Speaking Out for Truth

 Matt turns 16 on Friday...what is a mother to do?

Dear child, I’d like to tell you

That this world is full of lies

And you must ever be on guard

For wolves in sheep-disguise

It seems that you are growing

Up too fast for my own good

So I would like to set things straight

Like every parent would

Dear child, this life; it isn’t fair

Not everybody wins

And just because we may not care

Does not absolve our sins

Judgment day is coming

God is gracious, life is cruel

Be kind to your neighbor and

Don’t scoff at rules or school

Texting and driving kills

Drinking and driving too

As do ten thousand thrills and ills

Not yet revealed to you

Don’t talk with your mouth full

Brush and floss, ah, you may laugh

But someday if you’re lucky

Folk may want your autograph

…and you don’t want to meet them

With your teeth still full of lunch

Remember; love is more important

Than a six-pack when you crunch

And looking out for others

…gentle words and ready smile

Unlike fabricated fashion

Never will go out of style

Treat a lady like you hope

Someone treated your mother

Don’t be loose with things like kisses

Respect one another

Dare to stand alone

If it means doing what is right

For though you may be scorned

You will be precious in God’s sight

Read the Bible, it’s the only

Infallible truth

Life is short though now you think

You own the fount of youth

Be kind always, always

Someday you may be husband or wife

And habits molded early

Often follow us through life

Pray in the morning, pray at noon

And pray again at night

For it is easy to get lost

If we yield faith to sight

…and God is ever-faithful

Rich or poor can trust His Word

He wrote the most amazing

Love story that man has heard

Live, laugh, love with courage

Be your best self you can be

Don’t forget that Jesus loves you

From now through eternity

…Dear child, I’d like to tell you

To be ever on your guard

For wolves dressed in sheep-clothing

Wrong is easy; right is hard

And it is wise to study keenly

What are lies and what is Truth

There’s a world full of opinion

Waiting to influence Youth

© Janet Martin

I've written the verse below in numerous cards, as my mother did to me because it is hard to ' lean not on our own understanding ' and to 'trust Him with all our heart' no matter our age.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding; 
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6