WARNING!
This is a PG-13 rated post! DO NOT read any further if you are not prepared to be smacked in the ears (or eyes since we are reading) with adult language.
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It is a rare event for my husband to be home during the week. This week because of jury duty, he has been at home instead out of town on business. Yesterday at 2:45 my husband, who was excused from jury service, decided to ride along with me to pick up our daughter from the middle school. She is always delighted to see both of us waiting in the car.
We pulled up to the curb and parked, rolled the windows down and waited. The bell rang, instantly kids were walking, talking on cell phones, running, yelling, everywhere around us. Horns honked as mothers waved at their kids and at their neighbors who passed by. It is mayhem around the Jr. High.
As we were waiting for our daughter, watching, and listening to the craziness, a large black pickup truck rolls by our car on the opposite side of the street. The windows of the pickup are down and a high school kid is blaring music from the cab. It is loud enough to vibrate our car in time to the beat. The annoying black truck became stuck in traffic and stopped next to us. Of course!
Okay, I am not too old to like loud music. You should be around the house when I am cleaning. I blast praise and worship so loudly my dogs hide. However, the lyrics of this particular rap are what got me in a twist. The rapper shouted, “Shut up -itch” followed by more suggestive and outright disgusting lyrics.
My husband and I stared with mouths agape.
As much as I might want to protect my daughter from the ugliness of life, I realize I can’t always. There were probably three dozen eleven and twelve year olds who heard these words yesterday out on the street.
I took a minute later that evening to talk with my daughter about the objectionable rap song. She and I talked about how our words affect others and ourselves. We talked about how to choose them wisely.
Proverbs 12:18 (New International Version)
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
James 1:19 (New International Version)
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Colossians 3:8 (New International Version)
8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Okay, so I guess I got worked up over this incident, becoming concerned for all the male youth in America. What is the world coming to anyway?
Then I remembered the stupid things I did as a teenager. I thank the Lord that He has redeemed me from the bad-girl choices of my youth. It is in Him we find forgiveness of our yesterdays; hope for today and optimism for the world of tomorrow which includes boys who listen to rap. *grin*
Thank you for joining me here today. I know you are busy. I am humbled you took time to read my ramblings about our youth in America. Have a great day!
You are such a blessing my dear.
It is disturbing to realize what our youth listen to and even our innocent kids are subjected to that. As a teacher, I would sometimes be bowled over by the speech I heard in the halls, not to mention the clothing or actions that went with that. We need to pray for our youth, don’t we?
I really love the way you took the time with your daughter, so many parents don’t do that. They do not care, don’t think it is important and do not see a need. Some just make no time. You are a blessing and I am going to link to this post in one of my future posts on Meet Me In The Garden.
http://meetmeinthegarden.blogspot.com
http://aintnoplace.blogspot.com
How awesome that you turned an offensive incident into a teachable moment with your daughter.
Lynn, sorry it has taken me this long to get here! Remember I was away —boy howdie–do I ever have much to “catch up on”.
I really think you hit the nail on the head. Your talk with your sweet girl will be a long remembered event in her life….
The Lord has even stopped me—my mouth—from being too critical—as I do at times when I get aggravated about “stuff”—-wise words yours. Wise from His word!
Bless you sweet friend!!