Tori Stafford - Terrible Tragedy - A Girl's Abduction!!

Tori Stafford – Terrible Tragedy - A girl’s Abduction:  Six weeks to date, on April 8, 2009, a beautiful 8 year’s old little girl was abducted by a stranger right out of her school and in the middle of the afternoon.  This is truly any parent’s nightmare.  Today, the whole community was shocked and saddened by the news of her death at the hands of two people, a man and a woman.  Apparently, it was a random act for the sole purpose of performing sexual deeds.   As a parent my self, I can not express enough my anger and frustration towards a heinous crime as such.  What kind of people are these??  Could they be human at all, or are they simply devils in peoples clothing.  Unfortunately, the world is full of sick and demented people.  We know that too well.  My point in here is to pass on a message to all parents.  Since God has blessed us and given us this gift of parenthood, we are all responsible to keep our kids safe no matter what. We see too often many parents get too involved with their own lives and their own needs not to mention their obsession with personal desires, playmates, and addictions.  They dump their children in front of computers, televisions, or some inexperienced babysitters to care for them without realizing by doing so they are opening the doors for ample opportunities for their children to be hurt.  They complain how life is too stressful and they have to make ends meet, or they have to let out some stress and relax by dabbling with drugs and alcohol.  This fact is truer in the situation of single parents and divorced couples.  Meanwhile, it is the children who end up paying the price, and believe me it is a heavy one. I am here to beg you parents; please honor this special gift that you have been given and be faithful in fulfilling your duties to the best of your abilities and to the end of your life. This is not a few days or a few years job.  Once a parent, you are a parent till the day you die. No one and nothing is and should take the place of your kids, including your own self and your own needs.   I would like to, if I may, mention here some pointers to remind you of, even though I know that you might all know them all. But please humor me and keep on reading: 1-     Please make your kids your first priority, and not yourself, your ego and your desires.2-     Listen to their needs and feelings and problems.3-     Respect the persons they are, even at a young age.4-     Instruct them on how to act with strangers, that is not to go or trust anyone at anytime no matter what.5-     They must report and tell any suspicious actions to you and or an adult near by.6-     Don’t allow your kids to have unsupervised access to the internet.7-     Know who they are hanging out with, even they are of young age.8-     Give them boundaries.  They will feel more secure and protected.9-     Be a hands-on parent and get involved in their in school and out of school activities. 10- Know who is watching your children when you are away and find ways to inspect their actions.11- It is not enough to love your kids, but you must make them feel loved.12- Provide them with the chance to read God’s Words, for in that they shall find a map to direct them in their future.13- Pray with them and trust that God is the only one who ultimately will protect them. 14- Finally, pray yourself for direction and wisdom from God to help you stay strong and to make good decisions in difficult times and situations.  Good luck.