Do you ever reflect on your own middle or high school experiences? Peer pressure, finding your squad of similar minded teens was a process. You felt exposed, insecure and yet your mom or dad would encourage hopeful surprises at school.

I don’t believe any of us would like to go back to the jungle of hormones, posturing by others and unfortunate gossip or lies from the most insecure; the mouthy or physically challenging bully!

One time in that jungle was enough. The strategies to navigate the lions, tigers and panthers came with time, testing of others intentions, and giving peace a chance.

In this day and age, the social media addition to peer formation extends the aggravation of FOMO ( fear of missing out) or joy of finding those amazing, compassionate, supportive girls and guys that help mold you into who God knows you are.

The enemy uses these challenging times to destroy us and our kids, but we, as parents, can be diligent in prayer over their day. Prayer breaks through into the battle of good and evil. It is power in the name of Jesus! When we show our kids how we go to the only source of truth in prayer and praise, we bring His truth to action. We can use the same coping techniques as big kids ourselves!

We can allow the kids to vent as we drive a country road or travel into the mountains for slice of cherry pie. ( This has been my go-to peaceful drive.) Time spent together brings a great listener, not providing solutions unless asked and we can remind our teens they are loved and treasured.

As the kids get older, we can’t be their rescuer, we have to lead them to deepen their own faith in God. we have to train them to seek Him!

Scripture is the power of God in His Words. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God, including the Sword of the Spirit; Scripture, the Word of God is the key weapon.

Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. [13-18] Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So whether you are single, married, with kids or not, don’t give up like you may have in middle or high school. This world may have unkindness and gossip meant to destroy you, however, you can open your mindset, heart to His love and let Him give you the tools to be brave and strong! March on your army of kids, family and friends may just join you with Jesus!

Psalm 31:19-24 MSG
What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip. Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world. Trapped by a siege, I panicked. “Out of sight, out of mind,” I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened. [23] Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. [24] Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.

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