sounding off...

On Wednesday morning Good Morning America (as well as many other morning shows I imagine) announced that Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. WHOA!!!! For those of you who may not know who she is, Jamie Lynn (16yrs old) is Brittney Spears' little sister.

It seems lately there has been a lot of talk about premarital sex, at least around here. Not only have we heard about it on TV and about celebrities, but we also are dealing with it in our small group.

Its terrible, but when the announcement about Jamie Lynn was made, I wasn't shocked. Okay, maybe I was a little. But it seems to be everywhere and everyone is okay with it. I guess what shocked me most about what I heard, was the fact that this girl was supposed to be a role model for tweens and younger girls. I will say that that is a HUGE responsibility for a 16 year old, and probably not fair. It got me thinking though, my sister is 12, she'll be 13 in March...who does she have as a role model? Is she looking up to women on TV and getting the wrong idea of what a Christian (young) lady is supposed to be? The only good thing I can take from this Jamie Lynn situation, is that she is keeping the baby. So at least there is the lesson of avoiding abortion. Still, I think there is a better way of teaching that....

So, who do young girls look up to these day? Most every female you see on TV (no matter her age) is missing half her clothes, all the shows are geared with sexual undertones, and they are now using sex to sell hamburgers and perfume/cologne. Its ridiculous. There have been so many times when we've been watching TV and a commercial comes on or something is said during a show, and we look at each other in disbelief. It truly is everywhere. And just as discouraging, the government released statistics the other day that said teen pregnancy is up for the first time in 15 years. This scares me not only for my sister Danielle, but also for my younger cousins and friends... as much as you talk to them about sex, you just never know (and they think you have no clue!)

We're also finding out that more and more (so called) 'Christian' couples are letting themselves be influenced by our society's obsession with sex. It isn't just the "oops, we made a mistake" thing any more. These Christian couples know what the Bible says, and still they turn their heads and look the other direction. Its been really hard on our small group as we've struggled to do what we think is best according to God's Word. We are so glad that we have God to guide our decision and help us through this.

I also have a personal struggle with all of this. As I see these young girls getting pregnant, I think of all the people I know who want children, and are struggling to do so or can't have children. It really seems unfair that someone who doesn't want a baby gets one, and those who do, don't or can't have one. (I know thats the wrong way to think) Don't worry though, I'm constantly in prayer about it!

Premarital sex and teen pregnancy is increasing, and our children are watching this and thinking its normal; the thing to do. I don't know about you, but it scares me. I don't want Danielle growing up with role models like Jamie Lynn Spears, but unless we lock her in a closet, it might be impossible to stop. So I encourage all of you Christians out there, women and men alike, to take interest in our younger friends and become their role models. Live your life knowing that they are watching and being influenced by every little thing you do. And please don't be afraid to share and be open with them. If we don't talk to them and try to be the best example for them... who will...?

its scary to think about isn't it?