Letting the Lord Be My Defense

I have a fair amount of practice in turning the other cheek and letting the Lord be my defense; and I got to practice the precept again today.

My mother and father are at least slightly put off that we censor the reading material that One is exposed to. Actually, I think anyone would agree that censorship of a child's entertainment is perfectly reasonable; the conflict comes in that everyone holds a different standard for their children.

I've observed that often it is the liberal, "free thinkers" who are most bound and narrow. It's not that they limit their exposure to all things wicked and decadent, but that they can only grudgingly acknowledge my right to have a different standard. On the other hand, I expect them to hold a different standard! Their insatiable appetite for instant gratification, wickedness and darkness is no surprise at all. My job is to protect myself and my children from getting caught up in their trainwreck.

Although this type of conflict between my parent and me is not new, it is remarkable how quickly I can forget. I am one who had to leave father and mother and sister for the sake of Christ. We were already geographically separated, but the leaving I've had to do has been all about respect, regard and validation; my parents don't agree, appreciate or accept anything I believe or have become. It's a very hard road to continue on at times; I think God makes children to want to please their parents, and it's especially true for fathers and daughters.