How to Raise a Prude in Spite of Herself

As a baby The Prude was tolerable. She potty trained early which won her all sorts of brownie points with her mom. But by the time she was 4 she turned bossy, and

shyness hit at about age 8, when she began to believe her middle name was ‘in a corner with her nose in a book’.  She began to come out of her shell in high school but it was the wrong side of the egg. She could be gossipy. She had a tendency to chronic mood swings.  In college, and later as a wife and mom she demonstrated her opinionated, critical and sometimes judgmental character.

Today The Prude continues to embrace the world of clean potties. She still exhibits tendencies toward shyness, bossiness, moderate mood swings (the dramatic ones require too much energy) and judgmental criticism. But somehow she survived those days when she was sure her undesirable character traits would get the upper hand. She wonders, what has made a difference? Why isn’t she utterly nasty? Of course she knows the Holy Spirit works sanctification. But what about those ordinary means God uses?

Recently she found some letters loved ones sent her when she was away at college.

Here are excepts from these remarkable ‘ordinary means’

From my grandpa: “What good looking girls you and your sisters are, and nice to grandpa too. Well I love you all and am proud of you…I thank God for every new day and hope I can be a blessing to someone who needs comfort and encouragement.”

From mom to her homesick daughter: “You cannot swallow all that is being taught as being absolute, you still must decide for yourself in the light of the Word of God…we want you to stay there, not because we do not want you at home because we miss you desperately, but we want the best for you that is possible for your future and also for your eternal life.”

From her little brother, in the only letter he ever wrote her: ‘Keep praying make your dreams come true. Work at it do not give up so easily, “Keep truckin” and hang in there.’

From her father, to ease her fears that the family couldn’t afford to keep her in college:

‘Always finish a year. If mother keeps on this way (job promotion with more money) we’ll make out. “Begin or do nothing of which thou hast not considered the end.” Take it to God and (LEAVE) it there. Serving Him becomes more meaningful day by day.’

That, my friends, is how you raise a Prude in spite of herself.

You surround her with love, encouragement, and prayer.

Zech. 4:10 "Do not despise the day of small things.”

That’s all for now, folks. The Prude is taking a break, and Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise, will be back after Easter.

Here is my love and encouragement prayer for you: The Lord  bless you and keep you and make His face shine on you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you His peace.