At least three generations with unique concerns

WOW! I just listened to part 2 of a FOF program on the dangers of "hooking up." There are so many things we'd like to spare the newer generation- -our kids and their friends. I'd like to tell them TO TRY TO LEARN sooner how to learn by other means than experience...


Our society has a problem with things sexual. It's been forbidden and the object of our rebellion; it's been avoided and the reason for our hang-ups; it's been reinvented - -redefining it's purpose and methodology, and it's been covered by free condoms and abortion which in theory erase any remaining consequences.

For years we have been telling young people a lie. Our media and our schools have stated that protected sex is safe sex. Safe sex protects us from unwanted pregnancy and disease. Sexual behavior outside a committed relationship is casual sex there are consequences besides pregnancy and disease. Consequences remain even after an abortion.

This FOTF broadcast features Dr. Freda McKissic Bush and a discussion of what the current thinking is doing to our young people. Dr. Bush co-authored a book, Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children. The broadcast is entitled, "The Dangers of Hooking Up." For a limited time, you may click on a direct link from my Blog. After a week or so, you'll need to go to the FOTF archives to hear it. It's well worth the effort!

When the young man tells about the birth of his daughter, watching her fight for her life and then learning that she will be fighting the REST OF HER LIFE to avoid herpes flair up ... all because he contracted Herpes through casual sex prior to marriage and believed the myth that Herpes is harmless absent a flair up. This will break your heart but needs to be stated.

I am so sick hearing people profess to be supporters of young people and yet they lead them into streets marked with destruction. The issues in our country ARE quite complicated. We are a pluralistic nation seeking to give rights to all points of view. The only thing our country opposes right now is any position that would limit options... limiting freedoms is opposed with a vehemently.

My freedoms used to end where yours began. That settled everything. Now the country is seeking to impose a hierarchy of whose freedoms matter the most. even the phrases used by our politicians imply that the country, the constitution, the government, protects only SOME of it's people. Something isn't right here. Sure we protect the defenseless, but we also protect those who prosper and we seek to protect victims from other victims... We seem to be leaning toward taking advantage of victims.

So here we sit. If you're wondering what will happen to your aging relatives or you're wondering how to prepare your young children and grandchildren for the inevitable choices before them... if you are overwhelmed by the day to day frustrations only to be bombarded by political talking which sounds like it will have grave consequences... you are not alone. I pray that you can say with me: "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds the future."
Welcome to the sandwich generation!

My life has been molded by my response to key events. Yours too? Some of us are bitter; often blaming parents or teachers or bosses. They are correct in saying their parents "screwed up." They will too if they accept the responsibility of children.

But what do we do the blunders happen? life and death issues; the tragedies that knock you in the gut without warning, as well as the longterm conditions- -maybe illness or handicap- -those situations which may change, but are not likely to get much better. Then what?

Originally I began this blog in response to my stress, sandwiched between parents and kids, none of whom wanted to need me. The fight for independence is unrelenting!
Reality includes aging bodies, mental decline, slower reflexes- -which denied can lead us to act out in silly or dangerous ways. Have you watched folks playing contact sports when a broken bone could easily mean being bed-ridden? Should we even mention driving a car in traffic?

Tragedy... CHANGE: Threats to our freedom to IMAGINE we can continue as we are.

God is real and personal. He cares. We want to enjoy what we know- -our comfort zone- -and fear the unknown if we move on and embrace the future. It helps me to know the God is with me and won't leave whether i'm the victim or the one acting out. So how do I respond to life's challenges? I can blame or retaliate. I can stand there staring at the void which once held dreams. I can become bitter, believing that everything is false, tricks, maybe even add a touch of hate. But God is there wanting me to be open to his presence. OPEN-MINDED...just believe it's possible.


True that! I think I'm discovering how to enjoy trips to ER, bathroom messes, and ... Life is the journey. NOT the destination. That interaction with people... even with jerks like ME! we have a lot to offer each other... even when we disagree. Because God is personal, all of these experiences are opportunities for us to connect with HIM- -Jesus relates to us through his Holy Spirit...

That can sound scarey, but god doesn't try to overpower us. often i wish he would! If God would control me, I wouldn't make these blunders. But he doesn't, so I do... Not only that but everyone around me blunders to their own purposes and we really get tangled up!

Is God wanting us to be perfect? TRY... well, no...He knows you never will be perfect. He's looking for the connect. just like we smile and beam when our kid tries to make Mother's day breakfast- -but really makes a MESS! God is looking at our heart- -not just our intention, but WHERE is our heart?

There is so much potential for interating with God... the creator of the whole universe! Jesus said that we can be ONE with God, connected and not at cross purposes. That's more than being one with NATURE... more than just a calm chai...

It's not OUR energy it' GOD we need to tap into to spiritually.