Prayer Request 2/28

Linda Easton sent this request:  Bill Bass is my daughter in law's grandfather. He is having surgery in Dallas on Thursday. Esophageal cancer. 

Prayer Request - 2/28

Sherry Marsters asked for prayers:  My son Aaron Marsters is 28 and was diagnosed with Cronic Myeloid Leukemia this last week. Please keep him, his wife Megan and 1 year old daughter in your prayers.

Just a reminder...

Ladies Brunch

Mid-Week Update - 2/28

• Claude Jones was in good spirits when Randy visited him on Tuesday.
• Dianna Welch is still having blood pressure issues and they have not rescheduled her shoulder surgery.
• Carol Murphy had surgery on her shoulder Tuesday. She is home doing well.
• Alan Boyd is still in Tyler hospital. His surgery is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. this Friday. Earliest possible discharge will be next Monday.  He is ready to be home!!!
• Charles Richards is in Medical City/Plano and was to have surgery yesterday. Haven't heard results yet.
• Ed Bullard was released from the hospital and is home now. He had a stress test yesterday and won't know results until next Monday.
• Aileen Castlebury is scheduled to go home this week.
• Herchell McClain is doing fairly well, but still has a long way to go, according to Lee.  Specific prayer is for his strength to build up.

DHS GANG will be having another get together on March 7th at 6 p.m. at Randy and Loree Johns. Sign up is at the Welcome Center.

Congratulations!!!!

Paris High School junior Christopher Hutson has been awarded the highest Scouts honor, the rank of Eagle Scout, for completing extensive training as a Boy Scout and a notable service project. He has 41 badges, 13 of which are Eagle merits.

Hutson, who earned the rank Thursday, is a member of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ. He noticed that in the park, there were two trees with gnarled roots that posed a safety issue to the kids who played there.

“My solution was to build two rectangular benches around the trees to cover up the roots, provide a seating for the workers there, and for the kids, and it looks good scenery wise,” Hutson said.

Spending more than 240 hours planning and putting the project together, Hutson created an aesthetically pleasing method to help solve a problem he had noticed at his church. His Scoutmaster, Mike Taylor, said this is not the only time Hutson has shown initiative and leadership.

“We were at Paul Smith’s ranch, and I had come in and set an orienteering course for them to go out and do a course to acquire food that they would cook that evening. We had wrapped up everything, and it would lead them from one direction to another, and the patrol leaders were supposed to be leading their patrols. Well, one of the patrol leaders was a little confused, and he just wasn’t doing a good job, and that happens at times, but Chris stepped up, and he didn’t step in the way,” Taylor said.

“He stepped up and helped that patrol leader learn what needed to be done. And they followed through and even took the contest (finishing first).”

Taylor was enthusiastic in his praise of Hutson.

“Chris showed that weekend what it meant, really truly to have the heart of leadership, a heart for others, and to step up and take charge, and show that responsibility that goes with being a good leader and then implementing it, and then not only expecting it to be done, but to follow it through,” he said.

Hutson’s mom, Cynthia Hutson, is a single mother, and she is proud of all that the Scouts has done for her son, which includes providing a male role model when there was none for him at home.

“I feel that not only did my son gain his Eagle, but I gained mine as well. They’ve (the Scouts) helped me to gain some wings to soar and helped me to understand to let go sometimes. And I feel very confident in the fact that I’ve raised a young man now, and I know that he can do it,” she said.

Cynthia Hutson added that she sees her son as a role model to others in his community.

“I know with him, there were no black Scouts that I saw for him to, you know, be there to follow and to see as role models, so I want him to be that role model for other young men to be able to see that. It doesn’t matter what color you are. It’s open for everyone,” she said.

A 16-year-old junior, Hutson has been a Scout since he was in kindergarten, working his way up through the ranks of Cub and Boy Scouts. He is an assistant athletic trainer at Paris High, and he plays trombone in the marching band. Additionally, Hutson is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and often leads sermons at Lamar Avenue Church of Christ. Some of his pastimes include public speaking, photography and writing poetry.

