Nov. 18, 2006 - I knew we'd face some challenges...but my word!
This one has me completely shocked! 
Now that we're living in town, and not so secluded in the country, our kids have a LOT more exposure to neighborhood public schooled kids. We've had to address the "dating game," satanic symbols on clothing, gossip and dealing with children who "share" more than we'd really like for our kids to hear. 
But this particular incident came right out of the blue.
Earlier today, my dh and one of the kids were getting gas at one a local "gas 'er fast" place in town. While he was fueling, one of my 12yodd's SS teachers came up and said, "Were you aware that there's a rumor going around the public school that your dd (the 12yo, mind you) is bi-s**ual? Another girl is telling people that she and your dd are 'girlfriends.' How do you guys deal with that?" 
Deal??
DEAL??!! Was she kidding??? We've never had to "deal" with that!" 
At first, my head started racing to the worst case scenario's. Was it possible that my sweet dd had engaged in some sort of activity that could have given another child the impression she had questions about her s**xuality? I mean...was it??
Slam on the brakes!! Back up!!
Dh and I went to dd and just began asking about her friends in the neighborhood...and wanted to know if any of those kids was unusually ugly to dd, or would one of them have cause to start an ugly rumor about her. She said, "Yes...some of the kids in SS have been asking if I'm 'bi.' I've told them I'm not, but they said (this child) has been telling them that we're 'girlfriends.'"
I asked if she understood what that really means? She had an idea, but really had no clue!
Then...the mama bear in me wanted to pounce on this other child. 
Obviously, we talked about it for a few minutes,...I dug a little deeper to make sure there were no issues that hadn't been addressed, and then we prayed. 
And I cried. 
A piece of my baby's innocense is just gone...and so is ours, I guess. We now know how vulnerable our children are here,...and know how to pray for them, and with them. But I'm in mourning right now. And I'm also more sure than ever that this deceptively "sweet" little town has deep spiritual needs. Those children think nothing of that sort of behavior (the gossip and the other stuff, too) and that just breaks my heart. 
Lord, I'm overwhelmed with my grief tonight. I'm so saddened to have to have a conversation with my kids about such ugliness. And yet, I am grateful to you for showing us where to go with our intercessions. Help us to love those who sin against us with a love that only you can give. And show us how to premeditate our forgiveness. Amen.
Comments
Nov. 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Galatians69
I am so sorry. What a horrible thing for your daughter, and you, to go through. I will be praying for your family.
~ Rachelle
Nov. 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gal51
(((HUGS)))
I'm sorry! Praying for your daughter's precious heart!!
~Heather
