It’s one of the special characteristics children are born with, a trait expressed by their wide-eyed wonder and exhibited in their natural curiosity. Though their sin nature is intact, their young minds do not come filled with all of its vile expressions.
I treasure the innocence of my two daughters; I work fiercely to protect it. The world is so eager to rip it from them, to expose their eyes, ears, minds and hearts to vulgar words, violent images and sensual emotions. To block it at every turn often seems like a losing battle, but the importance of the struggle draws me on. I cannot be defeated in this challenge that carries such lifelong implications. From the books they read to the movies they watch, the computer games they play to the friends they make, I must never tire of standing guard. As I pray for the purity of their growing bodies and blossoming minds, I ask God for His wisdom and discernment for each step of the way.
The gift of innocence, once lost, can never be regained. May it live on in my girls, sheltered and cherished, for years to come.
Read about gifts others are unwrapping at Tuesdays Unwrapped.
Innocence is such a precious gift…and what a battle we have to maintain it in our children! Thank you for posting this this morning!
I agree..in the battle with you, and the Lord. It's something I strive to do for my children, but it's tough, alot tougher than when we were young. Nice post 🙂
Oh and it seems the innocence gets taken away from so many so early. I strive to maintain this in my house as well.
Very well stated…an extremely worthwhile battle indeed!!
Your post is so true, I would love to hear more about how you go about protecting their innocence.
newmommy –
I could give quite a long response to you here, but maybe I can cover more specifics in a future post.
In general, protecting my daughters' innocence involves constant vigilance. Just yesterday, we encountered a situation at the library where I had to reject a few of the books one of my daughters wanted to check out. They didn't contain bad language or sinful situations, but I felt that the material they covered was inappropriate at her age. That's just one simple example of how I seek to guard their minds by keeping questionable media out of our home.
At some point, I'd love to hear what other moms have to say about this subject as well!
One of the things that I grieve as my children grow is the loss of innocence with each passing year..you are right it is a gift.
Keeping our childrens innocense in tact is a full time job in this day and time. Just the other day my mom made a comment about the noticable difference in play, talk, and attitude in Madison and my brother's daughter. There is only a 10 month age difference. It made me feel good that my mom noticed my little girl was indeed still that….a little girl.
Definitely a gift to be treasured! The world wants to strip it all away. 🙁
Beautiful, it's so hard as they grow older. Hold on to His promises for you and for your family, and rest in His peace.
Ginger
This is such a sweet post. I don't have any children yet, but I can feel the love you have for your children beaming from my computer screen. 🙂
Children are forced to grow up so fast in today's society. I think it is wonderful that you do everything you can to protect that innocence that society tries to forfeit for our kids.
Thanks for linking up on Saturday!