By Monica Cole
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 KJV
You protect your children in many ways: with coats, helmets, kneepads, and sunblock—the list goes on and on. But what about when it comes to what they watch or listen to on a daily basis? This has a major impact on a child’s character and behavior.
Do you ever ask yourself, “Am I the only one who feels embarrassed about what is airing on television or displayed in storefront windows?” Have you ever been stunned to find out what is considered suitable for a family network? Or watched a ballgame when an inappropriate commercial came on and you could not get to the remote quick enough? Then there are the magazines at checkout lanes that you find yourself flipping over to reveal a back cover almost as bad as or worse than the front cover. Not to mention the billboards for gentlemen’s clubs you may see as you are driving down the highway. Sound familiar?
You may naturally have some anxiety about the influences all around us, especially with social media, smartphones and other challenges. It can become overwhelming if you feel alone in this struggle. But you are not. There is hope!
Do you just not know where to start? If you are you fed up with the filth thrown at our children and all the negative influences that could pull them away from the biblical influences you teach at home, I urge you to become a member of OneMillionMoms.com. Despite our name, our membership is open to all.
1MM has been extremely successful in cleaning up media from television programs, commercials, advertisements, billboards and storefront windows. 1MM is an organization that targets inappropriate content in the entertainment industry. Members respond to alerts by emailing the sponsors or advertisers as well as the companies producing the filth.
1MM’s success is proof that when Christians band together, mountains can be moved. Victories are listed online at OneMillionMoms.com, whether it is because sponsors pulled support from a vulgar or blasphemous show, or a company cleaning up or removing a commercial. For example, less than 48 hours after 1MM contacted Capital One, the company updated their commercial to leave out profanity.
1MM’s mission is extremely important since what you view becomes a part of you and children imitate what they hear and see. Garbage in equals garbage out!
Parents can be overwhelmed with day-to day activities and become too lax. Just the thought of adding anything to the daily grind is exhausting, but 1MM knows everyone is busy and makes it simple to take a stand and do what is morally right. You can show your support in 30 seconds!
When it comes to raising children with Godly morals and biblical values it is tougher than ever. One day we will be accountable to answer for how we raised our children. Obviously, you want what is best for your family and so does the Lord. It starts with standing up for what you believe in.
God will never give up on you, and knowing that He is on your side should give every mom the courage to be brave and stand up for what is right. It is rewarding to know that we are doing everything we can for our children’s wellbeing, and leave the rest to God. We must not give up; our children are counting on us!
People often say, “Children do not come with a handbook.” But God has provided us with His Word, which instructs us on how to protect our children from negative influences. So stay on guard! A well-grounded, faith-believing family is definitely worth having! With that comes hard work and dedication.
Edmund Burke once said, “All that is required for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.” 1MM is the most powerful tool you have to stand against the immorality, violence, vulgarity and profanity the entertainment media is throwing at your children.
Just think, there is a network of other moms with the same concerns and beliefs you have. God is using 1MM to stand up for decency by being media watchdogs. Together, and with God’s help, 1MM is making a difference for our children. We CAN do this!
As a member of a group of one million moms all fighting together, your voice can have a powerful impact. There is strength in numbers. When one million moms speak as a unified voice, YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD!
Monica Cole is the director of OneMillionMoms.com, a division of the American Family Association. You will often hear her on radio and television interviews that air across the country. As an activist, she has spoken at several conservative and Christian events. She lives in Tupelo, Mississippi, with her husband, Keith, and their son, Michael.