Waiting for Prince Charming

Almost half of Americans are unmarried, and every year, the number of marriages decline.  "Out of 102 million unmarried Americans over age 18 in 2011, 62 % have never been married."  (U.S. Census statistics).  While many of these folks are co-habitting, an increasing trend, many are living alone.  There are plenty of other reasons but I would like to propose: in trying to avoid divorce, we have set our standards too high, many women are waiting for the 'perfect' man, and many men no longer need women because sex is available so freely.

Remember the story of "Cinderella" our mothers all read to us?  The handsome Prince appeared on a white horse, swept her up into his arms, and rescued her from the wicked stepmother.  And they lived happily ever after.  This is not real life. I wish we didn't read "Cinderella" to our young daughters!  The 'Princesses,' thanks to Disney, have greatly multiplied, along with costumes, DVDs, dolls, etc.  Many little girls live in a culture of fantasy and princesses.  When they grow up, they date and date, rejecting all men.  Most are ordinary, some are weird, a few are dangerous, but they reject them all.  And they are rejected also by the men, the 'playboys.'

Let's celebrate 'ordinariness,' the solid guys and gals, the workers, the church-goers, the voters, the ones who would not stand out as beautiful or handsome but are attractive.  Let's encourage our young ones to give up searching for someone with no quirks or minor aggravations, as if they were perfect themselves.  Let's turn off the TV and movie world of princesses and princes who must be worshiped and celebrate the ordinary moms and dads who have such a fulfilling life taking care of family.

There's a great book every parent of pre-teens, teens, and other unmarried persons should buy, read, hand to them and then discuss with them.  It might change their lives and actually lead to a good marriage.  It is "Women have all the Power: Too Bad They Don't Know It! - Secrets Every Man's Daughter Should Know" by Michael J. Lockwood, Berkley Books, New York, 2008.  It was written by a man to his daughters, with love.  In it he gives multiple reasons why they should never have sex before marriage.  It will open every ones eyes.  The young men will also see how stupid it is to live the life of an immature 'user' of women.

Lord, life seems more complicated for our young now.  Help us encourage the proper values and mature habits that will lead them to have good marriages and families, in your plans.  Help us love them even more than we do now, as an example!