If you read my blog, then you know my main goal is to help keep parents informed of the dangerous teen trends that are happening today, but I'm also always on the lookout for ways we can encourage our teens, because it is hard to be a teenager in this day and age (I'm so glad I'm not one).
The one thing every teenager loves is music, but not all music is created equal. Instead of inspiring our teens, some music can bring them down. I know when my daughter, Hollie, was self mutilating, she always listened to Cut My Life Into Pieces by Papa Roach and I actually found myself dancing to it, because it had a great beat (great head banging music). But I started wondering, "why did she listen to this song over and over" (I was getting tired of it), so I stopped and actually listened to the words, and I was horrified!
For a depressed teen, this song could send them over the edge. I know Hollie would deny it, and she has, but I really believe it was this song that she listened to over and over everyday that put her in a state of mind where she became suicidal. So as parents, we really have to listen to the words of the music our teens are listening to. So I am always on the lookout for songs that encourage our teenagers, like Britt Nicole's, Headphones, which I featured in December.
The one thing every teenager loves is music, but not all music is created equal. Instead of inspiring our teens, some music can bring them down. I know when my daughter, Hollie, was self mutilating, she always listened to Cut My Life Into Pieces by Papa Roach and I actually found myself dancing to it, because it had a great beat (great head banging music). But I started wondering, "why did she listen to this song over and over" (I was getting tired of it), so I stopped and actually listened to the words, and I was horrified!
For a depressed teen, this song could send them over the edge. I know Hollie would deny it, and she has, but I really believe it was this song that she listened to over and over everyday that put her in a state of mind where she became suicidal. So as parents, we really have to listen to the words of the music our teens are listening to. So I am always on the lookout for songs that encourage our teenagers, like Britt Nicole's, Headphones, which I featured in December.
I have found another song that I just love by Mandisa, and I know everyone loves Mandisa. We watched her rock the stage each week on American Idol's Season 5 and sat in disbelief when she was voted off, but God had other plans for Mandisa and her powerful voice.
I came across her song, He Is With You. Of course, our teenagers need to know that we are always there for them no matter what they do - good, bad or worse - they have to know they can depend on us (their parents). But they also need to know that even if we can't be there, they are still not alone...God is always with them, and he loves them no matter what they do - good, bad or worse - and he already has the plans for their life laid out for them even if they can't see it now.
And yes, there will be times when you will struggle with your teenager, and you need to know that you are not alone either. It's no secret that Hollie was a troubled teen, and as a single mom dealing with her, I often felt as if I was alone...but of course I never was. God was always there guiding me (even if sometimes I didn't think so). He is With You can also be encouraging for parents.
And yes, there will be times when you will struggle with your teenager, and you need to know that you are not alone either. It's no secret that Hollie was a troubled teen, and as a single mom dealing with her, I often felt as if I was alone...but of course I never was. God was always there guiding me (even if sometimes I didn't think so). He is With You can also be encouraging for parents.
Listen to the words...He Is With You!
Mandisa has a new song, Stronger, and when your teenager is feeling down and defeated this song is so encouraging and uplifting!
All parents know their teens want to fit in, follow the crowd, and listen to the music everyone else is listening to, and a lot of popular music today is just fine (I listen to a little bit of everything), but we have to pay attention and, again, really listen to the words of the songs our teens are listening to. And sometimes they may need us to guide them in the right direction, away from the music that can hurt them (and yes, music can hurt). Music is such a big part of a teenager's life.
If you have a teen who suffers from depression or low self-esteem, wouldn't you rather they have Mandisa and her music blaring through those headphones?
To learn more about Mandisa, visit http://mandisaofficial.com/