After graduating high school, Hutson plans to complete paramedic training and join the U.S. Army.

My heart...

PRAISE REPORT - 2/25

Loretta Nabors had a heart cath this morning. They just finished and she got GREAT news!  There are NO blockages!!  Now she has to lay flat for the next four hours and then will go home in six hours.

Update on Eddie George - 2/24

Update on Eddie George:  The nuclear stress test 2 weeks ago showed some blockage. Today he had a heart cath in Paris. One artery had blockage and required a stent. We are still in the cath lab waiting on a room.

Thank you!!!

Thank you to Jennifer Blount, Shelle Fowler, Leslie Keele, Donna McGee, Kelci Friddle and Laura Cannon for all your hard work, planning and preparation for the Ladies Retreat this year.
Thank you to Laurie Vanderpool for speaking to us, and reminding us to "see the unseen".
Thank you to our families who were home with kids, grandkids and, fur babies!

Weekly Update - 2/23

"Be Concerned"
Micah 7

I.    Micah Laments Disobedience To God. (7:1-6)

II.  Micah Longs for God's Deliverance. (7:7-10)

III. Micah Lauds God's Dedication. (7:11-20)

Advantage entails accountability.

💗💗💗

RESTORE ALL THINGS

1.  We must not only prepare for heaven but begin to participate in it.

2.  To Restore All Things us to bring a taste of heaven to earth.

3.  We must not only support missionaries, we must also serve as missionaries.

The elders presented each Life Group Leader with $500 in cash for each group to use in a way to "Be Jesus".

They ask that each group:

1.  Be creative

2.  Act justly

3.  Love justly

4.  Walk humbly

💗💗💗

CONGRATULATIONS to Christopher Hutson!  He became an EAGLE SCOUT on Thursday!

He credits his Mom Cynthia, James Hanley and others in helping him to achieve this rank!
We are SO proud of you Christopher!!!

💗💗💗

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Ed Bullard fell this morning. He fell face first, was taken to PRMC/ER and was admitted to the hospital.  His daughter Kristi said that his sugar was 451. Heart tests today. Neurologist was to come in today also to check on the headaches and dizziness. They did find out that he is in kidney failure.
• Claude Jones was taken to PRMC/ER on Tuesday and admitted that night. 
• Nancy Jones had a procedure to shock her heart back in rhythm on Monday. She was home on Tuesday and back at church on Wednesday night.
• Cynthia Hutson is recovering from shoulder surgery.
• Vivian Hicks (Cynthia's aunt) is in PRMC/Room 505 with health issues. 
• Dianna Welch - Health
• Alan Boyd is still in Tyler hospital waiting for antibiotics to clear up an infection so that a new shunt can be put in. 
• Charles Richards is scheduled for back surgery on Wednesday at Medical City/Plano. He is already in the hospital so that they can regulate his meds.
• Shanda Burgess - Health
• Carol Murphy is scheduled to have surgery on her shoulder next Wednesday (2/26).
• Bobby Salter - Health
• Peggy Dotson is still recovering from her fractured left shoulder and several stress fractures in her back.  She's really having a hard time getting around with her arm in a sling and her ankle still banged up. She would appreciate prayers and maybe a visit or a meal, but please check with her first.
• Dorothy Pearce is recovering from a fractured pelvis.  Please pray for healing.
• Herchel McClain continues to be in PRMC/Rehab and hoping to go home soon.
• Kim Maxfield is continuing to heal from her sinus surgery.
• Robert Wilson - Health
• Cynthia Norris - Health
• Ora Henderson - Health
• Leston Maggard - Health
• Jay and Kristi Anthony -  Health
• Remember the teachers and students.
• Please remember the homeless.
• First Responders
• Military

THOSE IN NURSING HOMES:

