The Fort That Protects the Castle

"Modesty is important because
it is the fort that protects the castle, but it is also the frame that enhances the picture."

It is hard to imagine that an innocent looking child such as this would grow into the likes of Brittany Spears, but it is not only possible, it is likely. It seems as though many young girls who start out life dressed in fresh, youthful, and modest clothing drastically change when they hit adolescence. What puzzles me most is when these girls show up in various places with their parents, and they are dressed for a cocktail party or worse. How can these parents leave their daughters so unprotected? Do they not treasure the gift that God has given them?

I believe the answer most often lies in the disturbing fact that most parents are so afraid of "losing" their teen that they allow their child to do as they wish, and thus have genuinely "lost" their child. Too many parents are more concerned with being their child's friend than they are their parent. I am not saying that you cannot be both friend and parent to your child, but when it comes to a choice between the two, you must always choose the role of parent so long as that child is living under your protection. Teens have no real respect for parents who do not set and stick to limits for their children. Yes, all teens will push those limits, but in reality they know that those limits are safety nets for them. This is such a critical time in the life of your child. It is a time when your child watches you with the most scrutiny to see if you really meant all those things you have been "preaching" throughout their childhood. It is a time to affirm for them and yourself what you really believe.