There are so many women and men that I know who have been harmed by the entertainment and marketing industries. Sex seems to sell more burgers, body spray, and laundry detergent than any other form of marketing. It is harmful to say the least.
I have watched my self image deplete after trying to compare myself to the touched up versions of celebrities and models. I have witnessed the life being drained from men I knew who were in bondage to pornography. I well understood when it started as I witnessed my own sons begin to be drawn to the women on billboards and the mannequins dressed in lingerie at the stores in the mall. I have witnessed the demise and falling away of too many men who have been affected by this acceptable form of pornography. I say “No more!”
God designed men to find the physical aspect of a woman appealing. He made women differently, so I believe most times it is hard for us to understand just how much of a struggle this is for them and why the media makes it worse. After hearing my 8-year-old child say that he can’t get the girls out of his head that he saw in the picture on the road (a billboard), I now understand that males are just wired differently and have trouble just “not thinking about it.” The media takes advantage of this. I find too few of them are willing to stand up to these companies and producers of such filth. Even worse, few women are willing. This shouldn’t be.
My husband and I recently made the decision that we will not watch movies, televisions shows, or look at books or magazines that contain any sexually suggestive photos or talk. I can’t allow those images to enter their minds. Men hold on to images like women hold on to feelings. They can’t simply turn it off and so as a wife and mother, my best defense is to prevent those images from ever entering their mind. It starts with regular prayer for them and we have also begun training them to “bounce” their eyes when they see women they are drawn to or if I say “bounce” while in the car or mall then they are to look down until I deem it okay to look up again.
“I will set no unclean thing before my eyes.” ~Psalm 101:3
If our men, our fathers, sons, husbands, and brothers are not strong enough to take on this beast then I say that WE SHOULD. If we stand together in this then they have got to hear us and even if they don’t what matters is that we took a stand instead of falling under their power as well.
This reminds me of a scene from “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” when Eowyn slays the Witch King. He says to her “No man can kill me!” Then she replies, “I am no man” and then she kills him by the sword! We too can kill the beast of lust with the sword of the Spirit! If no man can do it then by golly the women can!
No longer must we feel shame because we find that the men we love have fallen victim to this. Let’s take it to God and do our part so He can receive the glory for it! Our beloved brothers are worth it!
As long as we continue to be passive and do nothing about this then it remains a stumbling block to men and women. If we speak up and demand that we be heard and bring Glory to God then it can be a stepping stone. Won’t you join me?
- In what ways can you help the men in your life fight this battle?
- Find at least one other scripture to meditate on that will aid you in this fight.
- Talk openly and honestly with your husband and children about these struggles. Shine the light on this dark place. Let them know that you are there to fight with them.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Amy,
I hope you don't mind, but I put a link to your page on my blog today. This was great and wanted to pass it on!
great post!!!!! i have blogged for today but i'll post a link to this tomorrow! i stand with you in saying "no more!"
What a fabulous post, Amy!! I appreciate you sharing your "bounce" tool – what a great idea! I have two boys (ages 15 and 7), and I'll be sharing the bounce idea with them tomorrow! Thanks so much!