Hurtful Things

I sat in a class today and listened to a guest speaker from the Children's Justice Center.  It was sad to hear the statistics and things that happen in our county to children.  I think the CJC in Utah does fantastic work for children.  In that presentation there was a discussion about child pornography and how a minor taking a picture of themselves in the nude was participating in child pornography.  If that minor were to send that picture to someone they would be participating in the distribution of child pornography and so would anybody that saw and passed on those photos.  That is something that can escalate rather quickly.  It brought to my mind something my daughter told me about guys who had requested that she send them nudes. That was an upsetting thing for her. It was a hurtful thing. She had no problem telling them off. As I listened to this presentation today I wondered what could be done to those who are requesting someone send them nudes? I told Natalie she could send all future requests my way and I would be happy to let these boys have a piece of my mind. I am sure there is a better way to handle it. I wanted to talk to the presenter privately after class and ask about this but we were over time and she was tied up. I suppose I should make a call and find out what can be done and the best course of action to take on the matter. 

Later this evening I got to hear about rumors that are being spread about my daughter.  These kind of things are certainly hurtful things.  She went through some rough times last year when similar types of rumors were spread and it made life extremely difficult and hard to live for her.  She is stronger this year and continues to press forward but is definitely hurt by what is going on.  As a parent you want to protect your children.  It is upsetting when you hear of these kinds of things happening.  I wish there was a way I could make it go away for her but unfortunately I can not. I can pray for her, I can love her, I can be there for her and do whatever I can to help her through the crap she is currently wading through. It is upsetting and it makes me sad that these types of things happen. It is a rough age and seems to be an age where the golden rule is ignored.  Those who spread damaging rumors would hate to have the same done to them.

And so I am sad for my daughter for some of the things she has to go through. These are turbulent times and the waters are rough.  I find it all the more important for each of us to be grounded in our testimonies, anchored to the savior and filled with hope and faith.  No matter what we are going through, no matter how dark way, he is there and he will not abandon us. We must trust in him and press forward.