Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Trust but Verify

Most mornings, I read the headlines in our local paper. Today and yesterday, our front pages highlight the injuries and deaths of 6 local high school students. 6 boys, all athletes either hurt or killed in shootings within a year's time. Shootings! What is going on here? Who's to blame? I look at a mother's picture on the front page. She is understandably distraught, her daughter consoling her. Her son was shot at 1am. He had been at a party. 1am?
I'm not so naive to think that my children are above any risks, but there had to be signs in these families! Yes, they'll let us down, they'll make mistakes. We all did! We all pray that our children will become happy, successful adults, but even despite our best efforts sometimes this does not happen. My parents were too permissive with me and I know from experience what kind of trouble can find you when you're a teenager.

I'm a strict parent and my kids still love me! Monitor you kids! Know their friends. Know where they are going. What could your teen possibly be doing past 11pm? Don't just set a curfew and let them loose. They need good, chaperoned activities available to them! Thanks to some wonderfully supportive parents, my church offers tons of teen gatherings. They still have opportunities to find their independence. Sure, we have disagreements. They have friends with less strict parents. We have discussions about these other lifestyles and I support my decisions with logical insight and God's plan. Sometimes I do give in to their pleas. I pray about it and then refer to the well known motto : Trust but Verify.
My oldest and I recently discussed what would be expected of him once he graduates. He plans to attend college, but likely will be living at home. He now knows that there will still be rules, curfews and expectations. It was easy to explain. I referred to Joshua 24:15. (It's my house and) as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!

P.S. My heart goes out to the families of these young men and all other parents that have lost a child. I can't imagine the pain. I pray that God's loving arms bring you strength.

6 comments:

He & Me + 3 said...

I totally agree with you Leah. Great post. I am strict too. There are far too many temptations for them out there these days. Scares me to see them grow up so fast. But God protects His own & I pray for their safe keepings daily.

Queen Gwennie said...

Kudos!! It is time for my daughter to date and rules and guidelines are set and expected to be followed and yes I will be checking. If the young man does not agree -tough! I am really strict but curfew here is 9pm!! What is there possibly to do after 9pm?

Mc Allen said...

I know, I just want to lock my girls up... Thank the Lord that they are His and not mine. Those poor families... I live the cerfew too, now I don't feel so bad!! ♥ Leah

Tim said...

Hey Leah,

Very nice blog! Love the design. Saw you on several of the blogs in my circle so wanted to take a peek. Glad I did.

Hope you will stop by and visit us sometime too! Let us know if you do.

God Bless.

Joan said...

I agree with you 100%. They are kids and still need supervision. I have a 16 yr old daughter. I think I may have to supervise her till she's 25! Thanks for the great post!

Hana said...

Hi friend.. Nice post.. Visit my blog and post your comments.. I have added you to my blog roll.. Hope you too will do the same..I'm also following your blog.. So i hope you too will follow my blog...Expecting your reply soon.. Take care... Keep in touch mate!!! Visit http://oceanstrike.blogspot.com