Jewelry asks gem of a question

The four letters can be found on bracelets, key chains, baseball caps, tee shirts and other merchandise popular with teenagers today. The merchandise can be purchased in accessory, craft, discount and religious goods stores, as well as on the internet.

This trend that is sweeping the nation has its roots in faith because the letters stand for the question: "What Would Jesus Do?"

Best sellers

According to Mr. O'Connor, the items are being purchased by both adults and teens. His store has been selling them steadily for two years since he heard about them from a friend in the south. His store carries woven bracelets, key chains, journals, plaques and jewelry with the WWJD insignia.

He compared the craze to the peace symbol that was popular during the Vietnam War. "That kept us in business when people weren't buying religious goods," he said. "This one has more meat to it. The symbolism is comprehensible. What would Jesus do in this situation? It's right to the point."

Hard question

"It brings an awareness of a divine master who loves unconditionally," said Sister Ellen Secci, CSJ, campus minister at Bishop Maginn High School in Albany. "It's a wonderful way to bring the incarnate Jesus into our lives. It's a wonderful way to recognize Jesus in our lives."

The WWJD bracelets were brought to the school by teacher and girls basketball coach Debbie Buff. She first encountered them at a basketball camp last summer.

"It was a reminder to be a good sport," Miss Buff said. "It also helps with people skills off the court, like to be honest, to be kind and to do community service."

Soul on sole

"When I'd look down [at my shoes], Jesus was always there," she said. "If you have faith, you can get through anything. It was a reminder to be a good sport. Win or lose, I wasn't going to quit."

This reminder was particularly important during the Class A semifinal game against Albany High School. Val scored 11 of her team's 20 points during the fourth quarter, including three free throws in the last 27 seconds of the game, which helped close Albany's lead to three points. In the end, the school lost 57 to 52.

"Everything happens for a reason," Val said of the game. "That's how Jesus wanted it."

Strength

The school's basketball team aren't the only ones wearing the WWJD bracelets. The question "What would Jesus do?" is a school theme for the year, said Sister Ellen.

When she first saw Miss Buff's bracelet, she thought it was a great idea for the school and decided to get the bracelets in school colors.

Since wearing hers, sophomore Lindsey Bradt has answered many questions from other teens about it. "Sometimes, they've never seen them before," she said. "Sometimes, they want to get them because they like the way they look."

Fad or not?

"If it's used as a fad, it doesn't mean anything," said Mary Harrison, associate director for youth ministry of the diocesan Office of Religious Education. "If it's used in the context of a retreat, of a conversion experience, then it's a reference point. If it's given in a vacuum, it's just a fad."

When it is used properly, Mrs. Harrison thinks the question "What Would Jesus Do" can be a powerful tool for youth. She said it can help a young person make difficult decisions. Some of the decisions young people face include pressure to not be truthful by copying someone's homework or lying, or relationship issues like excluding someone from the group, negating a person, or having premarital sex.

"It can help with the gamut of questions they face," she said.

Wise decisions

"It can call you back into the reality of discipleship," Mrs. Harrison explained. "Am I aware of my talents? Am I respectful of all life?"

In order for the WWJD paraphernalia to be helpful, young people must have an idea of who Jesus is, Mrs. Harrison said. "You have to have a context of who Jesus is and an understanding of what it means to be a Christian," she explained. "Without any formation, we can decide for ourselves what Jesus would do. You need to be formed and informed to make these kinds of judgements."

Mrs. Harrison has used the WWJD bracelets in her work. She gave them out to members of the Diocesan Youth Council. "The Youth Council is striving to live out their lives with the Gospel mandate," she said. "The bracelet is a reminder of the everyday decisions as a disciple."

Millions

Mr. Pierson said he wasn't sure what led to the most recent interest in the WWJD products, but he has found teens seem to be the most interested in them.

"The teens are the driving force," he said. "We're shipping product all over the world. It's phenomenal."

(04-23-98) [[In-content Ad]]