What an unprecedented, sad, unjust predicament. At that age, my parents were the last people I would have taken advice from. Urges to separate from the parent are so strong, in adolescence. Fighting an ideology is not the way. Diluting it perhaps is a way in. Chiara - a young girl who was caught up in it - worked at a horse ranch for almost a year and the obsession waned. Like any obsession or addiction it loses its hold when we see /sense that self love and acceptance and finding our genuine self is more desirable more powerful than it.
I would add this: I believe you know that I love you and have only your best interests at heart, and you know that I am not a bigot or a fool, so my opinion, based on in-depth research, much thought, and I many years of life experience, has value. I believe you realize this deep in your gut, but you are ignoring me because of the enticing promises you have received on the internet and through well-meaning, but completely ignorant friends. I only ask that you follow your gut. You don't have to listen to my words, but you have to listen to the thing deep inside of you telling you (just as I have) to slow down and question why so many people are asking you to go down a narrow, dangerous path - without providing a logical or reasonable explanation for that advice. I am fallible, but your gut will always lead you to the right place. Please don't ignore it.
What an unprecedented, sad, unjust predicament. At that age, my parents were the last people I would have taken advice from. Urges to separate from the parent are so strong, in adolescence. Fighting an ideology is not the way. Diluting it perhaps is a way in. Chiara - a young girl who was caught up in it - worked at a horse ranch for almost a year and the obsession waned. Like any obsession or addiction it loses its hold when we see /sense that self love and acceptance and finding our genuine self is more desirable more powerful than it.
I would add this: I believe you know that I love you and have only your best interests at heart, and you know that I am not a bigot or a fool, so my opinion, based on in-depth research, much thought, and I many years of life experience, has value. I believe you realize this deep in your gut, but you are ignoring me because of the enticing promises you have received on the internet and through well-meaning, but completely ignorant friends. I only ask that you follow your gut. You don't have to listen to my words, but you have to listen to the thing deep inside of you telling you (just as I have) to slow down and question why so many people are asking you to go down a narrow, dangerous path - without providing a logical or reasonable explanation for that advice. I am fallible, but your gut will always lead you to the right place. Please don't ignore it.
Beautiful and right on.
my story too, thank you
Same. So similar. It's uncanny.
Beautiful and straight from the heart.
I hate that so many of us are experiencing this. I’m praying for all of us. Praying for our children.
Amen. Beautiful.