The Riptide of Culture

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6)

A recent trip to Orlando reminded me of how powerful our culture’s influence has become. The world is obsessed with Stuff. Only a few hours in Mickey’s World gave a stark reminder to the state of our being. We were herded like cattle from one form of entertainment to another. Each one brought a moment of joy and laughter, but then on to the next thing. Sad, really. Most people appeared to be in a constant state of seeking, planning and moving to the next potential thrill. Each stop was less than fully satisfying. Thus, the need for the next one.

I really became focused on the younger people, so many of them searching for the next sensation, fully expecting the “show” to satisfy. One image in a souvenir store brought home the power of the culture. A father was guiding his two young girls through the maze of toys and trinkets. The younger daughter (maybe 5 or 6 yrs old) was the model of a compliant child. Her eyes were fixed on her father’s instructions as they navigated through the busy store. Her older sister presented the opposite personality. Her focus and energy was bouncing from one display to another. The father continually begged his older daughter to move forward without much success. This scene was not unique in the World of Disney. Yet for me, this one was different. The father was Arabic. Both daughters wore a hijab, the traditional head covering of a Muslim woman. The picture of the older daughter (maybe 7or 8yrs old) will stay with me. On top of her hijaj, she wore a pair of bright pink Minnie Mouse ears! The culture had grabbed the attention of this young girl even through the powerful, conservative traditions of the Muslim faith.

For a brief moment this Christian dad felt a common bond with that Muslim father. Earlier that day, my daughter (18) texted my wife that she had gotten her first nose piercing. Surprise! Seeing this little girl reminded me of the battle between the culture and tradition. We were just a couple of Dads trying to hold back the tide of society’s influence on our precious gifts. I know my Kendall has Jesus to help guide the way. I pray those little girls will come to know Him too.