Why I am not liking the "socialization" of Today and Today's world....

Romans 12:2:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Let me go back. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back. Oh, how about 32 YEARS! Yes that is right. When I lived in Antioch, TN, we had moved to a new house. We had moved in and 2 doors down was a family that was more than dysfunctional. They had a dad who was an alcoholic, a mom who was unstable, 2 girls (from the mom's previous marriage) and she was pregnant with a son. The girls and I instantly made friends. I was around them ALOT! I grew up in a good Christian home. My parents were Christians, they were not. The temptation was great. They were allowed to listen to secular music, horror, rated R and PG Movies. My parents did what they could. They could see that these children were left alone alot! They would eat at our house. They would stay at our house. We would take them to church every Sunday. We tried to reach out and try to some how shine a Light through Jesus for them.

But now, looking back at that time, I can't tell you how the cares of this world, the Sin, SATAN and the PULL of the darkness caused so much confusion, rebellion and problems in my life. It was more that they were allowed to do it and I wasn't. Even though I was raised in a Christian home, with good, solid Christian Parents, went to church every single time the doors were open (and MORE!), the pull and infuence of those around me (these girls and some from school but mainly them) was SO incredibly powerful. Even in 7th grade, when we went from Public School to a Christian School, the influence of them was Terribly great.

At the age of 15, my parents had to do something that devestated me at the time. My dad had lost his job and the home that I had only known in Antioch, TN was about to be uprooted to Wauwatosa, WI, a very unfamiliar and unknown area. I was devastated at the time but now can look back on it and see that it was the best thing. My parents now also agree, and my mom will tell you so. She says it was the best thing to get us away from them and that environment.

Now, fast forward to today. We allow the boys to play with neighborhood boys around here. There are a few that we allow with only supervision and some we have stopped completely. This week, the local Public Schools are out of school due to "Winter Break". At 11:30 am we received a knock at our door, from 2 local children that attend public schools. We do NOT follow the public school schedule. We are on our OWN schedule. We were "in school". When our oldest answered the door (I asked him to), he told them we couldn't. He was responded by a Loud "YOU SUCK!" Then the other little boy asked what is homeschooling?? Joshua explained. The other boy said "You don't get out for Spring Break?" (well techically this is WINTER break, but anyhow) then the response was "YOU SUCK!" again. Joshua let these boys know that MAYBE the could play this afternoon, and he was left with another "YOU SUCK!" in my door. I was VERY disturbed. I plan on talking to the father.

Today I have pondered the above and then today's situation. I think that being allowed to play with our children is a priveledge and an honor. Being able to come to our home is also a priveledge. If he is going to use that language, in our door, just because things don't go his way, then he will not be allowed to come and play here or with our boys. We have had issues with him before. He has had issues with his mouth before.

But thinking back to my childhood situation and the pull of sin, Satan and rebellion, I am even MORE aware than I was before of who our children will be allowed to play with. Our oldest has mentioned things that has been said by this child and has not wanted to play with him but the other, younger two have insisted.
That is because the younger two don't have the power of discernement yet to see what would happen by hanging around this child for too long.

Thinking back where I am concerned. Do I think that I needed this situation to "help me deal with the world?" NO. Do I think I would still be able to "socialize" with people at my age without going through, what I went through? YES.

Do you want to know what truly influenced my life as far as "socialization?" Do you want to know what really helped me and helps me now today?? Do you want to know what I am truly thankful for? It is that my parents put us (our family) in the path of Godly ADULTS, parents, grandparents, etc, to impart wisdom, love and advice. Notice I said ADULTS! I consider myself close with 1 maybe 2 people (kids wise) total from my childhood (K-12). But, I have a whole host of adults that have had a major impact on my life.

I will close with one of my favorite quotes is "When my children have the courage of Daniel, I will throw them into the Lion's Den". I am not ready to throw my children into the Lion's Den, yet.