• Barbara Adams - Stillhouse
• Johnny Bassett - Stillhouse
• Bobby Castlebury - Stillhouse
• Aileen Castlebury - Stillhouse
• Janelle Green - Paris Chalet #113
• Ozella Lilly - Stillhouse
• Mary Ann Williams (Lesa Clarkson's Mom) - Spring Lake
• Peggy Wright - Pine Tree Assisted Living - Room 10

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR FRIENDS/FAMILY

• Neil Collard - Health 
• Karol Davis (friend of the Bulls') - Health
• Bobby Johns (Randy John's Dad) - Continues to be in rehab in Ada. 
• Billy Icenhower - Health
• The Vanderpools, LiveBeyond Team and the Haitian people.

• Jimmy Faulkner - His left lung was so damaged by radiation, the infection is not moving out of the lung. Trying further medication, and treatments, 
• Carl Haggard - Is at home.
• Jackie Helm
• Laquita Lawrence
• Linda Nichols (Kristi Garrett's Mom)
• Cherry Walker 

PANTRY NEEDS:  Canned Soup with Meat / Grape Jelly / Laundry Pods / Dish Soap

RAINBOW ROOM ITEMS:  Warm clothes for older kids and teens (like sweatshirts and sweatpants)

SIMPLE SUPPER:  This weeks' entree will be Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches.

KEEP THE DATE:

Mar 3:  Men's Breakfast - Dan Roffee will be the speaker.

Mar 8:  Youth Game Day

Mar 8:  Faithful Readers

Mar 4 - Spring Quarter starts with new Wednesday night classes

Mar 9-13:  Spring Break

Mar 17:  Young @ Heart Event

Mar 22:  Youth Dinner and Devo

Mar 27-29:  JH Camp Deer Run Retreat

Apr 19:  Beckmon Wedding Shower

Love you - MEAN IT!!!

The best???

Mid-Week Updates - 2/20

• Claude Jones was taken to PRMC/ER on Tuesday and admitted that night. He is in Room 521. Mary asked for prayers for both of them.
• Nancy Jones had a procedure to shock her heart back in rhythm on Monday. She was home on Tuesday and was up at the church cooking last night!!!
• Cynthia Hutson had shoulder surgery on Tuesday and is home recovering now.
• Vivian Hicks (Cynthia's aunt) is in PRMC/Room 505 with health issues. They did a heart cath yesterday.
• Dianna Welch was to have surgery yesterday, to rebuild her shoulder, but it was cancelled due to high blood pressure.
• Alan Boyd is still in Tyler hospital waiting for antibiotics to clear up an infection so that a new shunt can be put in. 
• Charles Richards is scheduled for back surgery on 2/26 at Medical City/Plano. He is already in the hospital so that they can regulate his meds.
• Shanda Burgess was admitted to Texoma Medical in Sherman on Wednesday with stomach pains of unknown origin.
• Cynthia Norris has the flu.
• Carol Murphy is scheduled to have surgery on her shoulder next Wednesday (2/25).
• Peggy Dotson is still recovering from her fractured left shoulder and several stress fractures in her back.  She's really having a hard time getting around with her arm in a sling and her ankle still banged up. She would appreciate prayers and maybe a visit or a meal, but please check with her first.
• Dorothy Pearce is recovering from a fractured pelvis.  Please pray for healing.

We still have several in Stillhouse:

• Alieen and Bobby Castlebury
• Barbara Adams
• Herchell McClain
• Ozella Lilly (she loves to play dominoes)

Prayer Request 2/18

Cynthia Norris has been diagnosed with the flu.

