Our Biggest Responsibility

My heart breaks every single time I see or a hear yet another story of a child being mistreated, abused, neglected or even killed. We all say the same thing to ourselves. "Who could do such a thing?"

While watching Life Today on Wednesday, they were promoting a campaign to help rescue children from the Sex Trade Industry. Lord knows that if there was one thing I could put my heart and soul into, it would be this. Because I believe in purity and innocence being restored. Because I know the power God has to give people their dignity back. Because children have the right to be children.

And it hit me.

Have you ever seen a predator animal hunting a herd of their prey? The predator always hunts the most vulnerable, the small, the weak. That's how our enemy operates. He sees our children as a huge target, and I am not ok with that.

So I'm here, writing because I feel that we have a tremendous responsibility to preserve innocence. Yes, there are exterior things that we need to be cautious of. I don't want to let my kids see too much in the ways of violence and sex. I don't trust just anybody to care for my children. I am careful when I take them out not to let them get too far. But some of the things that damage kids long term happen at home.

The words spoken to them. The way we show how we feel about them.

Here are a few things that we can all change as parents to keep our homes a positive environment.

• Be positive. Instead of saying "don't..don't...don't!" Be specific. Example: Say "feet on the floor," instead of "don't stand on the table."
• Do not ever let your child believe that their actions change how you feel about them. This will teach them to become people pleasers instead of allowing them to be themselves and tell the truth. If you are getting frustrated, take a deep breath, tell them you love them and that you know they are good kids. If it's really driving you nuts, call for backup! 
• Try to keep other relationships healthy at home. It's ok to have some disagreements, and it's ok for them to see a little of that, but if it's getting heated take it to another room or call a time out. After all, they do what we do, not what we say. If Mommy's disrespecting Daddy, why shouldn't they, too? 
• Always, always, always talk up their abilities! "You're so smart!" "You're so Strong!" and for girls it's absolutely healthy to say "you're so beautiful!" I want my children to have confidence in life. Imagine the great things God can do with them if they already believe they can do a lot. I'm not suggesting we celebrate mediocrity, (don't just say something out of nowhere,) but do celebrate their gifts! 
• Be real. When the time comes to talk about the big issues, don't be afraid to be honest about your past. Sex, alcohol, friends.. those things that might still feel like touchy issues to you. Talking about it candidly might be (or might not be) the thing that gives them perspective before making a wrong choice. 
• Expect failure. We are human. We are never going to do EVERYTHING right. Neither are our kids. It's really important not to set a standard of perfection just because you know better. Your kids are not your big do-over. They are people who are going to need Salvation just as much as anyone. They have temptations and free will. If you really want to be there for them in those big mess-up moments, don't judge. You were there, remember? Be ready to talk through it, to pray through it and to remind them that life goes on, and forgiveness is there. 

This generation means so much to God. And they are under attack for it. They will be the ones to reach the nations and prepare the way for the Coming of the LORD. We need to give them the best possible start so that they can literally change the world.