"I don’t, you know, feel God’s presence like I used to. What’s wrong with me?"

"I’m not sure if I really even believe in Jesus. Can I?"

"My Christian high school never taught me about racism in America. What do I do with what I’m learning? How can I ever go back to that kind of Christianity again? Should I?"

These are the types of questions that J. Michael Jordan, an author and associate professor of theology, often hears from young Christians. Ultimately, he explains in a recent CT article, they’re asking who they are becoming and how it relates to who they’ve been up until now.

Pixar’s Inside Out 2, the smash-hit sequel of the summer, asks similar questions. In his article, Jordan explores how the film’s lead character, Riley, begins to struggle with anxiety. And the film is clear: while anxiety can push us toward successful outcomes at times, it’s a costly and painful experience.

Jordan offers a nuanced look at the film, the experience of anxiety, and what it might look like to "rest in God’s love for all people." May his words encourage us in our own lives and in our time spent with young believers, as well.