{"id":6749,"date":"2016-02-08T07:08:38","date_gmt":"2016-02-08T13:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/?p=6749"},"modified":"2016-02-16T07:05:50","modified_gmt":"2016-02-16T13:05:50","slug":"words-we-cannot-afford-to-keep-from-our-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/2016\/02\/08\/words-we-cannot-afford-to-keep-from-our-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Words We Cannot Afford to Keep From Our Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"lifeline<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I need to get home,<\/em>
\nyou're my guiding light,<\/em>
\nyou're my guiding light.\u201d<\/em>
\n\u2013 Foy Vance<\/a><\/p>\n

It was almost one o\u2019clock a.m. when my plane landed. I felt anxious. It was only my second time flying back to my new \u201chome\u201d, a city that contained one of the busiest airports in America. I reminded myself that the hosts of the speaking event I just attended were aware of my travel anxieties and poor sense of direction. They kindly arranged a transportation company to retrieve me from the airport and take me home. I managed the airport shuttle without trouble and felt certain I was getting off at the right stop. But when I went to the top of the escalators, my ride was not there. I felt my chest tighten, my pulse quicken. I looked around and saw a vast hallway quickly emptying as people hurried off to their destinations.<\/p>\n

I fumbled for my phone. I called the transportation company and said I could not find my ride. They instructed me to find the Delta terminal, walk outside, go down a ramp, and look for the area where cars were idling. I told them I did not see any Delta signs and was not familiar with the airport. \u201cCould the driver please come to me instead?\u201d I asked, trying to keep my emotions in check. They put me in touch with him. The way he spoke to me was rude, condescending, and not helpful at all.<\/p>\n

I stood in the middle of the massive airport deciding if I should walk outside in the darkness, unsure of where I was going, or stay put. With shaky hands, I wiped the tears falling from my eyes. I didn\u2019t know what to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see you are troubled. Can I help you?\u201d a uniformed driver waiting for his client said in a beautiful accent.<\/p>\n

When I explained what happened, he offered to talk to the driver. As he waited for the man to answer his phone, he reassuringly said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I will help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In a firm but respectful tone, my new friend repeatedly told the driver he needed to come inside and retrieve me. Within a few minutes, the man showed up. I did not leave without asking my friend his name, shaking his hand, and requesting his business card so I could use his company for all future transportation needs. I could not leave without telling Emmanuel\u00a0he was my angel. He had provided light in my time of darkness.<\/p>\n

\"lifeline<\/a><\/p>\n

I am not sure I would have thought about that troubling experience had it not been for my recent trip to Indiana to speak at the Indy Women\u2019s Expo<\/a>. Just like last time, my flight landed after midnight. The event hosts had kindly arranged my ride home. But this time, a familiar face was waiting for me when I got off the escalator.\u00a0Out of all the drivers who worked for this transportation company, my friend, Emmanuel, happened to the one driving me home.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until we got in the car that I felt brave enough to speak up. \u201cI don\u2019t know if you remember me, but a year ago you helped me when I was very much alone and confused. You were my angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Rachel?\u201d he exclaimed, his beautiful face breaking into an oversized grin. \u201cYes! Yes! I remember! But I just did what anyone would do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emmanuel and I spent the rest of the drive talking about our families, the joys and challenges of technology, his family back in Ghana, and how providential it felt to be brought back together that night.<\/p>\n

Although I was exhausted by the time I got into my bed, I laid there for an hour unable to sleep. While in Indianapolis, I\u2019d met the loveliest blog readers\u2014some of them driving from as far as Illinois and Ohio to be there. I\u2019d played non-stop with my precious niece and nephews. I\u2019d hugged a family member I hadn\u2019t seen in twenty-five years. While I should have been happy, content, and hopeful, I was overcome with sadness.<\/p>\n

Heavy on my heart were the children who didn\u2019t leave the airport that night with someone who had their best interests in mind\u2014including the ones used for unspeakable acts right there at the airport<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Heavy on my heart was the 13-year-old girl who climbed out her window<\/a> to meet someone she met online, never to return home again.<\/p>\n

Heavy on my heart was the young man who was violated by his teammates<\/a> on the bus ride home from a sporting event.<\/p>\n

Heavy on my heart was the child who feels like less and less each time she is snubbed, ostracized, and belittled online and in real life by her peers.<\/p>\n

Heavy on my heart was the child who cannot stop looking at disturbing images online<\/a> that make him feel ashamed, dirty, and worthless.<\/p>\n

Heavy on my heart was the one who peers into the darkness debating whether she should go alone\u2014the one believing there is no one to ask for help in her time of need.<\/p>\n

