Walking into my neighborhood park this morning, I saw the same faces but something felt different. The playground was empty, and it struck me how silent it had become.

A young life was lost yesterday when a youth pastor allowed teenagers to hang onto the side of a moving van. One 14-year-old boy suffered fatal injuries while another child required hospitalization. It's hard to imagine any adult making such an irresponsible decision, especially someone in charge of our children’s spiritual growth.

This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s part of a disturbing trend where those in positions of trust put the lives of young people at risk for thrill-seeking and poor judgment. I have questions about how the church is addressing this tragedy and what safety protocols are being reviewed.

Imagine if this happened on your street, right outside the local school or park. Would you feel safe sending your children to their youth group meetings?

This kind of oversight isn’t just negligent; it’s dangerous. It’s a stark reminder that we need to keep our eyes open and advocate for stricter standards.

What does this mean for my family? What if the same thing happened near our home, or worse yet, involved one of your children?

A 14-year-old boy is now gone. His future and his dreams are no more. Every parent should be terrified to think about what could happen when their child's safety isn’t taken seriously.

Think about the last time you dropped off or picked up your kids from a church event or youth group. Did it feel safe? It’s not just about knowing where they go and who is with them; it’s also understanding that everyone involved has to have responsibility for their wellbeing.

Please share this story with every parent you know, whether your children are part of an organized religious community or not. We must be vigilant in keeping our kids safe.