I had planned to write a cute and funny post today. But I don't feel very cute or funny. I mostly feel battle-weary. And sad. And angry.
Raising a teenage girl in today's rot-gut culture is the hardest war I have ever waged.
As prepared as I try to be, I often feel, as a parent, completely ambushed by a barrage of gut-wrenching challenges and dilemmas.
I try to protect her, but the onslaught feels crushing at times. Under fire from all sides, I wonder how she'll emerge from the teen years without being a casualty. More than that, my heart's desire is for her not just to survive, but to emerge victorious!
Of course, I know that prayer and God's intervention is what I have to continue to rely on. I know He is the best Warrior I could ever imagine.
But that doesn't mean that I don't feel very small and alone in this at times. That I feel like my ammunition has run dry. That I fear I'm not courageous and wise enough to wage the war that I'm engaged in daily.
I love my daughter so much. I know that He loves her more. I just don't want to fail her or Him.
But the battleplan isn't always clear. And I know I've already made many tactical errors. I'm ashamed of the times that I haven't been brave.
No matter how old your daughter is, pray for her today. The culture has made our girls a target in a way that is downright frightening. (Case in point: When I was looking for a photo to go with this post, I had a terrible time finding a woman soldier who was fully clothed.)
I know He is stronger. But today this soldier is feeling a little weak.
I'm linking up again this week to Shell's Pour Your Heart Out meme. Apparently, I'm a gusher lately. :)
I will pray for you! I can't imagine how hard it must be! I will find out soon enough. We have two girls. :) God bless you for your honesty and willingness to fight the good fight!
ReplyDeleteOh I do feel for you! Teenagers are so hard to raise, but when you survive they do become good friends. I remember those days...
ReplyDeletekim
I'll be praying for you, as well! I'm terrified to have a daughter. I know God's in control and will help me figure stuff out, but boys feel so much safer. As one of my friends once told me, "With a boy you only have to worry about one ding-a-ling instead of every one that walks through the door." lol
ReplyDeleteIt does make me nervous, being a mom of 2 little girls. But the best we can do is our best. With lots of prayers accompanying them, of course!
ReplyDeleteJust standing in line at Wal-mart can be disgusting and discouraging. The magazines are horrific now. :O(
ReplyDeleteOh, Melinda, I remember that helpless feeling. You would have to be perfect not to make mistakes. It's okay to get some R&R and restock your ammo. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just pray and love.
ReplyDeleteBlessings dear friend**
Oh, Melinda. You've been on my heart lately.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a total boy mom, all I can add is my mom's advice in raising me: Just love them. I'll never forget the time my dad dropped me off at a middle school dance (a big thing, since my parents didn't dance) and said, "No matter what, Babe, you'll always be my daughter."
Oh dear, can't even imagine...I had boys. I think the Lord knew what I could handle and he was right!!!
ReplyDeleteHang in there, whether you know it or not, you're doing a great job!!
Absolutely praying -- for my daughter and yours. We've had some eye openers in our house recently that make me want to cut off contact with the world and keep her inside forever.
ReplyDeleteI am trying so hard here to keep my sanity and to raise a strong, smart, and confident girl. It is very hard!!! Happy to know that there are other moms like you out there.
ReplyDeleteI'm a mommy to 3 little girls.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow! So not ready for the tweener years and beyond.
I want to invest in Dr. Dobson's "Bringing Up Girls", but learning from mom's who've been there/done that is the most productive thing I can do in the here and now.
Thanks for your transparency.
Hang in there! It'll get better--it has to. We're not even to the teen years yet and I'm pulling my hair out! But seriously, I pray for you, you pray for me. Sound like a plan? I really will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAs a mom of now adult children, I can tell you it does get better. When you are in the thick of things, it is so hard to see. Just keep loving them and praying for them! will pray for you Melinda
ReplyDeleteM,
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh, how i am so happy to be over "those days" there is nothing worse then teenage girls, however i understand boys are getting pretty bad to, just keep the faith that you have raised your children right, i know you have.. keep the faith! :)
shelley
Melinda, you're not alone! It really is a rot-gut culture, and it's relentless. Praying for your courage, joy, energy and creativity to be restored as you continue the battle. Very excited to talk next week! I'll send a few times via email.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, girl!!
Oh Melinda, I worry about this everyday and my daughter is only 3. I already see the things that influence her and I worry.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Melinda that it's hard for you and your daughter right now. Prayers for both of you. She is lucky to have you. I hope she knows that.
You are in my thoughts :)
I understand where you are coming from. I have 3 daughters, ages 29, 22, and almost 18. It has been a different world raising the youngest one! I will pray for us all! Luckily she has a good head on her shoulders, but like someone else mentioned, I wished that locking her in the house til 30 was an option!
ReplyDeleteBernice
BTW- my oldest daughter is now my best friend, next to my hubby!