What was given to me at the airport\u2014comfort, assurance, security, and validation\u2014should be given to all children, and the time is now<\/strong>. Exposure to life-altering people and life-altering content is held in their pocket, merely one click away. And although you will hear me advocate for Internet accountability\/filtering<\/a> software and active involvement in a child\u2019s online activities, it is not enough<\/strong>. There must be pieces of internal protection<\/strong><\/em> given to our children again and again and again.<\/p>\n

\"lifeline<\/a><\/p>\n

Three years ago, I gave my daughter a piece of internal protection. It was during a rash of cyber bully suicides and sexual violations of young women recorded on cell phones by classmates. I remember desperately wanting to protect my child from the dangers she faced when she stepped outside or into the online world. Because I knew that was not possible, I vowed to equip her with internal protection. The following letter was the beginning of an on-going conversation I have with my daughter\u2014a tangible piece of proof she will never be alone in her darkest hour<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"lifeline<\/a><\/p>\n

A 21st<\/sup> Century Lifeline <\/strong>to my dear child:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Technology has become an integral part of your life now that you need it to complete your schoolwork. Eventually you will start communicating with others online. Before that day comes, it is very important for me to tell you a few things. You will hear these words a lot from me\u2014you might even get sick of them. But these reminders are important. When the time comes, you will know how important they are. When the time comes, these words will make all the difference. Here are my reminders to you \u2026<\/p>\n

Tomorrow holds promise.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you have been teased, hurt, or humiliated, that day will seem horrible and unbearable. Just know that when you make it through the day, tomorrow you will see a new light. Tomorrow holds possibilities that you cannot see today. I will help you see the promises in tomorrow when you can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

My love for you cannot be changed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With me, you don\u2019t have to be strong. You can cry, scream, and let out your true feelings. My love for you cannot be changed by revealing the feelings going on inside you\u2014no matter how hard they are to say out loud.<\/p>\n

You are worthy of love.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You are worthy of love and respect and kindness. If people mistreat you, together we\u2019ll figure out a way to help you work through those problems, move on, or distance yourself from them if needed.<\/p>\n

I encourage you to find that one loyal and kind friend with which you can go through the school year. Don\u2019t let societal standards fool you into believing this friend must be popular, good looking, or cool; at the end of the day, kindness is the most important quality to have in a friend and be in a friend.<\/p>\n

You possess courage and strength.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>If you have been humiliated or teased, facing certain people may seem impossible. But you have the courage and strength within you to show others they cannot hold you back from living your life.<\/p>\n

It is about them, not you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

No matter how personal the attack, it is about them\u2014their insecurities and their issues\u2014not about you.<\/p>\n

No one can change the way I see you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

No matter how humiliated you are and no matter how embarrassing it is to tell me what happened, when I look at you, I see my beautiful and amazing child. No one can change the way I see you.<\/p>\n

Nothing is too bad to tell me.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can come to me with anything\u2014even if you made a mistake, even if you used bad judgment. There is nothing that is \u201ctoo bad\u201d to tell me. Believe me, I have made plenty of mistakes and even though it was hard to let someone else in, I was so relieved not to carry the burden alone.<\/p>\n

Let an adult know.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your gut tells you what someone is doing to someone else is wrong, it probably is. Letting an adult know about someone who is being harmed or mistreated does not make you a coward\u2014it makes you courageous and compassionate; it makes you a good friend who can look back on this later in life and proudly say, \u201cI didn\u2019t turn the other cheek. I tried to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you are the one being hurt, mistreated, or violated, tell an adult; do not suffer alone. Even if it is embarrassing \u2026 or unbelievable \u2026 or risky to tell someone; do not remain silent. Come to me or someone you trust immediately.<\/p>\n

You are never alone.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I cannot make your problems and pain go away, but I can listen. And together we can come up with a solution. There is nothing we can\u2019t get through together. You are never, never alone.<\/p>\n

I love you forever and always.<\/p>\n

Mom<\/p>\n

[From my book, Hands Free Life<\/a><\/em>]<\/p>\n

My friends, if you are considering giving your child a valentine on February 14th, please consider making it a piece of internal protection. In my second book<\/a>, I refer to this type of soul-building message as a 21st<\/sup> Century Lifeline and this is why:<\/p>\n

A lifeline is something that can pull you back when you get too far away.<\/p>\n

A lifeline is something you can hold on to when peer pressure is demanding you go the wrong way.<\/p>\n

