Let’s face it. Parenting in a digitally saturated world is no picnic.

Sometimes keeping our families digitally safe feels a bit like running down the middle of a busy highway against traffic. Information overload! Am I right?

And then SPLAT! What a mess!

It happens to the best of us. But there is always hope.

REACHING UP

The other day, while watching Disney’s Aladdin with my kids, the Genie’s words suddenly popped out and sang in my ear:

Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves
Scheherezad-ie had a thousand tales
But master you’re in luck ’cause up your sleeves
You got a brand of magic never fails
You got some power in your corner now
Some heavy ammunition in your camp
You got some punch, pizzazz, yahoo and how
See all you gotta do is rub that lamp…

You ain’t never had a friend like me

Suddenly it struck me that even though most mamas don’t have a genie their pocket, we do have some “power in our corner.” The Lord is always there. And he cares about everything in our lives–big and small. Even digital safety.

God wants our families to succeed. If digital safety is important to us and we ask for His help, He will be there. With that thought in mind, Genie’s silly words took on new meaning.

Although our families aren’t literally surrounded by 40 thieves, sometimes it might feel that way! Online pornography, predators, deceptive media, bullies, and other horrors constantly surround us.

BUT

Mamas you’re in luck ’cause up your sleeves
You got a brand of magic never fails
You got some power in your corner now
Some heavy ammunition in your camp
You got some punch, pizzazz, yahoo and how
See all you gotta do is ask the Lord for help …

You ain’t never had a friend like Him

So next time you feel like your head is going to explode because your daughter is dealing with mean girls online, or your son has gotten into some inappropriate material on his tablet, or your spouse is struggling with porn addiction, remember … resources are good. But nothing compares to the peace and clarity that often accompany a simple prayer for help.

WOMEN OF FAITH

There are many examples of faithful women fighting for families in the Movement to End Sexual Exploitation. (You know who you are, ladies!) But one that especially stands out is Big Ocean Women. Every year, this group of mothers travels to the United Nations for the Commission on the State of Women. Together they stand as a shining example of the power of faith, family, and motherhood, not only at the UN, but in everything they do. I was honored to be able to accompany them just a few years ago. The memories I made at the UN are irreplaceable!

To the Mamas … Thank you to all of you who work so hard to preserve faith and family in today’s world, whether it is on a grand scale, in public, or in your own homes.

Thank you to Women of Faith everywhere. Heaven bless you for your courage and strength.