I watched as the cylinder carrier zoomed up papers through the vertical tube to the teller inside the building. It was a very long line with about four cars ahead of us, and Dad used that time to talk to me about life.

I was just starting middle school, and somehow, someway Dad got me to reveal that I had a crush on a boy. He has a gentle way of asking questions that prompts honest answers.

Although I was extremely embarrassed, I recall Dad staying very calm. He acknowledged that it was natural to have those feelings at this age. But he also explained the importance of the “right time” to be in a relationship. Even today, I appreciate how he handled my confession with such grace.

By the time I became a young adult, I had heard Dad’s “right time” speech so many times it was etched in my memory, and I could practically recite it.

The main points: 1. Focus on your studies. 2. Boys may show interest but don’t get distracted. 3. Pray for the right person. 4. God will bring him at the right time.

Ultimately, Dad’s intent was for me to have a good educational foundation before starting a relationship.

But Dad also knew what I didn’t know in my naïveté. He was trying to protect me and my purity. And I’m so very grateful for that day in the car with Dad.

Friends, just today, as I was scrolling through my newsfeed, my stomach dropped multiple times.

Young innocent children victimized by people they trusted…at home…at school…on the school bus. Men and women falling into the trap of immorality.

New problem? No, but one we are becoming more aware of. It’s literally on our feeds daily.

And the responsibility lies on us to protect ourselves and our children.

We live in a broken, corrupt world. If we are not careful to follow a few simple steps, any one of us can fall into a tangled web. Like my mom says, “Prevention is better than cure”.

Let’s talk about us… and then let’s talk about our kids.

The author of Psalm 119 asks a very crucial question: How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” The answer: “By living according to your word.”

Sexual temptation is so close to us that it’s literally in the palm of our hands. The ONLY way we will fight it is through the Holy Spirit.

Over and over in His Word, God reminds us to be set apart and to live in purity:

“Flee from sexual immorality” 1 Corinthians 6:18

“Abstain from sexual immorality” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

“Let the marriage bed be undefiled” Hebrews 13:4

God has created intimacy to be beautiful in the context of a marriage relationship, not outside of it. So PRAY over your purity and live an intentional life of integrity.

Now, some practical advice to protect our sweet children:

1. Teach them the difference between good and bad touch. Don’t be shy to talk about it.

2. Teach them that there should be NO secrets kept from parents. It’s okay to share anything that made them feel uncomfortable and please BELIEVE them when they decide to share.

3. Monitor phones and computers

4. Avoid being alone with an adult unless it is a parent or a trusted friend or relative.

5. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY.

We do not need to live in fear, but instead we can teach our children to walk wisely. God calls us to be people of integrity. Let’s raise the next generation to be the same.

~Elizabeth/Betsy