Girls

The better part of my life has been spent bringing up three boys.  As a young mom of one, I began to feel a deep weight of responsibility for raising a son.  I didn't know how but I sure wanted to do it right and do it well.  Sooner than I imagined, another son came along.  And before I really got used to just two, our third son was born.

I remember reading books like "Bringing Up Boys," "Parenting Isn't for Cowards" and "The Strong Willed Child," and back then I DIDN'T EVEN LIKE TO READ!!  But, I hoped to learn something that would help shape their lives for good and give me some answers.  One thing I did know, if they turned out to be anything good it wouldn't happen by accident.  I remember asking the Lord to give them faith like Joshua and Caleb.  I asked Him to make them mighty men of valor (strong, brave, heroes, helpers, warriors), His armor bearers (someone who lifts up, supports, carries, serves), and men of integrity who would lead others in doing the right thing.  I read about men like David, who made mistakes but was said to have a heart like God's and I asked the Lord to let that be true of my husband and sons.  Those prayers will never cease.

But now…I have a GIRL!  And, I'm back to square one.  I don't know how to raise a girl.  I do have one tiny advantage…I am one…but I don't know what to do!!  Girls are so different than boys.  Girls are SO complicated!!

I've been thinking about some of the girls in the bible…we'd all love to have a Mary, Elizabeth or a Ruth wouldn't we?  But, what was it that caused Delilah to grow up and deceive and betray Samson turning him over to those who wanted him dead?  And what possessed Jezebel who was known for her spirit of jealousy to take it as far as murder multiple times over in the book of 1st and 2nd Kings?

And guess who was responsible for the first Christian martyr in the New Testament?  You've got it!  A girl.  The daughter of Herodias (who held a grudge against John the Baptist) danced before King Herod and his dinner guests and pleased him so that he said "ask whatever you will and I'll give it to you."  She ran to Mommy to find out what she should ask for and off comes John's head!  That simple!  Really?

How did these girls get to where they ended up?  I don't know but I want to find out.  When does a little white lie (if there is such a thing) turn into deception and betrayal?  Does jealousy really lead to murder?  How dangerous is grudge-holding?

Jesus, help me to help Grace see what it means to follow You.  Teach us how to see signs early on that we're going down the wrong path and give us hearts to turn back to You.  In this complicated, mixed up, crazy world open our hearts to Your Truth…the only thing that truly sets us free.