A couple of days ago my Facebook page began to fill with post after post discussing the shocking display of sexuality that was exposed by a young lady at an awards show. We don't watch many TV shows and have never been that into awards shows or even celebrities. In a brief moment of insanity, your mommy allowed curiosity overcome common sense and I searched to see what everyone was talking about. A word to the wise: If everyone is saying things like "disgusting", "sad" and "appalling"...no research is necessary. Lesson learned.
You are living in the bubble that your father and I have willingly and intentionally put you in for your younger years. I know that there will come a time when we have to choose to send you out into the world.
Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
I am confident in our decision to intentionally hold you in our "quiver" right now. You are not sharpened and whittled enough to be shot out into the world, and we haven't finished aiming your life at the target, that is your Savior. Naturally, when we send you soaring, the bubble will burst. My prayer is that we will have intentionally equipped you for all of the obstacles that will come flying at you. That you will be so aimed, so sharpened that your target will always be in sight and you will be able to cut through any distraction from the bulls eye. Once you are released from our hands, the choice to stay on target is yours and yours alone. You may occasionally get off course or get swept into the heavy winds of the world or even stumble when an obstacle catches you off guard, but I pray the target remains in sight. Your father and brothers and I will be there to remind you of the target if you seem to have forgotten where your destination was. I pray you surround yourself with the kind of friends that will fly a little ahead of you when you are off course to help show you the way...even if you think a new path looks easier or more intriguing. The kind of friends that love you enough to tell you that you are not flying straight, instead of the kind of friends that just stand on the sidelines and shrug as you toss about aimlessly. I pray you are that kind of friend when you are the one who is strong.
As far as the show goes that was on the other night...I am pretty sure that the goal was shock, attention and something that people would talk, blog, tweet and post about. I suppose I'm adding to the masses, but I want you to hear this message. I pray that when you desire to shock people, you shock them with your ability to offer grace that is undeserved, mercy that is not earned, forgiveness in spite of their behavior, love when they are unlovable, and a firm stance when everyone around you is wavering. I pray that when you hunger for attention that you go to the only ONE who can fulfill that need completely. I pray that you dive into God's word and read about how you are loved dearly by a perfect Father. I pray that you turn on music that reminds you that God sings over you. I pray that you take a walk and look around at creation, knowing that each flower, each butterfly, each singing bird, is God's way of romancing you in a way that no earthly man ever could!
I pray that when people talk about you, they talk about the quality of faith you display. I pray they discuss the crazy way they saw you washing someone's dirty feet, or hugging someone who smells bad...but needed a hug. I pray they talk about how you are always seen as the weirdo who has her hands raised in praise or is sitting by someone who is normally shunned or ignored. I pray that when you do get talked about...and my precious girl, I'm so sorry to say that it is inevitable, I pray you seek your identity in your Creator and don't worry about the way the world sees you. If you are a Christ follower, you will be mocked and talked about for your walk with Him...you'll be de-friended on Facebook...or whatever social media voyeurism is popular in your day, and shunned by people that disagree with you. People will wait and watch for you to stumble and fall. When that happens, the very ones that wanted you to fall will then mock you for falling. I'm so sorry that this is the reality of the world we live in. I just pray that you see it as an opportunity to learn to have a heart of compassion and realize that everyone is broken...everyone. Do your best to see them through God's eyes. He loves them in their sin, just as He loves you in yours. I pray that you learn that the best compliment in the world is when someone calls you a "Jesus Freak".
I pray that you realize that the world you live in tells you that it is necessary to show more of your body and less of your character. I pray that you understand that the kind of man you want to attract would not ask that of you and would actually find that unattractive! I pray you are a prude. Yes! I said it! Shocking as it is, I want you to be a prude.
Proverbs 19:14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Here is the definition:
pru·dent
adjective
1. wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.
2. careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.
Just like the term "Jesus Freak", it turns out that the term "prude" is actually a compliment.
I pray that you waste very little time and energy watching the world of celebrities or even politics. Both have been given far too much access to our hearts and minds. It is a sad world when we worry more about a celebrity's dress choice or the latest scandal, lover or trendy dance than we do about God's word. You don't need a tabloid or news show to tell you where you stand, and frankly...those celebrities and politicians, they are human just like you. They will rise and fall. Their cars, clothing and even their scandals with fade away. Spend your time and energy on becoming refined and renewed. Put your hope and attention on things of eternity. You are not in control of the legacy that the spot-lighted people of this world choose to leave behind...but you are in control of your own. I promise you....you can make a bigger impact for eternity out of the spotlight than you can when it is beaming down on you. People who have a light shining from within do not require a spotlight. Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
One final thing, my little one: when you are standing in your closet searching for just the right thing in which to clothe yourself, consider these words from your Father in Heaven:
Romans 13:12
The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Colossians 3:14
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
You see, when you "dress" yourself in the things of God, suddenly the things of this world seem foolish. I'm not saying that it is wrong to enjoy a stylish look, but make sure it lines up with your values first and foremost. A name on a tag is just the name of some person. Does it really hold any value? Ultimately, clothing is fun, a lot of fun, but when it begins to speak louder than your heart, your values, and your spirit...you've offered it a role that it does not deserve.
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