Pageants...

Today on Anderson the discussion was pageants, specifically young children in pageants.  Firstly, I am always amazed that people feel free to jump on another family and their choices of extra-curricular activities for their children. 

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Let's not judge these young impressionable little children by their appearance.  Let's get to know their sweet spirits.

People jump on the hate band wagon of everything pageants when in reality pageants can be very beneficial for learning. 

Costumes have been a part of the dance world for hundreds of years.  Little girls (and boys) dress in costume for dance recitals.  Pageants are an extension of the dance world.  Most pageants are about performance.  Many pageants add the interview and poise componant to create the pageant package.

I understand where those who are opposed are coming from and yet I can understand that there is good within the pageant world.  I believe we should not be so quick to judge.  You might say that a mother is wrong while at the very same time you are beating your child.  You might say that a family is ruining their child, while at the very same time your child is being molested by a coach.  As parents, I don't believe they set out to harm their children.  They are doing something together as a family just like showing animals at a stock show brings a family together.  Have you seen the tight pants these little cowgirls wear?  I think they wear some make-up, too.  They are cute as buttons out there showing.  The children that are performing in pageants are cute as buttons, too!

I know that there are those who have gone to the extremes in the pageant world as in most every extra-curricular activity in order to win.  It isn't just pageants, but that is where the focus seems to be right now.

How about those who dress up their pets in all sorts of costumes?  How about those who pay someone to do the work so their child can win?  What about placing your child in a sport where they get hit and bumped and bruised and could have a permanent brain injury?  There are questionable things in every area of life. We all come from different places and choose different things for our children to try and experience to help them determine what it is they want to hold onto as they travel through life.  This is parenting.

Pageant girls learn how to interview that helps them get jobs.  Pageant girls learn how to memorize lengthy routines which helps them in the classroom.  Pageant girls get exercise by practicing their performances that keep them healthy.  Pageant girls learn how to get along with others.  Pageant girls learn to be mediators.  Pageant girls learn poise.  Pageant girls are disciplined.  Pageant girls are motivated.  Pageant girls are involved in many activities.  Pageant girls learn to win and lose just as in any other competition. All of these things are good.

I think the bottom line is that if anyone thinks bad thoughts about a child or harms them in any way or uses a child for their own gratification or satisfaction then...they are to be held accountable. Never take the sparkle from the eye of a child because it is connected to their heart.  That, my friends, is a crime.

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