Before I
start I want you to know. I am not nor have I ever been or claimed to be a
perfect parent. I am only an imperfect parent who makes daily parenting
mistakes. Being prayerfully led in the spirit by a perfect God. I know from
experience we feel bad, judged or mean for defriending and or blocking someone
including family and friends. Yes, I understand some people don’t. However, for
the ones of us who do, with good reason we feel bad. I’ve had to do this. No
only on my Facebook or other social media sites, but on my children’s as well.
Does this make me a bad parent, a bad Christian or ungodly saint? Some would
say yes. After searching my own heart and seeking the heart of God, I’ve come to
the conclusion ASOUTLEY NOT!! I am none of these things. Protecting your mental
and emotional health as a Christian is of the upmost importance. Your heart is
the central nervous system for emotions of the body (yes, I know this is not scientific,
it’s not meant to be). It is where your emotions stem form, Jesus replied:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind”, Matthew 2:37 (NIV). All connected right?! The
bible is perfectly clear in any translation to guard your heart, “Above all
else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” Proverbs 4:23
(NIV). I am sure it does not just mean
from pornography, pre-marital relations, satanic items/rituals and dysfunctional
relationships. I believe it is anything not edifying to Christ. Sometimes we
see a quote, photo or status update we like. Therefore we double click little
like button. Innocent enough, right?! Um, no! I have to constantly remind my
children those photos, quotes and status are sometimes connected to a page,
friend or company not edifying to Christ. I’ve noticed my teen daughter likes a
lot of photos with quotes containing curse words. Words not used in my home.
This bothers me beyond words. So, I’ve told her if it continues I will take her
Facebook away. I have gone as far as linking her photo stream on her IPhone to
my computer. If any inappropriate photos are taken or received and saved, I know
all about it. Her phone is also on family plan, if she says she is going
somewhere I can look on family plan and know within 63 feet of the location
where she is at. Oh, yes I am that mean mother. I know some of you are thinking
“Oh my goodness, she’s a terrible control freak.” No, that is not it at all. If she is unable or doesn’t want to guard her
heart as a child lent and entrusted to me. Then I will, it’s my job. Their father
relinquished his rights. He had his reason, he says. I am sure, nor at this
point is it relevant. However, when my children or myself have mutual friends
on social media site we can see all comments, updates and photos liked by him,
his wife or his Step-children. Yes, this bothers a couple of my children. So,
as the mean mother I am; I blocked him and all his family from my children’s
pages. They can no longer see any activity by him or his family. Thus, cutting
back on their negative emotions (protecting their hearts). I also informed my
children if their curiosity gets the best of them and they decide to unblock or
re-friend any of these people I will gladly delete their Facebook. Yes, again I
am that mother. I was told once “if your children are mad at you at least half
the time you are not doing your job”. Or “you are not their friend, you are their
parent.” There is so much truth in both statements. So, as I prayerfully ask
God will lead me and guide my footsteps in parenting. I know there will be
plenty of mistakes, tears and doubt. I know God will keep his promise.
Remember as
a parent, Single parent or not these following things (Things God has reminded
me of).
1.
You are not their friend, they have plenty of
friends. You are their parent entrusted by a God who has only allowed you to
borrow them. Proverbs 29:15 “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left
to himself bring shame to his mother.”
2.
Children are a blessing, a reward. Yes, even
when you are doubting it. “Children are a gift from God, they are his reward.”
Psalms 127:3
3.
Discipline is a form of love. Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers
(or mothers), do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord”
4.
On your bad days “this too shall pass.” 2 Corinthians
4:14 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal
glory that far outweighs them all.”
5.
A child’s obedience is a biblical commandment. Ephesians
6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Praying today this post may bless someone.
Blessings,
Hollie Kate
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