Sadly, the one downside to the evening was the gift Bible. A very sweet, young salesgirl had talked me into the NIV True Images Bible for Teen Girls. I did flip through it in the store and saw some inserts about dating, flirting, etc. But I thought it might be OK since she will have this Bible into her teen years hopefully. And it is really an adorably designed Bible that is very appealing to tweens and teens. Kayla was thrilled when she opened it.
When we got home later that evening, I decided to do a little more research about the Bible online. Oh my goodness. Suffice it to say that it touches on some very mature and even would-be disturbing topics in the special insert sections. Now, each is addressed and taught with the truth of Scripture, but they are WAY too much for my sweet little 10 year old homeschooler. (You can email me if you want to know more…. or you can just Google it!)
That said, I am fully aware that these are the precise topics that nearly every teenage girl is coming face to face with on a daily basis amongst her friends, at school, the internet, and on cable television. And the Bible is marketed to teenage girls. I would be less reserved in giving it to a 16 year old who has already encountered these issues personally or socially. But I’m thinking Kayla will probably get hers back when she’s about 25!
As I researched, she was upstairs getting ready for bed. I left the computer and ran up the stairs just in time to see her climb into bed with her precious new Bible. I gently told her that I thought we would have to get another Bible, as this one contained things that are inappropriate for girls her age. She very soberly and sweetly said, “OK, Mama.”
So this week we ordered another Bible that she even helped pick out! It is actually a kids Bible, but with teenage-y looking purple swirly design. (And yes, I know that the content is what matters, but if “cute” is available, why not?) And I just got an email from Zondervan today that says its on its way!
Happy 10th Birthday to my sweet, helpful, tree hugging, animal loving, aspiring GF pastry chef, and earnest about Jesus little/big girl!
Happy Birthday, Kayla! We love your pure heart! Blessings and blue skies, Kelly and Jack