"I just want to be liked!"

Well the gossip all over town (remember that I live in a small town the population estimate is around 10,000 people approx) is that a young lady (who will remain nameless) sent a topless photo of her self to 2 boys. (at least that is how I have heard the rumor) however the topless photo has gone viral! It has been seen by most of the junior high and high school kids (at least that is my understanding). I did ask some questions - like "are you sure it was this girl? could you see her face? (the answer was yes) do you know who she "originally" sent it to? (I thought maybe this could be a break up situation) that was when I was told the "rumor" had it she sent it to two different boys. (what had she been thinking?) Sigh! As a mom of 3 girls, who have friends over all the time in our house, who many have cell phones, or digital cameras, we had to address this issue with them. We spoke about the importance of realizing anything, and I do mean ANYTHING you put in writing or take pictures of and send out on to cell phones, or on line can go anywhere! can be seen by anyone! and can be out there forever!
Boy, this is a tough time to raise children in! Knowing any "misjudgement" on their parts can have devastating affects on their lives. Children and teens for the most part, I believe can not see the ripples that some actions will have through out a long time in their life. I really feel for this girl. Teens are often just crying out to be accepted and liked by others.

Some who have low self esteem can act inappropriately to try to get this acceptance. How do I know this? Well I was a crazy young teenager once, who longed to be accepted by some very cool girls. I told a "little" lie to gain their respect and acceptance and yep, you know what I am going to say it grew, and grew, and the more I lied to cover the past lie, so as not to be found out, the larger and bigger the story or "lie" grew. When the "Truth" came out, which it always does (something a 13 year old does not realize- or at least immature me did not realize) It had a devastating affect on my reputation!! I could not be trusted, no one believed anything I had to say anymore. Some people who had heard of me did not want to befriend me. It had the complete opposite outcome than what I was so desperately longing for. I learned that lesson the very hard way!! That a good name is worth so very much! A good name has to be earned! A bad reputation can cast a very long shadow down the years.
The bible had some verses that I clinged to as I grew wiser and older (at least in that area, other hard lessons were yet to be learned..they were just waiting for another day).


Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold"


Ecclesiacestes 7:1 "A good name is better than fine perfume."


Oh, only if I had been looking towards God for my acceptance and not foolishly trying to find it from others. Also if I had realized it was better to be thought of as an honest person that others can trust. That once trust is broken it is a very hard, hard thing to be earned back. Please remember to pray for the teens in your life, and smile at one if you happen to pass one. Teens are just like us, and you never know when you might pass one that is hurting on the inside.

We have spoken with our oldest daughter about how hard this must be for the young lady
and to remember any of us can make a "bad decision" that this definitely was a bad decision.
That living with a bad decision can be difficult and hard, because this girl still has to get up and
go to school each day. Hopefully we have made an impact on our daughters hearts about
1) the value of being wise, and making good decisions
2) to be nice to those who make mistakes. sometimes the reality of living
with a bad decision can be difficult
3) that God loves us all and will forgive us if we just ask him to.


I tell you girlfriends, it is hard being a parent, but I think it may be harder being a teenager
in today's world.