Update on Charles Richard's 2/18

Charles sent this info: "I will enter Medical City Plano hospital tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb. 16) and have back surgery one week later (Wednesday, Feb. 23). It's a fairly routine surgery on (1) a herniated disk in my lower back that has left me wheelchair-bound for several weeks; and (2&3) on stenosis (narrowing) of two adjacent vertebrae. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain in my upper left leg is about an 8 throughout the day, for which I take a couple of Tylenol. Although the surgery is routine, there is significant risk because I have been on a blood thinner (Brilinta) since receiving a stent last July. I can't be on a blood thinner during major surgery because I could bleed to death, but without the blood thinner, I have significant risk of a potentially fatal blood clot at the site of the stent. (I'm told a stent is a "magnet" for a blood clot -- thus the need of a blood thinner). So they will substitute a less powerful blood thinner (Heparin) over the week leading up to the surgery; stop the Heparin the day before surgery; then put me back on Heparin immediately after surgery. Then switch back to Brilinta. There's the possibility/probability of potent steroids along the way as part of the puzzle of how to minimize the bleeding and simultaneously guard against a deadly blood clot. My age (78) is an additional risk factor. So … I will be in Medical City Plano for a week before the surgery, with cardiologists involved, then the back surgery by world-renowned Dr. Theodore Belanger of the Texas Back Institute; and then back under the scrutiny of a cardiologist for "several" days as I get weaned back onto a blood thinner. Dr. Belanger was a colleague of Dr. Andrew Simpson, the Texas Back Institute doctor who performed life-saving neck surgery on me in August 2017, but who now is located in Boston. I will be in excellent hands from start to finish, and I know I have the prayers of family and friends, which I deeply appreciate."

Prayer Requests -2/17

Dianna Welch - will have her left shoulder replacement surgery on Wednesday at PRMC.

Bobby Salter - Is having health issues.

Weekly Update - 2/16

THE MICAH MANDATE
(Micah 6:8)

Outline:

I.  What God has done to His People (6:2-5)

II.  God expects in Return (6:6-8)

III.  What God Cannot tolerate (6:9-12)

IV.   What God is moved to do (6:13-16)

The Micah Mandate:

1.  Act justly

2.  Love mercy 

3.  Walk humbly

Ethical behavior is far more important than the mechanics of sacrificial rites.

Application:

1.  Create a "TOV" culture.  (TOV means "do good and be good".)

2.  Commit a random act of kindness.

3.  Volunteer!

4.  Become involved in a cause.

💓💓💓

SYMPATHY:  Corey Townsend, who we've been praying for, passed away last week and his funeral service was on Thursday.  Please keep his mom Jill Hart, his son Hayden and his family in your prayers.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Cynthia Hudson will have additional shoulder surgery tomorrow (Monday) at Paris Surgical Center on Pine Mill Road.
• Vivian Hicks is in PRMC/Room 505. She started retaining fluid all over her body. She couldn't use her feet at first, but once they removed some of the fluid, she can move her feet and fingers now. She possibly has a leaking valve also.
• Nancy Jones is in PRMC/Room 411. She will be having electric cardioversion at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon.
• Alan Boyd continues to be in the hospital in Tyler.  He had surgery last week to drain a spot in his abdomen and redirect his shunt. He'll be in the hospital for another 2 weeks. He has an "outward shunt" that has to be adjusted each time he moves. The is an infection involved also, but he is on high powered IV antibiotics.
• Herchel McClain continues to be in PRMC/Rehab and hoping to go home soon.
• Peggy Dotson fell at home and fractured her left shoulder. She was taken to the ER and discovered she has several stress fractures and compressed discs.  She was not admitted, but is home recovering.
• Dorothy Pearce was just dismissed from PRMC this afternoon around 1pm.
• Kim Maxfield is continuing to heal from her sinus surgery.
• Robert Wilson - Not feeling  well.
• Charles Richards - Has a herniated disc and it's causing problems with his legs. They have an appointment with doctor this week to talk about options.
• Cynthia Norris - Health
• Eddie George - Health
• Claude Jones - Health
• Dianna Welch - Health
• Jerry Raper - Health
• Ora Henderson - Health
• Leston Maggard - Health
• Jay and Kristi Anthony -  Health
• Remember the teachers and students.
• Please remember the homeless.
• First Responders
• Military

