There are many things that the culture we live in, tries to tell us.  Here are a few:

1. If you've got it, flaunt it.
2. "Less is more" only applies to clothing.
3. Seduction is power.
4. Revealing is appealing.
5. Submission is objectifying, degrading and humiliating.
6. Respect is overrated.
7. Obedience is naieve.
8. Belief is subjective.
9. Nothing is absolute.
10. Darkness is light.
11. The only un-changing truth is that there are no un-changing truths.
12. Look out for yourself first.
13. Pursue happiness, wealth, sex and success at the expense of others.
14. Trust no one.
15. Break the rules.
16. Tolerance means agreement.
17. Do whatever feels good.
18. Promises aren't necessarily meant to be kept.
19. Temptation is meant to give in to.
20. If you want it, make it yours.
21. It's only a little white lie.
22. If you don't get caught, it's o.k.
23. Money can buy you happiness.
24. Follow your heart.
25. Love never lasts.

   And to be honest, wading upstream in a culture of self-centeredness can be overwhelming for any one person, but for parents?  It's nearly defeating.

   I think of my two precious daughters and I wilt.  Two fresh, new, young souls that are observing and learning and absorbing and mimicking at the speed of life, and soaking up everything around them like a thirsty sponge plunged underneath the water.  I can't remove them from our culture.  I have seen people try to do that, and it usually does more damage than good, in my opinion.

   No, we're here, and we're here for better or for worse.  We're a part of this world, and though it be a dark place, I only hope that they will choose to be a shining light.  But it's scary.  Terrifying, really, to raise daughters in a culture that tells them that morals and values are demeaning and laughable.  It's scary raising children in a culture that tells them that being tolerant and truly loving their neighbor really just means to agree with/condone everything, whether you believe it or not.

   Sometimes I'm not sure I know how to approach it all.  I do not believe in the tactic of removing my family completely from culture, from the world and the environment in which we live, and sequestering them in an isolated, protected space.  Neither do I believe it is safe or wise to plunge my family knee-deep into culture, soaking up bits and pieces of all that is has to offer as a form of nutrition as they grow and thrive.
Phillipians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

   How then, shall we do that, hmmm?  HOW, in the world in which we live today do you "think on these things"?  At times, it seems almost an insurmountable task.  I mean, basically every influencing force around us shouting something quite different.  As I raise my children and try to instill in them my beliefs and values,  I will be criticized for not giving them the "freedom of choice".  But at the very same time, the culture around me is trying their hardest to instill THEIR values and beliefs into my children.

   Why the double-standard?  Why is it o.k. for the culture to teach their values, but not for me to teach mine?  Why is it ok to be offended sometimes, like when everyone was offended by Miley Cyrus at the VMAs, but not other times, like when no one was allowed to be offended by the Grammys this year?