The STOPLight

A Grandmother's Gift of Love

Nearly a year has passed since joining A-STOP as a regular volunteer. Within a few days, my awareness of the "dark" side of our world began to haunt me.

You see, I am a grandmother. The birth of Maria in September gave me ten grandchildren to add to the four children born to me. Little Maria is the sixth granddaughter, and each of the girls is a precious gift.

How could I compare our happy, protected family to the families who have been invaded by sexual exploitation? If someone were to touch one of my grandchildren, I'd. ..what would I do? It is beyond my comprehension to imagine harm coming their way.

My newfound knowledge of what can happen, especially to young women, has heightened my sense of responsibility for this new generation. The use of the Internet and the availability of pornography poses similar dangers to young boys. My four grandsons are young and so very vulnerable.

What can I do as a grandparent to protect these children? First, it is my privilege to pray for God's constant protection for each of them.

While we must leave the immediate education and nurturing to our children, the parents of our grandchildren, grandparents represent a special kind of love and caring. To hold a child on our lap, to provide hugs and kisses and open words of love will gift them with a unique love that only a grandparent can give.

Words of assurance, such as, "You are such a pretty girl," or "You are Grandma's special little boy," spoken often and sincerely, will add to their confidence.

I recall the occasion upon which my eldest daughter was about to purchase a second-hand car. She adored the sleek, sporty models but said, "Grandpa would worry about me in this little car," and she opted for the heavier, safer-looking model. She was very aware of her grandfather's love and concern for her, and would not jeopardize his peace and comfort.

By endearing ourselves to our grandchildren, being present in their lives with words of love and assurance, we will add a dimension that is priceless. In doing so, similar words from a predator may hold less meaning.

Let us hope that the love of mother and father, and the open love of aunt and uncle, grandmother and grandfather, will provided the necessary ammunition against the evils of the world.

Additionally, the printed material available through A-STOP can be given to our younger parents. Encouraging our churches to use our Wise As Serpents curriculum as well as The Reality is.. . video (geared also for adult audiences) will raise the awareness of our church families.

Again, we must pray daily for protection for our families and their children. We must arm ourselves as for war; because we are, indeed, at war against the sexual exploitation of our very own loved ones.

by Jan Serstock, A-STOP Volunteer

In 2002 our organization changed its name to Adults Saving Kids. Prior to that we were called A-STOP (Alliance for Speaking Truths On Prostitution), STOP (Speaking Truths On Prostitution), or Grassroots Ministry Alliance.