Love Thy Neighbor...

This blog was originally posted on my site.

Is it me or did it suddenly become very dangerous to ge a pre-teen girl in the USA? In the last few months I feel as though I've been bombarded with news stories of young girls that are abducted and subsequently murdered. It's gotten to the point that everytime I happen to see a picture of a young girl on the news I suddenly assume the worst and feel like somone dropped a cold hunk of lead into my stomach.

I don't remember this sort of thing as being common place when I was growing up but that could be because the media never bothered to sensationalize the crime. So why the sudden interest? I get the feeling that it more of a ratings driven phenomenon than genuine concern for the safety of the children.

Cynical? Maybe. But then you explain to me the need to disclose Jessica Lundsford's police report and the details of how she was murdered? I can't really think of any good reason. The publics right to know? I certainly didn't want to know. It's bad enough that this sort of thing is happening out there. I spend most of my waking days worried about the world my kids are growing up in. I really don't need the nightmares of what actually happens to the kids that are assaulted.

I have made it my business to know where my kids are and who they are with at all times. I hope that God grants me the strength I will need to keep the vigil as they approach their teens. For anyone out there thats a parent, good luck.
Take the time to know.
Be aware.
It's a dark world out there sometimes and you don't want to find out the hard way.

I'll be keeping an eye out.