3 Strategies to Protect Soft Targets
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Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” world tour turned inside out May 22.
“Take your time. There’s no problem here,” can be heard on a loud speaker as panicking people scream, “oh god.” Neither statement means anything. “There’s no problem” wasn’t true. “Oh god” is slang.
May 22’s attack left 22 people dead and many others injured. Those who escaped are forever changed. Britain’s rally cry that terrorists will never win isn’t true for the 22 dead people, including an 8 year old child.
Terrorists targeting young people has been met with outrage. We’re shocked. Strategies are being discussed to put more protective measures in place. We’re opening our eyes to “soft targets” where people are especially vulnerable. But, I wonder…shouldn’t we also be talking about those who were targeted during the concert and those who will be targeted at future “Dangerous Woman” and other concerts? Consider the “Dangerous Woman” and “Bad Decisions” lyrics that follow.
Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande
Somethin’ ’bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman
Somethin’ ’bout, somethin’ ’bout, somethin’ ’bout you
Makes me wanna do things that I shouldn’t
Somethin’ ’bout, somethin’ ’bout, somethin’ ’bout you
All girls wanna be like that
Bad girls underneath, like that
You know how I’m feeling inside (somethin’ ’bout, somethin’ ’bout)
All girls wanna be like that
Bad girls underneath, like that
No, Ariana, all girls don’t wanna be bad girls. I minister to the bad girls you’ve sung your lyrics to; those who’ve followed your advice to be dangerous; who’ve done things they shouldn’t do because you glamorized it. These “soft targets” end up with guilt, broken dreams, and diseases.
Bad Decisions by Ariana Grande
They say it’s wrong, but
That’s the way you turn me on
We got that hood love
We got that good love
Make me make bad
Boy, you make me make bad decisions
Bad boy, you make me make bad decisions
Don’t you know I ain’t f_ _ _ing with them good boys?
Know you love me like ain’t nobody here, boy
If you want it, boy, you got it
Ain’t you ever seen a princess be a bad b_ _ _ _ ?
I wonder, why we’re not outraged over souls targeted for destruction? While strategizing about stopping terrorists, what if we also talked about guarding children, soft targets, from access to the singer’s video and web site that show a couple making love in daylight on the hood of a car, a couple making love during office hours on a copier machine, and an elderly couple undressing and making love on a city bus? What if we talked about world tours that call young girls to be bad, dangerous f_ _ _ ing, b_ _ _ _ es.
Are You Offended
I’m offended and was even hesitant to share the lyrics and web video content with you. But, musicians and entertainers aren’t hesitant. Why aren’t we in as much of an uproar over those who destroy children’s souls as we are those who destroy their bodies?.
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.” Mark 9:42 New Living Translation
Our Children Are Soft Targets. What Can We Do
Security strategists explain that it’s not enough to protect within the doors of an event. The perimeter around the event must also be protected. The same holds true for our children. Take action.
- Protect what’s going into children. Security check points at event entrances have all kinds of bells and whistles to make sure nothing dangerous gets inside. Often, there is a rule “no backpacks.” And, if even an adult attempts to take a backpack into an event, too bad. They’re told, “no.” What can we do? Set boundaries and say “no” to trashy music, video, and games. Even if your child wants to play them, too bad. Don’t let dangerous filth enter their minds.
- Know about the events your children to attend. How are the performers clothed? What lyrics are they singing and inviting your children to sing? Do you want your child to talk and act like the performer?
- Know the “take-away” sent home with your child. When I speak/teach, I give my audience “take-aways;” something they can remember when they go home to do, say, read, pray. Performers give your children take-aways in the form of lyrics, websites, and videos that play and replay in their mind. Pay attention to the take-aways. Know that your child is a soft target. Guard your children’s hearts and minds.
“Take your time. There’s no problem here,” wasn’t and isn’t true.
Heavenly Father, our hearts are outraged that terrorists target children. But our hearts are also burdened by dangers to their souls. Move us to faithfully pray for our children, nation, and world and those in positions of power and influence.