THOSE IN NURSING HOMES:

• Barbara Adams - Stillhouse
• Johnny Bassett - Stillhouse
• Bobby Castlebury - Stillhouse
• Aileen Castlebury - Stillhouse
• Janelle Green - Paris Chalet #113
• Ozella Lilly - Stillhouse
• Mary Ann Williams (Lesa Clarkson's Mom) - Spring Lake
• Peggy Wright - Pine Tree Assisted Living - Room 10

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR FRIENDS/FAMILY

• Neil Collard - Health 
• Karol Davis (friend of the Bulls') - Health
• Bobby Johns (Randy John's Dad) - Continues to be in rehab in Ada. He's not progressing much.
• Billy Icenhower - Health
• The Vanderpools, LiveBeyond Team and the Haitian people.

• Jimmy Faulkner - His left lung was so damaged by radiation, the infection is not moving out of the lung. Trying further medication, and treatments, 
• Carl Haggard - Is at home.
• Jackie Helm
• Laquita Lawrence
• Linda Nichols (Kristi Garrett's Mom)
• Cherry Walker 

PANTRY NEEDS:  Canned Soup with Meat / Grape Jelly / Laundry Pods / Dish Soap

RAINBOW ROOM ITEMS:  Warm clothes for older kids and teens (like sweatshirts and sweatpants)

SIMPLE SUPPER:  This weeks' entree will be Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

KEEP THE DATE:

Feb 17:  Movie Night

Feb 19:  Blood Drive

Feb 21-22: Ladies Retreat

Feb 23:  Youth Dinner and Devo

Mar 3:  Men's Breakfast

Mar 8:  Youth Game Day

Mar 4 - Spring Quarter starts with new Wednesday night classes

Mar 9-13:  Spring Break

Mar 17:  Young @ Heart Event.

Mar 22:  Youth Dinner and Devo

Mar 27-29:  JH Camp Deer Run Retreat

Love you - MEAN IT!!!

Have Faith....

Many in our little town are
hurting, grieving and broken today. 
Please keep them in your prayers
and know that God is in control.

Mid-Week Prayer Requests - 2/13

• Alan Boyd is in the hospital in Tyler and had surgery yesterday to drain a spot in his abdomen and redirect his shunt. 
• Herchel McClain continues to be in PRMC/Rehab and hoping to go home soon.
• Peggy Dotson fell at home and fractured her left shoulder. She was taken to the ER and discovered she has several stress fractures and compressed discs.  She was not admitted, but is home recovering.
• Dorothy Pearce is still home recovering from a fractured pelvis.  She is very concerned about her sister, Peggy.
• Kim Maxfield is continuing to heal from her sinus surgery.
• Continue to remember Jimmy Faulkner.

DON'T FORGET... Blood Drive NEXT Wednesday. Sign up or show up and donate!

Thank you Derald Bulls!!

Weekly Update - 2/9

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

(Micah 5)

I.     Reckoning (5:1)

II.    Reversal (5:2-6)

III.  Remnant (5:7-9)

IV.   Refinement (5:10-14)

V.     Retribution (5:15)

Three Things about Jesus:

1.  He is the bread of life.

2.  He is our peace.

3.  He is our good shepherd.

Qualities of the Sheep (John 10:25-29)

1.  Sensitive to the Shepherd's Voice.

2.  Obedient to the Shepherd's Leadership.

3.  Confident to Their Destiny.

4.  Secure in the Shepherd's Arms.

❤❤❤

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Dorothy Pearce - Was released from Stillhouse and is home. She did have to go to PRMC/ER on Friday.
• Herchell McClain - PRMC/Rehab...is scheduled to go home this next weekend.
• Robert Wilson - Not feeling  well.
• Kim Maxfield - Recovering from surgery at home. She is restricted from standing, lifting or bending for two weeks.
• Charles Richards - Has a herniated disc and it's causing problems with his legs. They have an appointment with doctor this week to talk about options.
• Cynthia Norris - Health
• Fran Tippit - She was back at worship this morning and said she's feeling well.
• Eddie George - Health
• Claude Jones - Health
• Dianna Welch - Health
• Jerry Raper - Health
• Ora Henderson - Health
• Leston Maggard - Health
• Jay and Kristi Anthony -  Health
• Remember the teachers and students.
• Please remember the homeless.
• First Responders
• Military

