It takes a community . . .


Proverbs 7:7-9--I grew up in a time before cellphones that tracked wayward kids. We played outside until dinner, then it was chores and homework.
In the summer, we were allowed more time after dusk to chase lightening bugs, and run from mosquitoes that didn't carry diseases.
But, we knew at 10pm there was a curfew. Parents in our neighborhood united to ensure no one under 18 was out and about after 10. There was even a few second Public Service Announcement on TV that flashed a simple message at 9:59pm: DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILD IS?
I remember the audible sigh of relief from my parents after counting our heads--knowing we were all safe.
The young man in this proverb passage wasn't counted by his parents as safe. His naivety confused danger with adventure, sin for excitement.
Once he stepped outside the safety of his home he set himself on a dangerous path.
I was thinking how the vista of danger for young people today has grown. There is no curfew early enough to protect them. Our parents were confident that once we were inside our home the danger was gone. Not the case for children today.
Children's spiritual and mental well-being are just as much in peril with television and the internet as possible danger lurking outside.
Parents must be more diligent today than ever before. Yet, still give their children a sweet, joyful childhood.
Finding the balance takes wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and understanding. It takes a community of Yeshua-followers to support parents and children. Let's do it.
May we support each other to protect our children, my friends.
Proverbs 7:7-9--I saw among the naïve,
I noticed among the youth,
a young man lacking understanding,
crossing the street near her corner,
walking in the direction of her house,
in the twilight of the evening,
in the darkest hours of the night.
Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV
#tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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