Things have been happening lately which I interpret as God tugging at those hearts strings, reminding me of what is important to him. Lost kids. Lost kids matter to God (mine and everyone else's) and they need to matter to me.
A statement that haunts me is; 'the question isn't are our kids being influenced, rather WHO is influencing our kids?' Kids are impressionable people, we all know that so I ask (myself and anyone else who considers themselves a part of the church) What are we doing to make sure kids are being taught proper values? Maybe the better question is, how much do we value kids? How important do we make them feel and in what ways do we show God's love to them?
Personally, I think the best way to confirm their value and worth is to give up our own comforts and wants and sacrifice for their well being. Nothing speaks greater than that.
So what's been happening....
My kids came home last week talking about Eminem. I do not consider myself naive but I also don't think that a 5 and 7 year old should know too much about, let alone be listening to Eminem. We had a great conversation with our boys, making them feel safe enough (7 yr old was hesitant at first knowing that he sings 'bad stuff') to share the things that they are exposed to at school and at their friends' homes. We also made an agreement that as much as possible, friends would come to our house rather than the other way around.
I wrestled with God that night. I was awake all night pondering on the harsh reality that this is just the beginning to a whole new era in their young lives. I tried to pray for wisdom and protection ...but I couldn't. I felt like I was being twisted and squeezed inside, knowing that God expects more from his church in the area of children's ministries. God expects more from me.
I believe that children are a higher priority to God than they are to his church and that grieves me. The crap that they have to live with within and without their homes is robbing them of their innocence and confusing the truth.
I can no longer run but I also cannot do it alone.
Monday, June 20, 2005
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2 comments:
I am amazed at the things children are being exposed to at younger and younger ages. I definitely agree that, as a church, we have to advocate for ALL children and ensure that proper values are being taught so that they have the armor of God to protect them and prepare them for what the world is going to throw at them. Count me in as one of your "helpers"!:) Melanie
Thanks so much Melanie...you are the second one now, woohoo!!
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