This is hard news to understand. We'll be dealing with this a church this Sunday.

A 13-year-old boy is dead after playing a choking game, where young people try to get a quick high by being choked with ropes or belts. The parents of the Mount Lebanon boy warned others of the dangers of the game, which has been deadly for other young people throughout the country in recent weeks.

Our kids are precious. And, our kids come to us without much of anything. They grow, and they have energy -- but they need so much. It is such a blessing to give.

In times like these, our priorities get a wake-up call.