If you grew up in a good Christian home and went on to public school or even attended any kind of college schooling then you’ve heard it. It usually comes with a raised eyebrow, sarcastic tone, and negative connotation.
“Wow, you were so sheltered!”
In high school and even now in college I get that from my friends and even unfortunately from other Christians. I wonder, why does being sheltered have a negative connotation? Probably because in the minds of most, sheltered = ignorance. I don’t believe that to be the case. I’m proud to have been sheltered, because my parents went about it in the right way.
In my eyes sheltered means that my parents cared enough about me to try to keep all the negative and harmful things OUT of our home. They didn’t however leave me uneducated about them. If I heard a term or a phrase at school, or if they heard something in a movie I was watching, they would be the first people I felt comfortable going to and asking about it. Not only that but they actively talked to me about the things I should expect in the world beyond our front door, instead of waiting for me to ask which might not have happened. They protected me in the home, but at the same time they prepared me for what the world is like outside of it.
I don’t have kids, although I have plenty of experience being one, but I’m thankful that my parents both protected me and prepared me, and continue to do so, for the “real world”. The negative connotation that comes along with the typical “sheltered” stereotype is because parents often try to isolate their children from the world rather than protect and prepare them for living in it.
Parents, God expects both you and your children to:
Mark 16:15 “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
The majority of you child’s life will not be spent under your roof, it will be spent in the world.
A shelter is defined as:
“A place giving TEMPORARY protection from danger”.
Our homes can give temporary protection, but the most valuable aspect is whether or not we are preparing young people to go into the world and take the Gospel to others. There is the old saying that, ” if we don’t teach our kids about ______ the world will.” It’s true.
I’m proud to have been sheltered, (protected and prepared) thanks mom and dad!
Just my thoughts, I’d love to hear yours!
Daniel,
First let me compliment your parents on raising such a wonderful son! In our house, we have lived by a few principles to raise our girls. The first is Phil 4:8 “..whatsoever things are true…honest..just…pure…lovely..”. We protected what our girls saw and heard the best we could. If all the other kids saw a popular movie that was rated for older kids, our girls didn’t see it. We didn’t want our girls exposed to graphic images-violence, sex,etc- and foul language for entertainment. We didn’t cave and allow them to go because “everyone else was doing it.”. The second principle we’ve lived by “you are the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth”. We’ve sent our girls to public school and they’ve lived their values in front of others. At times they’ve been exposed to language and situations where they took a stand and went against the crowd for their convictions. So while we did protect them, we also understand that they live in this world and need to be firm in their own faith and make good choices even in situations where others don’t. It’s all about balance – protection and freedom. Parents protect while still allowing their kids to experience life safely and as maturity increases, the kids will make their own wise choices. Prov. 22:6
Great thoughts! I really appreciate the kind words as well. I’m extremely thankful for parents like mine, and you, that aren’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. Even when I haven’t understood it or have been frustrated, they have never steered me wrong and I always end up thanking them. It is evident from the way you handle the…..interesting situations
in class that you truly live by those values and I admire you for doing so. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, it means a lot!
Love you brother! I totally agree. However, we need to get parents to understand the point you made. Sheltering is good, but you NEED NEED NEED to EDUCATE your children about the world. Too many parents either don’t care what their children do, or are overbearing. It’s sad to see children leave the Faith because they get out “Into the great wide open; a rebel without a clue” (Tom Petty for ya) and fall to temptation. We need to let parents know that they’re hurting their children by not preparing them.
Very good blog! I’m glad someone sees it from the same perspective that I do.
God Bless!
Audie
Thanks brother! I agree, it is so easy to build a “strong faith” in the home but as soon as the child hits the real world, I have seen time and time again that “strong faith” crumble. Thanks for sharing your thoughts man.
PS- Loved the Tom Petty reference!