A Note for Parents

This week, I have been home recovering from having my tonsils removed, nose fixed and several other small things that have left me pretty much in a daze since Friday. I'm weaning off the pain meds for now, although I'm told I will start to feel better soon, but then will feel much worse again in a few days, so I'm looking forward to that.

Anyway, tonight I was perusing iTunes, looking for some new music to listen to. I saw a few groups on the Grammy's a couple weeks ago for the first time, so I was just looking to see what the top songs are now.

I hear some of the kids singing some of the songs around church sometimes that are top 40, and Kidz Bop will be releasing a new album soon that my children will likely hear, so I just took a look. My mind was actually overwhelmed and shocked with what I saw.

I've never been one to shout and scream against secular music or avoiding Top 40 radio stations, but you need to pay attention to what is hitting the airwaves right now. Go to your iTunes, take a look at the top singles right now-expand the list. This is the stuff (some of it is edited on the radio) that our kids are hearing and singing and the messages they are absorbing. It seriously blows my mind what has come out over the last 2 years since "I kissed a girl" that is now normal and acceptable. Be aware of what your kids are listening to and taking in! Be proactive!

There are 2 mainline morning radio stations here in the ATL that fully embrace and promote the homosexual lifestyle. The Bert show on Q100 and Elvis Durand on 105.7. If your kids listen to these stations, know what agendas are being pushed and are being "normalized" on these stations, even beyond their morning shows.

I'm not looking to argue or debate with people. I'm just a parent/youth pastor that is blown away by what our kids are hearing! As Christian parents, we need to be aware of what is coming into the minds of our children and students on the computers, iPods & radios we are buying for them.

Again, just go take a look at the expanded top songs list on iTunes. That is what is being played on the main stations that your kids-and even myself until now, are listening to. (Star 94, Q100, All the Hits 105.7). I have never believed in being separatists or being in a Christian bubble, but we are at a whole new level of secular assault on us and our kids that I don't know we have faced in the past.

I don't have all the answers, but I do know there are some artists that I will be deleting from my iTunes. If you are a parent or are a member of FBCM, as one of your pastors, let me advise you not to take this post lightly. Check out what radio stations your kids are listening to, along with the music that is on their phones, mp3 players, etc...

Now, I'm off to take some more pain medicine...

Tough Week in Ministry-Emotionally

I love that God has called me into ministry. There are many aspects to vocational ministry, especially when you get to fill multiple roles! It definitely keeps you on your toes! It can be an emotional roller coaster at times. Sometimes you're celebrating the work of God in the ministry, planning and dreaming into the future and/or seeing your dreams come into fruition. Occasionally, there are challenges that you have to deal with-good and bad. Other times, you share the tough experiences of life with the people you serve within your congregation or in your community.

This has been a roller coaster week. Sunday was uplifting and exciting as we finished out an amazing month in the church, celebrating the increases we are seeing recently in the life of the church. Then, switch gears as Monday involved me officiating a funeral for one of the parents of one of my students. I've honestly done quite a few funerals, but this one was different due to the nature of the unexpected death and the dynamic of the family involved.

Today took the cake.

It is my oldest daughters birthday. She is 8. Tonight, my family will celebrate her special day, but this morning, I went to the hospital and stood with a father as he held his stillborn baby while his wife is fighting for her life in an ICU unit.

I know several people that have experienced this type of tragedy. My own family experienced this when I was growing up. My little sister Melea would have been 28 two weeks from today, but the Lord had different plans. I remember one time in high school talking to my mom about Melea, over 1o years after her still birth, and the emotions that still rose to the surface.

Then I felt bad for my mom. I knew it had to be painful. Today, this all means something more. It has been several hours since I watched the father hold his little, perfect looking, lifeless daughter, and my heart is heavy for him. Now, as a father myself, and as a husband, I can't imagine the hurt he is feeling. However, I know that God is in control. That little girl is now in the presence of Jesus, just as when King David mourned over the loss of his infant son, this father, a Christian, will one day be able to go to his daughter and spend eternity with her, worshipping our Savior.

This family needs your prayers. Again, this wife and mother is hanging on to life on this side of eternity. Pray for the strength, direction and peace of the Lord.

Tonight, time will continue to move forward. Life will move on for all-for some of us, here on earth; for others, it will be in eternity. Irregardless, it will keep on moving. Life brings happiness as well as sorrow, God brings peace and hope. There is a time to be born, a time to die, and a time for everything in between. Christ is present and aware for all of these times.