Someone Lurking In The Shadows

       

         As a child with an Amish background, I was sheltered from a lot of the ‘worldly happenings.’  I didn’t grow up Amish, but both my parents did, and while they no longer were part of that Faith, their own upbringing colored and influenced the way they raised my sisters and me.  

       We children rarely went anywhere alone, yet we weren’t taught to fear others.  My husband will tell me in a heartbeat, that I’m way too trusting, so he’s always compensating!  I’ve learned what is safe and ‘smart’ and understand about not going into places where I may find harm.  I am not so naïve I don’t understand the importance of staying away, even in a public place, those who “look” threatening or in some way menacing.  

             And of course, even as I child I learned the obvious of not getting in a car with a stranger, don't take candy from someone I don't know, and to hold my purse in such a way it can’t be grabbed by a passerby, wanting the contents!  That said, I still have the mentality, there is good in everybody!

            These lessons were taught to our children, so they were a lot less naïve, than when I grew up.  Our world has changed a lot since then and now we need to be alert to those who lurk in the shadows, not only for adult (particularly seniors) attacks, but for our children, who are stolen to be sold into the sex trafficking arena.  This is beyond frightening.

            A friend shared recently how she and her daughter went shopping in a mall.  Her daughter is a beautiful, carefree young teen who wanted to walk just a bit ahead, to ‘window shop’ at another store, while her mom was checking out a vendor, in the center of the isle.  She was advised to not go beyond her view, but sure, enjoy!  In a matter of a moments, a man approached her daughter and began asking questions.  Mom noticed immediately, and interceded on behalf of her daughter, who was totally confused, by the questions and the behavior displayed the man.  Mom rescued her daughter from a likely very unpleasant situation, but lamented another young girl probably would face the fate she rescued her daughter from, and which no child should have to deal with.

            It makes you wonder what kind of world we live in.  I shudder when I think about my younger ‘trusting’ behavior.  I wonder who lurked around the corners I may, or my parents, may not have seen.  It also makes you wonder what all we must teach our children and how young.  We can’t always be with them, and at some point, they are going to ask to spend time with friends – without us anywhere nearby.  How do we handle our beating hearts, out of fear of someone lurking in the shadows?

            It’s hard to say, and even harder to do, to say simply, “I have to leave them in God’s hands.”  It’s true, as parents we must be diligent in our teaching, and remain on top of situations that could go badly.  But God tells us 365 times in His Word, “Do not fear!”  That’s got to count for something.  

            If we live our lives in fear, our emotions will be transferred over to our children.  We need to rope it in, and use our fears productively, by educating—with honest long talks about the “ugly-lurking shadows," and discussing what-ifs.  This allows growth into new and different situations gradually.  But we also need to be down on our knees asking God’s ‘hedge of protection’ around our young ones (and older ones!), and for the courage that we have trust, and faith that He will look after them.