Up front.

Up front.  That seems to be where everyone wants their daughters to be these days.  On the stage, in front of an audience, the other side of a camera, plastered on social media. Fame & attention are the operative bywords among the up and coming generation. And it seems to matter little how that attention is gained.  Neither is the question asked.  "Why?"  Why do you want your child (yes, she's still a child) to gain fame and attention and be lauded for her physical beauty and talent?

This is coming from a mom of 2 beautiful daughters.  They are both unique and talented in their own right.  But their dad and I have never desired publicity, attention, or fame for them.  It amazes me that anyone would question that, but I'm definite that there is some confusion.

God does not call us as Christian mothers to promote our children, to glamorize them,or to set them on a pedestal that calls attention to them.  I love my daughters as much as anyone else could love her daughters, and that is precisely why I don't "push" them to the public.

It seems so many parents ignore or forget the lessons lived out before us publicly about how devastating a career in the public eye can be for a young woman.  Are there some who have become famous and not been damaged, used, disillusioned, and forever lost?  Maybe, but they are as rare as the elusive blue moon.

I treasure my girls, and it is enough that we see the beautiful young women they are, and how God is growing them and using them to impact others in their sphere of influence.  I don't need the accolades of the world, trying to fill up what I may have wanted to experience and live myself.   Since when is bigger, better?  When is fame more important than living quiet lives that are committed to the Lord and the ministry of others around us?

Those who bear the name of Christ should live for one Name.  If I am self-promoting, wanting to advance my children for the sake of my or their own fame, then I am forsaking my calling.
My life is His, and my desire is for my children to live their lives for Him as well.  If I am pushing a public agenda, then I am sending a very confused message.

Is all public notoriety wrong?  Of course not.  Sometimes God allows our lives to become public for His purposes.  But what is our motivation?  Should it be something we pursue?  I am astonished at the number of moms who allow their young women to dress provocatively, be a part of groups that flaunt and promote their sensuality, post very inappropriate pictures of them, and encourage dating at a young age.  I have to believe that it's because they desire their girls to be popular and get lots of attention.  Yet, the same will profess Christ and claim to live for Him.

God has not called us to secluded, cloistered lives.  We are in the world, but we are not to be OF the world.  Yet, what is our consuming passion and desire as set before the world?  Are my posts, pics, and activities telling the world I'm a Christian or showing that we are trying to be as close to the world as possible?  Is my life shining a light or just being a part of the darkness?

We all struggle with our children, their walk with the Lord, and trying to teach them truth and walk it before them.  I will never be that perfect example my daughters need, but I can point them to the Lord and encourage them not to dress, act, or live like the the world. That is my commitment to them and to the Lord. And to you.