THOSE IN NURSING HOMES:

• Barbara Adams - Stillhouse
• Johnny Bassett - Stillhouse
• Bobby Castlebury - Stillhouse
• Aileen Castlebury - Stillhouse
• Janelle Green - Paris Chalet #113
• Ozella Lilly - Stillhouse
• Mary Ann Williams (Lesa Clarkson's Mom) - Spring Lake
• Peggy Wright - Pine Tree Assisted Living - Room 10

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR FRIENDS/FAMILY

• Willard Brockinton (Lesa Bulls' Dad) has been with the Bulls' for the last 11 weeks. He is back in Lancaster now.
• Michael Delaney (Hugh Anthony's son-in-law) has suffered a stroke.
• Lisa Tenberge (Lucy Staley's niece) - Health
• Neil Collard - Health 
• Alexis Harper - Health
• Carmen Shadden - Health
• Karol Davis (friend of the Bulls') - Health
• Bobby Johns (Randy John's Dad) - Continues to be in rehab in Ada. He's not progressing much.
• Corey Townsend - He is in the last stages of brain cancer. He is now in Heritage on hospice.
• Billy Icenhower - Health
• The Vanderpools, LiveBeyond Team and the Haitian people.

• Jimmy Faulkner - He saw lung Dr. on Monday, his left lung was so damaged by radiation, the infection is not moving out of the lung. Trying further medication, and treatments, . Love you all
• Carl Haggard - Is at home.
• Jackie Helm
• Laquita Lawrence
• Linda Nichols (Kristi Garrett's Mom)
• Cherry Walker

PANTRY NEEDS:  Canned Meat / Grape Jelly / Laundry Pods / Dish Soap

RAINBOW ROOM ITEMS:  Warm clothes for older kids and teens (like sweatshirts and sweatpants)

SIMPLE SUPPER:  This weeks' entree will be Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.

KEEP THE DATE:

Feb 19:  Blood Drive

Feb 21-22: Ladies Retreat

Feb 23:  Youth Dinner and Devo

Mar 3:  Men's Breakfast

Mar 4 - Spring Quarter starts with new Wednesday night classes

Mar 9-13:  Spring Break

Mar 17:  Young @ Heart Event.

Love you - MEAN IT!!!

So Loved...

This article was posted online and shared to facebook today.  It's from a website Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.  You can click here for the website.
Although I don't have a daughter or a granddaughter... I am a woman.
The article is written by a man... but you can see his concern for girls/women. 
This is regarding the Super Bowl half-time show last Sunday.

A WOMAN’S TAKE ON THE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW AND HUMAN DIGNITY. . .

FEBRUARY 5, 2020By Walt Mueller

The conversation continues. . . and so it should. . . because these things do indeed matter. And lest you think that all those who care are only singling out the few minutes and participants we saw on Sunday night, that’s not true. What we saw was a brief  and wide-open peek into a widely-held and fast-spreading cultural narrative that’s so deeply embedded in our world and ourselves that it is largely invisible. We know that’s the case for the simple reason that when it is brought to light, the push-back is that it doesn’t even exist. . . or if it does in fact exist, it just doesn’t matter.

