Choose to Fight! - Parents

"Your a girl?" Voices of every gender rang out in disbelief as soon as I removed my hat.

I recognized early on after our first presentation of "Two Pigs and T.H.E.Wolf" that this was my moment of "aha". No matter how old we are, we long for the "aha" to get a point across. The "aha" stops our audience in their tracks, taking them off guard just long enough... causing them to sit up and take notice.

"Of course I'm a girl, it just goes to show, you can't judge a book by it's cover, it's whats on the inside that makes the difference." Open-mouthed faces and awestruck eyes... we received the same response every time, from the young and old and I loved it! After a moment of silence or spontaneous applause, I went on to share with the audience the importance of choosing friends wisely as well as getting to know the heart of a person, not just who they showed you on the outside. After all we just proved how easily anyone can be deceived...

Out in the real-world, evil lurks around every corner hiding behind compassion filled eyes and promises of a better life... "Just follow me, what I have to offer is better than what your living with now." It's a shame our kids never see the truth behind the invitation until they are snuggled up with evil in the proverbial bed of life and lies.

During one of my radio broadcasts, I interviewed youth advocate, Jeffery Dean about his book, "The Fight of Your Life". I encourage you to listen to the broadcast after you finish with this post.

We discuss why our teens are at risk and how we as "responsible" parents can make a difference... we just need to be willing to fight as though their lives were at stake... because they are.

If you know anything about me you know when I become passionate about an issue, I seldom release my grip and this is one issue near and dear to my heart. I'm a mother of four incredible kids, two are married with children of their own, one is 21 and single living on her own, and our youngest, a sophomore in high school.

There are many stories to share and with time they will come but for now let's just say, our youngest has much "healthier" boundaries in his life than the others did... because today we are choosing to fight.

How are you choosing to fight for your youth? I'd love to post your stories here.