4.18.2011

Dancing -Til the World Ends?

So im not typically a Brit basher, but for the sake of raising girls, girls who will one day be teenagers, who will inevitably look to world icons for a season to define them or at least resist the urge, this is who they are up against.  Anyone else concerned?  Whats crazy is that i must admit it's very "I'm a slave for you-esk" and yes, at one time in my life I liked the dancing in that video---it now has struck a different cord in me as a mama and a totally different woman than I was at 20.  (wow was that almost 10 yrs ago?!) and yet Brit is still workin the "slave for you" fishnet and ripped up glitter suit convulsing and having what only appears to be orgy like dance parties in some dark, seedy room in much need of fixed water pipes...

I really don't know the webtrail that brought me to this YouTube...OK no wait, that's not true I do, in trying to decide what to wear in an upcoming family pick I trailed from searching for a top at jcrew-to-instyle-to-spring style your jeans-to-wedding dress style-to-current trends-to-celeb new looks-to Britney Spears new video....(anyone know the webtrailing phenominon I am talking about? we start one place then to another?!)  So since my new "mission" is about living and breathing the 4:8 verse--whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy.... and instilling the phrase "you are a beautiful wonderful child of God" into my girls, how does Dancing til the world ends-Britney fall in place?! 
It was so eye opening to the draw and distraction pulling at the next generation and im fearful because what looks like an innocent 4 min video that will be seen and maybe forgotten, it's a message that I couldn't ignore on so many levels.  I won't even give my thoughts on it, just that it prompted me to be fully aware of what is out there in order to "watch and pray" for our kids and to make sure that I reach them with truth before they are drawn away by something fleeting but appealing because it looks fun...

I have to get real here for a minute though, the reason I am so drawn to this type of struggle, is because it hits very close to home: I love music, I love to dance, I appreciate art, I too love fashion and worldly beauty-- I always wanted to be a blond like my mom when I was younger and tan too lol...  and even as an adult we are tempted to judge ourselves against the Heidi Klums of the world who pops those babies out and hits the VS runway with ease, fighting the ever rising waistline (not in a InStyle way) of the mom jean, and being able to pull off a Triathlon let alone train for one while bouncing twins on our hips like JLo! Do I even need to talk about the Kardashians, Real House Wives of.... and every other charming indulgence turned narcissistic???  I am doing battle against these things and transforming my mind has taken a lot of time away from magazines, The Soup, radio, webtrailing-oops and the like.  Do I think its okay to live in oblivion? no, but if I have 30 minutes what should I spend my time and energy on?  I am praying for you friend as you do battle with these things as well, even if we arent in the world as far as what we watch or read...we compare ourselves to each other and that alone will destroy us. Thank you Facebook!  Ever seen someone post an unflattering FB profile pic?



I am not even going to post a link to this You Tube, if you want to watch it you will find it pretty easily.
just go to teen.com.... yep its there!

I am going to leave with this thought... do we dare.....
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.  For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves." 1 Peter 3:3-5 
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I am by NO means suggesting that I will start wearing a floor length denim skirt wearing my hair in waste long braids going el naturel with no make up and my non existent eye lashes unless cosmetically died (thank you Evonne) shinning in the sun but what I do is not let the ideals of worldly beauty be my passion, my drive, my motivation in the morning, my mood setter, my free thirty minutes of "me" time, my identity.

This is the verse that I teach to Kehnley,we make bracelets and necklaces with beads and other fun stuff and then i tell her how pretty it is and how special it is bc she made it, she compliments mine and we put them on...then I ask her these questions: does God love you because you have pretty hair...(K)nooooooo, does God love you because of your pretty shirt...(K)nooooooo,  does God love you because you are so talented and you made this beautiful necklace...(K)nooooo, (me) Your RIGHT!  God doesn't love us for the things we wear, our hair, our fancy necklaces or jewelry, our talents and special skills... you know what He loves the most and thinks is more beautiful than anything?  A girl who trusts Him and loves Him the most!  I know we both need to revisit this lesson often.

1 comment:

Shenna said...

It is amazing what struggles we have due to worldy views....I struggle daily! I just pray that I get my insecurities underwraps so that MY insecuritires and worldly views do not fall on my daughter. I want her to mimic my Kingdom views, truth, love, gentleness. I love you Keri. Our friendship means so much to me. I love our conversations and how transparent we can be with one another. Just think if all our relationships were like that. Reeally if you think about it, that is our relationship with GOD.