CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS? 

In June, Lydia Playfoot, a 16 year old Christian teenager from London, found herself in court.  We hear reports of young people who are involved in drugs, abusing substances, and rebelling in many different ways.  Her parents appeared in court with her trying to support her during this most unusual event in her life.  What would you have done if this were your daughter in this situation.

What is the offense that Lydia is facing?  The school she is attending has refused to allow her to wear  a purity ring that symbolizes her commitment to premarital chastity.  She is appealing to the British Courts for relief from a ruling her school at Horsham (south of London) has made that this violates the school's rules on uniforms and jewelry.  This ruling was also made in light of other students of who have been allowed to display their beliefs thru their dress as Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus. 

Lydia shared with the magistrate that she believes the Bible says you should remain sexually pure, and this is her statement of expression to support that belief.  The school authorities responded by stating, "It is never simple to draw boundaries...if we allow one set of pupils to wear rings symbolizing one particular message, when that item of jewelry is not required by their religion, then doubtless other pupils will then demand to be able to wear jewelry symbolizing other messages." 

It is my normal habit to defend school teachers and administrators as they have some of the most difficult jobs in our society.  This will not be one of those times.  The next time you have a chance to report a young person who is violating a rule like this, ignore the rule!  Give the kids a high five and encourage them!  Pray that they will have an impact on their peers and give thanks that they have the courage to stand up for something bigger than our ill advised rules.  Is this civil disobedience or is it showing that she is following Romans 1:16...?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" 

Sent August 13, 2007

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