Here's what I found though - the more I talked about pop-culture and media, the more I worried about hurting people's feelings or offending parents. Comments online and in person would bring me to tears. I felt people just didn't understand my heart.
People have said things like:
"Oh, we just bought a new TV, but I better not talk to you about THAT. You'd disapprove."
*gulp, no I wouldn't. Our choices are ours, and yours are yours. Let's be friends.
"Can I check my cell phone in front of your kid, or is that too much screen time?"
*Um... really?
And the one that broke my heart and made me cry:
"I feel sorry for your daughter to have you as her Mother." (After I stated that I just didn't feel right about putting my daughter in dance.)
*Oh, my goodness.
It's hard to put yourself out there with a 'different' mentality. I've often prayed and cryed out to God - how do I live differently and stand for what I know is right, yet, not offend others or appear judgemental or legalistic? Do I just keep my mouth shut tight when I know I've been called to speak truth to these issues that plague the modern family?
I've confided in other home educators, sometimes, all I have to do is exist and I'm offending some one. Simply live differently (even only in home educating) and others get up in arms. I don't have to do a single thing or say anything! I feel like sometimes, people see you living counter-culturally and instantly assume you are judging them because they don't do it like you do. Can I tell you- nothing could be further from the truth for me?
My heart - it's huge. I honestly love people. All kinds of people. A respect and love for diversity is one of the biggest focuses of our homeschool and family life. I really hope people who know me well, know my soul. Everything I write and speak about comes from a place of utter imperfection (honestly, I completely flail and am on this journey along with everyone else) and love. We are just a normal family that has chosen to say no to certain cultural norms. We're still figuring out how to do a lot of it. And I know there are many, many like us. I've met them and they are fabulous! (Hi, by the way!)
We have a cell phone, yes. Haha. We have a tablet too (though I still can't figure it out). By the way, it took my husband 12 years to collect enough Air Miles to get the free Blackberry tablet... so, keep saving. And he have two computers too. We aren't compltely cut off from the modern world. I have a blog, for goodness sake! I use Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook - and I really, really enjoy it! It's all about moderation, friends.
My husband and I - we're just passionate about living a Christ-centered, intentional life. And we want to welcome others to come on this journey with us. For us, that means saying 'no' to a lot of what the world throws at us. It's a journey. We're not there yet. As I write this, my kids are watching "Wild Kratts". So, yes, they are normal kids who have some screen time. We're not superhuman!
Reducing screen time, tossing TV, minimizing our exposure to pop culture, cherishing and focusing on our outdoors time, these are life choices that have revealed buckets of truth in our lives. It has pulled us towards a much more intentional, rich, yet, simple life. And hey, I'm pumped to share those discoveries with you and your family because I love you. I love people. I care about families. I want to see families healthy and strong and living a full, joy-filled life.
I'm motivated and brought to my knees when I receive emails from Moms who share with me that through this small blog, they've been inspired to toss TV and reduce video game time in their home. And guess what? There whole family dynamic changed and they are living a much richer life. They are close to their husband, kids, and neighbors. PRAISE GOD. These are the stories that make me realize, there is truth to be told!
I don't believe all media is evil. I do, however, believe most forms of pop culture exist to steal joy and stir up feelings of discontentment. Mainstream media is a distraction from why we're really here - to love.
Everything I write or speak, friends, it's in love. Deep rooted love. For your heart. For your marriage. For your family. For your kids. For your future. (And mine...)
I know it's part of my calling - this media education of sorts. I've just been fearful of it because it causes such a stir, it seems. But God has used the past few years to really teach me and mold me. Yes, He's pounded pride out of me too. He has opened my eyes wide to how I can share in humble love but still speak truth. And I'm trying my best. Please know, I'm trying my best.
I feel lead to share more posts about media and pop culture related topics. Because I believe these issues are incredibly relevant for today's kids and today's families. I'm praying for direction and wisdom and truth. I'm praying for our families, facing an onslaught of lies and propaganda every single day.
Friends, His truth prevails. He has already won over the monster of 'this world'. My heart aches to bring darkness into light.
So, starting next week, we will be talking about media topics that I know many of you will relate to. The first thing I'd like to discuss is the issue of media in the bedroom. We will open up about why it is so important to get the screens our of our children's rooms and out into the open spaces of our homes. There'll even to an oppotunity to share your thoughts and experiences with this topic. Let's launch a movement to get screens out of our children's rooms.
I'm excited to share with all of you and so excited for the future of this blog.
All for His glory and all in love...