Speaking Up

Hi friends,

I am a firm believer in Psalm 101:3, which says, "I will set no evil thing before my eyes." That goes for what I read, what I see on TV (thankfully we don't have cable TV or Dish network), and what I see on the Internet.

But it's not just my eyes that I protect; I also do my best protect the eyes of my children.  And sometimes, even a trip to our local Walmart can expose them to trashy magazines covers with what I consider soft porn photos on the front covers. I even joked with one of my friends about putting blinders on my children when we go out in public..like the ones horses wear...

(source: www.colourbox.com)

So, to shield their eyes, I am always at the front of the cart as we approach the check-out. And if I see anything I don't want them to see, I flip those magazines around so that the back cover is showing. I get some odd looks from other shoppers, and even the cashiers.  I  always eagerly await their questions as to why I'm doing what I'm doing. But so far, no one has asked.

Then, a few weeks ago, we went into our local dollar store. I walked into the store in front of the children, knowing that there is a magazine stand just inside the door, and I would stand in front of it if necessary to block the photos on the front covers. Yep - there it was - a Sports Illustrated issue, and the worst kind - the Swimsuit issue!  I stood in front of the magazines as the children came into the store and they never saw a thing. I breathed a prayer of thanks to the Lord, and a sigh of relief as we gathered what we needed,  headed for the check-out, and got in line.

As we approached the cashier, I looked for the magazine, but didn't see it anywhere. There were a few "rag mags", as I call them (you know the ones I'm talking about - stories about women having 50-pound babies, etc) , but nothing trashy. And no Sports Illustrated. Another prayer of thanks. 

Then it was our turn to pay for our things. And what do you think was on a small magazine stand right beside the cashier?? A stack of the Sports Illustrated issue! Just when I thought we were home free! 

Well, I couldn't help but speak up. (After all, I made sure they didn't see it the first time, and there it was - right in front  of our faces and there was no shielding them from it this time.)

So I  pointed to the magazines and said to the cashier, "Do you all have to put out those awful magazines right where children can see them? It's really sad that I can't take my children out in public without exposing them to that trash!" (And I should have mentioned that  no one should have to look at them, but my blood pressure was in stroke range at this point - so I didn't have the mental clarity to mention anyone but children. lol.)

The cashier giggled, and that was it. I paid for my things, and as I turned to leave, she grabbed the magazines and put them under the counter. I was surprised! I  mumbled a "Thank you" and headed out the door, but wondered if the magazines would back on display when we went back. 

They weren't. We have been in the store several times since then, and they're gone. There's not even a slot to put the SI magazines in!

I never thought that my speaking  up would make a difference. And maybe I wasn't the only one that complained about it. But who cares??? The magazines. are. gone. 

And in a small way, the innocence of my children is preserved....for a little longer anyway. 

So I would encourage all you mamas out there who are concerned about what your children see, speak up! You might be surprised at the result. I certainly was.  :)

"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,

And revive me in your way." ~ Psalm 119:37

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