Another school shooting! My heart grieved when I saw the news. Nineteen children and two adults. Dead.
No! I screamed inside. Not again! This can’t go on!
I cried out to God, “When is this going to stop?”
Immediately I heard in my spirit: When you stop glamorizing violence.
I never would have thought to use glamour and violence in the same sentence. But that was it. As a culture we have done that. And I became angry. Angry at all the ways our society glamorizes, idealizes—even romanticizes violence and calls it entertainment. I was angry at myself for what I have allowed and invited into my home through my TV and computer. Angry that young children are playing murder in video games. Angry that nobody seems to be talking about or doing anything about the root issues of this problem. And here we are again, mourning the loss of innocent lives.
More was stirring inside me and I realized what it was. “How come no one is training these boys to be men?” I cried out. There is a whole generation being discipled by video games, YouTube, and popular media. Where are the parents?
Where are the fathers—those positioned to train young minds into maturity and character? Where are they? Far too many are distracted, addicted, self-consumed, and emotionally unavailable. Far too many grew up on video games, violent movies, and self-focused sports and have remained boys.
Where are the mothers—those designed to care for the hearts and teach their children how to care for others and not just themselves? What makes them unavailable or unwilling to parent instead of being a friend to their children? What has become more important to them than raising their children to be responsible adults and contributing members of society?
It’s time that we, as a culture, start addressing the root issues of these acts of violence. It’s time we talked about this with others. It’s time we took tough stands. And it’s time we looked at ourselves. How are we cooperating with the glamorization of violence?
Take time to dialogue with the Lord:
Lord, are there ways I am glamorizing violence in my own life?
As part of the American culture, are there ways I am participating in this?
Lord, Is there anything you are asking of me — that I might be part of the solution?
Thank you for sharing this message that the Lord designed and directed. WE, as Christians, CAN do something and your comments and questions have prompted this. May the Lord guide us to hear His direction and make a difference.
Rhonda, I love your heart! You are correct, “WE, as Christians, CAN do something!” The minute we think we are helpless to be a part of the solution, is the time we’ve bought into a lie. Thanks you for caring about others in such tangible ways. Blessings to you, Kathy B.
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Janet, Thanks for the encouragement. You are one who lives in such a way that you bring peace wherever you go. You are indeed a peacemaker! Blessings to you, Kathy B.
Thank you for writing this Kathy. It speaks loudly.
Thanks Elaine. May we continue to lean in and listen, that we might hear God’s heart for what is going on in the world. Blessings to you, Kathy B.
Kathy,
That was so well put. Thank you for listening to the voice of Holy Spirit and giving us all something to really think about.
Miss you friend,
Lorie
Lorie, Great to hear from you! Missing you and the wisdom you brought to our church body, but it was deposited and I see it living on through so many women that served under you. May the Lord continue to bless you as you journey to love God, love others and serve the world.
You are correct that we give far too much attention to the violence that is occurring.
Passive men do not teach their children. They live that to the woman that bore them. A woman is not meant to be both father and mother.
Divorce, I believe is another factor. Divorce rips a marriage in more than one piece. The children are left bewildered, blame themselves and are shuffled between parents or not allowed to see one parent at all. This leads to angry children or depressed children who lash out in unacceptable ways.
We need social graces taught in our schools, not LGBT, Critical Race, etc. We need to pray for our teachers, our churches, our communities and our country. We need a parent or parents who get involved in the educational process of their children.
Norma, I appreciate your reply and your heart for our children and our nation. As we see more clearly what the needs are, may we also see more clearly how to be a part of the solution. Blessings to you this day, Kathy B.
On Thursday morning, a friend and I were walking together and praying about the violence in our world. I’m sure we said and were thinking God we don’t understand. Saturday morning, I received your meditation. So this was not just God’s Word to you but to all of us who are frustrated and want the violence to stop. I totally agree that our culture is feeding our young people violence in so many ways. We should not be surprised. I echo you, where are our Godly parents? I ask God for forgiveness and pray that our nation would turn back to Him. Yes, and let it begin with me, so I’m asking God what I can do to be part of the solution.
Jane, Thank you for your reply and for asking the hard questions, “What can I do to be part of the solution”? I appreciate your honesty and courage. May we all work together for a better tomorrow. Blessings to you, Kathy B.
So appreciated the outpouring of your heart and sharing and challenging us as believers….as hearts break, may we rise up in how God calls us to somehow make a difference. Thanks friend.
Thanks Nancy, I appreciate how you look for ways to help people and make a difference! May we all be willing to rise up how God calls us in order to be a part of the solution. Blessings to you, Kathy B.
I love your boldness, Kathy.
These points need to be spoken from the pulpits all across our country. Our children /grandchildren are being fed the “glamorization” of not only murder, but drugs, immorality, love of money, etc.
Dads, PLEASE RISE UP. We need you.
Thanks Judy for your support and encouragement. God’s principles and design are always our best option for living our best life. Blessings to you, Kathy B.
Oh, Dear Kathy,
What a profound gift and challenge from the Lord for all of us. We are all guilty of glamorizing violence, even if unintended. Let us all continue to pray and listen and obey the guidance our loving father gives us to make a difference in our country and in the world.
Thank you again for this precious gift. Thank you for being you!
Much love,
Cindy Shively
I have passed this along numerous times. ❤️
Thanks Cindy for your response. You are right in saying we are all guilty of glamorizing violence, even if unintended, and now we are seeing the consequences of it throughout our nation. May we all step up to make this world a better place for the generations to come! I appreciate who you are and the peace you deposit everywhere you go. Blessings to you, Kathy B.