Safety Nets

There are safety "nets" in place from circuses to businesses in case of an accident.  In a circus the acrobat is safe should they fall from the high wire because of the net in place or in a business there is insurance in place as a safety "net" should a customer fall and break an ankle on their premises, etc.

In our children's lives safety nets are needed.  These safety nets can be Pastors, teachers, youth workers, mentors, those related and those who have just become a part of our lives through church and school.

Build such an esteem for the ministry in their lives that those they idolize are those who have and who do minister to them.  Posters and idolizing movie stars and worldy music stars are not good safety nets but rather distractions.   These carnal influences and messages will ensnare that young person and pull them down.

The need for safety nets is essential.  It's not if they will need them, it's when.  Safety nets can help prevent mistakes that will forever haunt them.  There will be times they will fall, but safety nets can break the fall, so it's not fatal, and will allow them to get up again.  Safety nets can also allow protection when they are vulnerable and give them time for maturing and healing.

As our children grow I would and still give more freedom, but always have a wall of protection just beyond that area of growth.  For example we start with a baby bed, then a safety pin, use safety fences, have fences in our yards, then go to filters on the computers to having computers in an open area, etc.... So let's not forget that God gives us people/relationships in our lives that we must utilize the same way.  There will come a time where your child will begin to question your authority and guidelines and will want to possibly go to others for counsel besides yourself or even instead.... Ask yourself - are the safety nets in place?  Who are they? The safety nets will be the ones you esteemed in front of your children, who have the same passions you have.

My husband's Pastor, a wonderful godly man, was asked by some parents to please talk with their daughter about a terrible mistake she was getting ready to make.  He had no influence on the situation, because the parents had been very critical of him in front of their daughter, therefore leaving the only last safety net in disrepair.  So their daughter made one of the biggest mistakes of her life.  A sad story that could have been avoided if
the parents had followed the Biblical direction to "touch not the annointed" but had esteemed the man of God in their daughter's life - which would have created a safety net when needed.

There is no doubt with the prophecies that are escalating, that life itself is getting ready to change even along with the hormones and aging of your beautiful daughter.  Begin today in prayer to tie down and surround your family with safety nets, so when they want their complete independence, there will be a host to cheer them on and care about them. When they begin to totter on the tightrope of life's decision, if they slip, it won't be fatal and they will get up knowing that the people in their lives love them and want the very best for them.