Toward a Stronger Family
Sex.
Sex is a huge focus in our culture. TV advertisements, billboards, music, and movies – sex sells, as the saying goes. And Hollywood is not shy about using sex to appeal to its audience, nor is the movie and media industry quick to uphold family morals and values (There are movies such as Evan Almighty that do reflect family values…see pg. 27).
So when I first learned about the HPV vaccine, as a parent who is trying to guide my two pre-teenage daughters through the murky waters of pop culture, I was quite concerned. From what I had heard, the vaccine had the potential of encouraging sexual promiscuity amongst young people, as the vaccine helps protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Many Christian leaders and proponents of family values speak against the HPV vaccine, so when we contacted the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) and Focus on the Family, we were expecting to find opposition regarding the vaccine. As you will see in What You Should Know about HPV, these faith-based organizations do not oppose this preventive inoculation but are upholding the rights of parents to choose what’s best for their children.
After educating myself on this topic, I am reminded that it is our responsibility as parents – a huge responsibility – to raise our kids to make good choices with their bodies as we instill positive values and morals.
Speaking of good choices…
I am excited to announce that in our August issue of GNT, we will be focusing on fashion. In a youth culture where fashion is everything, it is essential that we teach our kids to dress in a way that reflects their dignity.
When my wife takes our girls shopping for clothes, it is becoming more and more difficult to find clothes that are fashionable yet don’t reveal cleavage, midriff, and hip bones (pants are intentionally worn quite low these days).
Is it possible to find clothes that are trendy and yet modest? Yes. And our pure fashion issue will highlight clothing that not only enhances a young woman’s external appearance, but also her internal beauty.
As I close, I want to mention a lady who not only had internal beauty, but lived a life of faith, a love for her family, and a focus on the simple things of life. This past month, the world lost Ruth Bell Graham, wife of the famous evangelist, Billy Graham.
Graham didn’t need things to make her happy. She had a very simple home, although she could have lived in a mansion. And she didn’t own a lot of possessions. It is said of her that her life was about loving her family and nurturing the relationships with those who were near and dear to her.
Even the way she was put to rest reflects the way she lived. Her casket was chosen by her son Franklin, who noticed inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, LA, building caskets for themselves and others who could not afford to purchase regular coffins. Graham’s coffin was built from plywood by these inmates.
Amazing.
Much has been written in the recent years about simplicity and how simple living is the key to true happiness. And for myself, I am going to take a cue from this amazing lady’s life and find joy in the simpler things – walking and talking with my kids, sipping coffee with my wife in the early morning, and fostering the relationships with those who I call friends.
Take time this summer to reacquaint yourself with those who matter most!
Editor, Good News Tucson Magazine
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
