have a clear sense of purpose. The years of our youth are the best time to dedicate ourselves to exciting goals that make our hearts beat faster. Since our youth is brief, it is important to do this without delay. We don’t want to be left with regrets. We need to have worthwhile goals and know with whom we will pursue them. If we do not live vigorously and create our own path, we will end up sinking into pessimism and despair.
Some young people complain that adults tell them to work harder, without giving them credit for the effort they are already making. Some become pessimistic, feeling that no matter how hard they try, they can’t get ahead—and that society is at fault. But they need to take an honest look at how much effort they have actually made. The path for young people should not be one of complaint and distrust, but a path of purity—a path of sacrifice, service and love.
In the fall of 1993, I traveled throughout Korea on a speaking tour that took me to 40 universities. It was a long and challenging tour. In several instances, students of differing religious or ideological persuasions opposed my coming and sought to turn me away at the gate. In China, however, I was able to speak at every university I visited, sharing with the students how they could fulfill the aspirations they held in their youth. We also organized seminars for young people and university students in Moscow, Beijing and Washington, DC, bringing together students and professors from both North and South Korea for meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding of one another and explore the path toward reunification.
More than anything, I place great importance on raising future leaders. With this goal in mind, I founded Global Top Gun (GTG), which teaches enthusiastic young people from all over the world how to contribute to world peace and the salvation of humankind by living for the sake of others. Among biblical figures, I point GTG students to Joshua and Caleb, who attended Moses in the wilderness. Joshua and Caleb remained loyal to Heaven even after the age of 80, and they led the chosen people into Canaan. Caleb completely united with Joshua and devoted himself to the cause of the nation and its people. Through Global Top Gun, I am raising outstanding young men and women to become people who can dedicate themselves before Heaven as Joshua and Caleb did.
Almost 1,500 years ago in Korea, the Silla Dynasty raised its young leaders through a training program called Hwarang-do, which means “flowering youth.” These young leaders were known for their allegiance to the kingdom and determination to overcome obstacles. Hwarang-do took young people from the elite of society and trained them in academic studies, martial arts, meditation in nature, and methods of resolving conflict between social classes. They were known for never retreating in war and for choosing an honorable death over being taken prisoner. It was through this proud and honorable spirit of the Hwarang that Silla was able to unify the Three Kingdoms.
When it comes to raising future leaders, we must not miss the right time. Young people who are to lead in the future must focus their minds, do well in their studies, and lead lives of sincere faith. They should resolve to build upon and surpass their parents’ filial heart for Heaven. This is why I am intentionally guiding future leaders for the establishment of God’s kingdom of Cheon Il Guk under the name Hyojeong-rang (youth of filial heart)—it is my hope that they will surpass the Hwarang of old in their devotion to Heaven.
It is the younger generation that owns the future. No matter what difficulties emerge in their time, such young people will meet those challenges and emerge victorious. When young people dedicate themselves to Heaven with body and soul, no matter their position, they can become filial sons and daughters and patriots remembered by our Heavenly Parent and all generations. They must never forget that the hardships they face today can become a firm foundation for tomorrow.
