I remember the details like it was yesterday. They are ingrained in my memory, stamped and etched in a place of perpetual recall. While I do not remember my exact age, I estimate I was either in fifth or sixth grade. It was a weekend visit to my father’s house that first exposed me to the world of pornography.
Continue reading “Parents: Open Up Your Eyes to the Problem of Pornography”
It was the summer before my son’s freshman year in high school, and he had one request of me: “Mom, can I join the football team?”
Continue reading “Allowing the Lord to Say No to Your Children”
I remember the moment so clearly. I was a mom of three small boys ages 4, 3, and 1. It was a beautiful spring day so the boys and I packed up the stroller to walk down to our park. As the older boys ran and jumped and played, I pushed my giggling little guy on the baby swings. Not meaning to eavesdrop, but being too close to avoid hearing, I listened in on a conversation between two moms.
Of late, the news has been dominated with story after story of accused sexual impropriety and misconduct. It seems that with each passing day another politician, celebrity, or public figure falls from grace. While the depravity of man in general does not take me by surprise, a naive populace does. I find myself a bit dumbfounded as I hear of the outrage and shock that people have expressed at some of the recent revelations. Please understand clearly: I do not condone such behavior. It is wrong and reprehensible. But, my question is this: should this trend be surprising?
It shouldn’t.
My boys were so excited as they anticipated the end of the week. Their good friend was coming over to hangout and sleep over. There would be chess matches and football games, talk of sports, and a bit more football. Their hands and fingers would intertwine as they greeted. Their arms would embrace each other as they departed. Friends.
It was Mother’s Day two years ago. My mom had come to my home for dinner. We exchanged flowers and cards with one another. As I pulled my card from its envelope and read the inside, I paused.
“Love, Barbara”
They were there to gather donations to fill the shelves of a local food pantry. The boys, dressed in their troop uniforms, were greeting customers as they entered the grocery store. Each patron received a flyer detailing what items were needed and then were sent on their way with a smile.
As parents it is natural to contemplate what paths our children will take. We look at their strengths and weaknesses and speculate what the future will hold. We imagine how their lives will unfold. We hope for smooth sailing, straight roads, and few bumps along the way. We pray for health and success, safety and provision, triumphs and victories. Down deep, we hope for ease and often pray for it expecting God to work within our pre-approved framework. Continue reading “Are You Willing to Let the Lord Write Your Child’s Testimony?”
Yesterday I opened the refrigerator door and found this:
If the result of this week’s election has left you angry, scared, and concerned for the future of our country, I want you to know that I understand how you feel. I have experienced those same feelings. I know what it is to have a flood of anger rush over you. You scratch your head, “What were these people thinking?” I know what it is to feel a deep concern for the direction our nation is headed. I know how it feels to experience fear over what kind of nation our children will grow up in, what kind of nation they will raise their own family in, what kind of a nation you will grow gray-haired and old in. I know what it is to be gravely concerned about the security of this nation. I know what it is like to look at the television with tears in your eyes as the election results come in. I know what it is to grieve for a land that you love and call home.
Continue reading “If You Are Upset About the Election, I Understand”
Life in the Van 