I’ve been tracking with the back-and-forth on social media. This morning, I ran across some insightful and heart-felt words from my friend Mindy Summers. Mindy is a young wife and mother who six years ago began a ministry to people who are making a living in the sex-industry. The ministry is called “SoLoved.” Mindy and her team don’t desire any attention, and I asked her permission to share the focus of the ministry and her words. She says, “We are a team of women and men (prayer & security) who reach out to women here locally within the sex industry. Our entire goal is to build relationship & sisterhood with the ladies in the clubs. We want them to know they are loved, valued, seen & that we so enjoy who they are. Every month we bring gifts, homemade treats, handwritten love notes and homemade meals to each club. It has been a true honor & joy. Our vision statement is this: ‘Ministering to women in the sex industry, helping them see they are valued and dearly loved by Jesus, and believing for lasting freedom for their lives.'” Mindy and her team are living the Gospel.

Here’s what Mindy posted the day after the Super Bowl. Her words are filled with hope, truth, and compassion. . .

After I put my babies to bed tonight I ventured online to see this halftime show everyone was talking about…

As I watched two incredibly talented and beautiful women…my eyes welled up with tears.

This is the thing- I am not sheltered. I spend hours in strip clubs every month. Hours. I’ve been doing this for nearly 6 years. I’ve seen a lot of stuff. Our SoLoved team desires to build relationships with the precious women within the walls of these establishments. They are treasures. Most of them are there because of childhood trauma & abuse, lack of opportunity and/or manipulation or coercion. They didn’t dream of this. It isn’t empowering…it’s where they are and they are doing the best with what they’ve been dealt.

…and the men. The men who go…most of them are sorting out their own brokenness within these walls. Porn addiction, broken relationships, loneliness, power trips & addiction are many of their stories.

The supply for the USE of women is due to the demand. The demand is 100% fueled by a hyper sexualized culture.

This all seems expected within the walls of a strip club, right? Sad…but expected.

If that isn’t heartbreaking enough…this. Tonight on a Superbowl halftime show…two super talented women chose to share their God given talents with the football fans by pole dancing and thrusting with little clothes on. In front of the whole world. The moves, the poles, the song lyrics…the sex industry was glorified as empowering tonight.

Let me tell you. That is a LIE. These two ladies choose to shake their tails for the world to gawk at…but there is nothing empowering about women being the recipients of the onlooker’s sexual attention. They have body guards to walk them off the stage. Most women just get a can of mace.

We say we are tired of rape, sexual assault and young girls being told their body is what gives them value…BUT THEN we go and we INVOLVE YOUNG GIRLS in the very scene…at a football game…and the crowd goes wild & we clap and praise it.

So dear young girl-
I bet you are super confused. We tell you that YOU ARE NOT YOUR BODY. We tell you that what’s inside is what needs to shine. We tell you that you have a MIND AND A SOUL. We tell you to take self defense classes, carry mace, watch out for date rape and don’t let a guy pressure you. BUT THEN…we entertain you with pole dancing, thrusting, hyper sexualized lyrics & seductive facial expressions…and we clap for it.

We tell you that women can do anything. Women are equals. Then we bring out two influential women to entertain us…with what? Sex.

Don’t buy into the lie. Women do have minds. They also have self respect. The things that are done in bedrooms and inside strip clubs should never be performed on a stage for strangers and children to watch. And you know what…I’m sorry that this is how things are. You deserve a better world. A world where women are empowered and can use their God given talents in ways that don’t scream sex. Because again…that’s not why women are here.

So dear girl…be proud to be female & don’t for one second believe the lies. Keep offering your gifts to the world in meaningful ways. Be kind. Be a friend. Dance. Paint. Sing. Play. Lead. Learn. Grow. Serve. Think. Do hard things. Change the world.

Again- I’m sorry that you live in a day when you can’t watch a football game without hyper-sexualization. How sad for us…all of us.

I know there will be some who shrug me off as judgmental and want to rave about how talented these superstars are…and let me just say…yes I know they are talented. No doubt. As for the judgmental part- my heart is not out of judgement…but concern for young girls and the messages we are sending about women. God help us.

Thanks Mindy.