MARSHALL'S ALWAYS BEEN a great kid—very sociable and enthusiastic about almost everything he does. But a couple of years ago, when he started third grade at the local elementary school, we noticed a change in his behavior. His normal affection for our family began to dwindle to the point where he wouldn't come close to me or his sister, much less hug us. He wouldn't even spend time playing with his sister, like he'd done before. Apparently, hanging out with girls was no longer considered "cool" by the boys his age. And while I knew this was most likely a harmless phase that he would grow out of, it saddened me to see him being deprived of warmth and companionship because of what his friends thought.
Rather than just accept these changes as an inevitable part of growing up, I talked with Marshall about how much we all valued his warmth and affection—how good it feels to receive love and how good it can feel to give it, too. I also prayed. Being a student of Christian Science has inspired me to look at issues in the world and in my own family through a spiritual lens. I saw this as another opportunity to strengthen my view of Marshall as a child of God.
As I prayed, I realized that I needed to address the idea that Marshall's innocence could be compromised, that the influence of other people could rob him of his purity, his natural love for others, and his childlike joy. And, while this was just a small example, I know that Marshall isn't the only child who needs my prayers about innocence. A lot of parents are worried about the influences that children are exposed to these days—from drugs and alcohol, to graphic images and violent video games, to dangers on the Internet. And then there are the children around the globe who are dealing with the effects of poverty, abuse, and disease—conditions that often rob them of the carefree, happy life that most of us would wish for every child. I couldn't help but wonder: Does preserving children's innocence mean keeping them away from anything considered evil? Quite an overwhelming task in today's world! And yet, the Bible promises God's protection for children: "It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." Matt. 18:14.
