The Witness
I’ve often wondered, or more like fretted and worried, if we allow our children too much freedom when it comes to technology. In some of the parenting circles I run in, I feel the judgment behind the raised eyebrows when they see my now 11-year-old pull out her smartphone and text. I feel it takes every fiber of my being to keep my mouth shut and not go into a long explanation of why we parent the way we do.
But then I stop. I know my children better than anyone—certainly better than the parents looking on. I know the countless conversations we’ve had about the great responsibility that comes with technology. I know the many times I’ve spent praying over them and their devices. I know. And I trust the measures we have in place to monitor their online activity.
On Sunday night I attended a class at church called Youth Culture. In this five-week class parents learn how to navigate the ins and outs of parenting teenagers in the age of social media. Fresh on my mind, after this particular class, was all the dangers lurking online. I’ll admit I wanted to re-evaluate every online regulation we’ve established for our girls. I was tempted to hunt down each device and computer in our home, and lock them down.
But just before I climbed into bed, still debating about confiscating all things “i” related, I noticed this text I had received from Izzy earlier in the evening:
So Mom, this girl on Instagram I follow (used too). Well, she all of a sudden just posted a picture and said she might leave, and cut herself. And I told her about God telling her to take a new path of life, choosing God. Well, I don’t know if she will but why make these things public? She acts all sad and I think she is faking or dramatic. I don’t know what it is but all I could do is tell her about God. And now I realize, what a great addition to my life He has been. I’ve NEVER been bullied, ever threatened myself, or have made terrible choices. And because of this girl she has inspired me to spread the word of God to the people threatening their own life’s. All because they don’t have a comforting, loving, understanding person to help them. Well that’s when God comes in!! All I can say is, gee people!
Be still my beating heart.
I was overcome with emotion: Laughter. Tears. Relief. Something is working here. She gets it. Not only does Izzy see the importance of God in her own life, but she is taking bold steps to preach it to her online community of tweens.
This is not the picture I conjure in my mind when I think of my children witnessing about Christ to their friends. But welcome to 2014! This might just be how it looks.
“…And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
And possibly on Instagram.
I am in near tears reading how precious this is. You two are obviously parenting her right! Each child may be different but that’s why we need to “know” each of our children’s strengths and weaknesses and trust God with the wisdom needed. Well done, mama- and keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Shellee. I appreciate it. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Have a blessed day!
I am speechless. Yes, Izzy does get it. She is such an inspiration to me as she boldly goes where other Christians don’t. I am thrilled that she shared her faith to that girl. We never know how those words resonated with this girl. Izzy, I am so pleased with your Christian growth…..you are truly an inspiration to your Grammy. Love you, child.