A lifeline is something that helps you be brave and say, \u201cSomething terrible happened to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A lifeline is proof that somebody loves you and accepts you no matter what the world says.<\/p>\n

A lifeline is something that keeps your head above water when it feels like it might be easier to just go\u00a0under.<\/p>\n

The 21st<\/sup> century lifeline contained in this blog post is for you to use as your own. My greatest hope is that my words will be given to a child this week. Feel free to use every single word. Feel free to use only the words that feel right to you. But please do not remain silent<\/strong>. Do not mistakenly assume the people you love know these things already. Do not mistakenly believe the people you love won\u2019t find themselves in a troubling situation.<\/p>\n

It is quite likely they will.<\/p>\n

And when they find themselves standing there all alone, terrified to walk into the darkness, I pray it is your voice they hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I will help you,\u201d they will remember you saying on Valentine\u2019s Day 2016. And it will never mean more to them than it does right then.<\/p>\n

In one instant, the worst moment in their life will not be the end.<\/p>\n

In one instant, the worst moment in their life will be your chance to help them find their way home.<\/p>\n

And you\u2019ll be so thankful to be the one holding their hand as you walk toward the light.<\/p>\n

\"lifeline<\/a><\/p>\n

********************************************************<\/p>\n

Important note and valuable resources<\/em><\/strong>: Friends, this message is not just for young people. If you have never said words of acceptance and affirmation to your adult child, it is not too late<\/em><\/strong>. It is also not too late to apologize for not being there when you were needed. Also, this message is not just for people who have children in their home. Be a Noticer like my friend Emmanuel. See the young person with tearful eyes at your church, bagging your groceries, riding the subway, or being controlled by a domineering man at the airport. Kids in desperate situations are walking among us every single day. All it takes is one person to notice and say these hopeful words, \u201cYou look troubled. Can I help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are six life-changing resources I hope everyone will take time to read or save to read later:<\/p>\n

1) 7 ways to spot that a person is being trafficked and what to do to help.<\/a> (Note the average age is 11.)<\/p>\n

2) This article<\/a> from the FBI details signs your child might be at risk online and what to do to minimize the chances of an online exploiter victimizing your child.<\/p>\n

3) 9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids<\/a><\/p>\n

4) How Pornography Harms Children<\/a><\/p>\n

5) How Good Parents Miss Sexual Abuse & Five Questions to Change That<\/a><\/p>\n

6) Parenting in the Digital Age<\/a>. This is a FREE online series hosted by author and family therapist Susan Stiffelman. Speakers include myself, Byron Katie, Alanis Morissette, Dr. Dan Siegel, Dr. Victoria Dunckley, <\/strong>Glennon Doyle Melton, <\/strong>and a host of other writers, teachers, and experts in the field. Click here<\/a> to see the critical topics experts will discuss and\u00a0to sign up.<\/p>\n

For those who are new here, the 21st<\/sup> century lifeline contained in this post came from my 2nd book, HANDS FREE LIFE<\/a>, which dedicates several chapters to protecting our loved ones online. The book also reveals nine daily habits you can do today to create strong, loving, and communicative relationships despite our culture of distraction and overwhelm. In addition, I was recently interviewed<\/a> on Focus on the Family<\/strong><\/em> about overcoming daily distractions to connect with our loved ones. \u00a0If you are\u00a0looking for small, daily steps to bring more presence, peace, and connection into your\u00a0relationships, part 1<\/a> and part 2<\/a> of my interview hold many answers and a lot of hope. The interview<\/a> begins at the 2:07 mark.<\/p>\n

P.S. I wrote to Emmanuel\u2019s employer to let the company know about his professionalism, kindness, and helpful actions. They said they would pass the compliment on to him as well as recognize his commendable actions in the company newspaper. Because the\u00a0Hands Free Revolution community<\/a> can be a mighty force for good, let\u2019s carry on the kindness Emmanuel extended to me by looking for someone in need today and helping. You can start by\u00a0sharing this post. I strongly\u00a0believe this is the most important post I have ever written and feel certain there is someone in desperate need\u00a0of these words today. Together, we can\u00a0reach that hurting heart and prevent life-altering damage in others. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen I need to get home, you’re my guiding light, you’re my guiding light.\u201d \u2013 Foy Vance It was almost one o\u2019clock a.m. when my plane landed. I felt anxious. It was only my second time flying back to my new \u201chome\u201d, a city that contained one of the busiest airports in America. I reminded […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[1084,1594,1595,1593,1081,1025,1592,1243],"gutentor_comment":42,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1fUJF-1KR","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6749"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6749"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6749\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}