This is an in the Moment post…   Something just needs to be said.

Over the past few weeks, I have had 3 things come into my purview:

About 2 weeks ago my almost 11 year old daughter brought home a book that a friend gave her.   She was excited to start reading it.  It is by P.C Cast and titled “Marked”  Just let me say that in the first 30 pages the language used was not appropriate, and in the first 50 pages I found a reference to oral sex.  My immediate reaction was to tell my daughter she could not read the book.   Then she questioned why?   I calmly explained the language issue and tap danced a bit around the other adult content aspect.  I made sure she understood why I would not allow her to read the book. I then promised to replace the books with something more appropriate for her age.  What gets me is Marked  is a book being targeted to young teen readers, and runs in the same genera as the Twilight series.  Why the need to include this kinda of language and adult content (Content I wouldn’t even read)  ?

Then there was a small snippet I read about a new show on MTV called Skins.  The name of the show may tell you all you need to know, but here is the Episode Summery from the Premier last night:

Tony’s a smart kid. So smart he believes that he can get his best friend Stanley laid, and make a profit in the bargain — with a drug deal. Inevitably that deal goes wrong. Stanley doesn’t lose his virginity…again. And a stolen car, carrying the unpaid drugs, goes into the lake. Now the kids are really in trouble…

Did I mention that the age of the kids depicted in the show are 14-16? Really? Really?  Does anyone else see a problem?

Has anyone thought that there may be a problem with the over sexualization of kids  today?  Of course people have, but,  sure doesn’t seem like much is being done.  Fact, the media is bombarding our kids with images and messages that sex in almost any form is OK.   I will not bore you with the physical and emotional issues that sex brings into a person’s life, but most kids in there teens think they can handle them.

Lord knows I have stood on the streets and watched the affect of this attitude….My heart is crushed, as I think what could be avoided…

And then there is this:

This morning brought some clarity.  As I drove into work the morning show I listen to, Mornings with Brant on WAY-FM,  had a discussion based on an e-mail that was sent to the show by a Dad in relation to his 18 year old girl.  READ the e-mail and Brant’s response.  The basic question.  When it comes to purity are there any decent guys left?  This girl, based on the example of purity by her Dad, seems to think there isn’t.

First I love that the daughter sees purity in her Dad.  Dad’s take note of that.  You hold the key to what your daughter will look for in a husband.  Your example and how you love her, treat her, and the proper affection you show, gives her a model to go by.  So Dad’s ask yourself this question… If you were an 18 year old girl, would you date you?  Is your purity such that you hold the opposite sex up in purity also? How is your marriage?  How are you in affection and purity towards your wife?  Not looking on them as sexual objects, but a person who deserves love, respect, and proper affection.  See Ephesians 5  (SIDE Note: Men do not think for a moment that your son’s do not notice these things and learn from you also.  How you treat and respect the opposite sex transfers to your son.)  Your children will learn from you or the world… Which will you chose?

To the 18 year old girl… I am sorry.  I am sorry.  I am sorry that men, can not think beyond their one track mind, and can not release themselves from the images and pictures of what society deems as almost normal now.  There  is a chance for these men, But they can not do it alone.

I love Brant’s take:

This said, as she looks over the field of boys, she’s not looking at finished products.  And if she finds “the guy” when she’s say, 23, and walks down an aisle, she still hasn’t found a finished product.  That boy, or man, will still be confronted with that question:  ”Embrace manhood and grow, or cling to my foolishness?”

And there in lies the Grace of God… That in the depravity of over sexed media images, there is  Grace.  Each man has a choice to step up and accept that Grace from a Savior who can wash away that depravity.  Don’t believe me ask me what Christ has done for my depravity.   Ask me about the journey I have had on the road to trying to achieve purity…

I more and more understand Paul in his letters, when he talks about marriage and the need to control our sexual tendencies.  That our lives must be filtered through the Grace of God.   And we must measure our thinking:  Phil 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Dad’s it starts with us, for the sake of every 18 year old girl.  Be a model of purity.   If you have a Son, be a model of purity.