I wrote last year denouncing Tupac Shakur's disturbing lyrics and lifestyle, this teen sent a letter adamantly expressing his displeasure. All except one were labeled with an explicit lyrics sticker. As I read the accompanying letter, I sensed this dad's intense pain as he wrote of their estranged relationship. After 14 years of Christian schooling, church and Sunday school, he is rejecting Jesus and Christianity. As a result, she said, her daughter began experiencing all sorts of behavioral and psychological problems.
People look out for each other out here.
Calls and letters like these underscore the importance of equipping our children with the tools to make wise decisions regarding music, movies and television. Still others search for a happy medium, but find it frustrating knowing where to draw the line with their kids equally confused. The young people who most successfully navigate the land mines of today's entertainment are the ones whose parents take an active part in teaching and modeling wise choices. No matter what the child's age, it's not too late to introduce this question and encourage discernment. I've even seen it bear fruit in toughened adults.