There's some bizarre happenings in the news today regarding who has rights to a child. Have you read about it? If not, you need to be informed. This is serious stuff.

Apparently, there's a child in England who is at risk of being removed from the one thing he knows and loves - his family. Mainly, his mother. Nicola McKeown is being blamed for her son's obesity. Eight year old Connor McCreaddie is three times the normal weight of a healthy child his age - he weighs 218 pounds. The news did not report whether or not this is due to a medical condition. But, it did report that the health department in that area is ready to snatch Connor out of his home - unless his mother changes his diet immediately and helps him lose weight.

Maybe you think that's noble? Honorable? Helpful? Loving? Think again, my friend. I can promise you there is no love lost in that health department. And if they take this child, it will set a precedent for future cases to come. Oh, it's in England you say? It will never be that way here? Doubtful. We're one big world now. What happens in England will definitely affect what happens in America. Mark my word.

We all need to stop and think about this seriously. What happens if the health department who "loves" our children so much better than we do, decides that your child must be removed from home because you gave her a candy bar before dinner? Why, that's an unhealthy habit. Or maybe you decide to discipline your pre-teen for smoking without permission? Or you punish your toddler for hitting you by setting him in the corner? Or giving him a fast swat to show him the consequences of lying? Hmmmm - could you be next?

The scariest part of this whole story is that on a poll taken at AOL today, 47% of the people agree that the health department should remove Connor from the home if his mother does not change his diet and make him lose weight. 34% say he should stay home and a whopping 20% just don't know. Well, let me tell you, my friends - you better be deciding how you feel quickly because before you know it, it might be your child at risk of being removed from your home all because you served fattening mashed potatoes with butter for supper.

Think about it.

Stress can be at high levels in the homes of anyone who has a child of any age. I'm thinking particularly of parents of infants through the early elementary age right now though.

I spend a fair amount of time with young families and though my own sons are now adults and becoming parents themselves, I do have a clear vision on parenthood and the way things are "now a days". I see moms (and dads) who are under constant stress, their homes and lives practically ruined all because the battle for position of "boss" in the home is on and running hot and furious.

Did you know that if you have been blessed with a child in any way, that makes you a parent? And, did you also know that it is the parent who is to be in charge? Not the child!! I'm sure we all know that, but by watching young families today, I wonder how many of you actually believe that. Of course, not all young families struggle with this issue. But, if you personally do not, I just about guarantee you know someone else who does.

Many - most? - much of these problems can be conquered by simple discipline. Discipline and energy to take the time to parent your child. Discipline and respect to be parented. Do you see what I mean?

I promise you that your child does not want to be in control. She does not want to be boss. That is far too scary for a little one. They are not equipped to be in charge and they are not supposed to be in charge. Children are starving for a parent who loves them enough to lay out boundaries. That make the child feel so safe.

I spent last Wednesday afternoon with a young mother and her two year old daughter. Now I know this family fairly well and I happen to know that both of these females are bright, happy, friendly, sweet girls. But that day, the toddler took on the fangs of a little monster! She was unruly, out of control, tired, and running wild. You could just see that she was crying out to mom, in her own little-toddler way, for boundaries. For discipline. For safety and peace and calmness. But, mom was too tired that day to deal with any of it, so she just let her run wild all afternoon. Everyone in the room was miserable, but honestly, no one was more miserable than that sweet little toddler. She was a mess. And, by the end of the visit, so was I!!

Please, moms, please take time out of your life to teach, love, discipline and train your child. No one is going to do it for you. Not the babysitter, the schools or grandma! It's your job. That is what parenting is all about. You have given up your right to complete peace and quiet the moment you decided you were big enough to become a parent. Now it's time to act on that responsibility.

You won't hurt your child's feelings or ruin her psyche by drawing boundary lines for her. You will be blessing your little ones and building them up. You will be removing that ugly fear that rears its head and tells your child no one cares. You will be giving them tools to use throughout their years that will help them cope with life, relate to people, and enjoy their time. Don't believe the lies - disciplining a child in a loving and consistent manner makes for pleasant, responsible adults who long to be involved with life.

I'm behind you all the way on this and I think you'll find that so are the majority of people. So sit down and make up a list of basic rules and values that you are specifically going to begin teaching today to the young and old alike. Post it in a convenient spot (how about the front of your fridge?) and follow through no matter the cost! You will be making life so much easier for all of you in the long run. So much more enjoyable! So who is boss in your home today??

The headlines all over the world this morning read alike - Anna Nicole Smith, dead at 39 years. Funny how the entire world has stopped in time to acknowledge and mourn for a young mother who died alone, probably for no worthy reason. What was it about this white blonde, voluptuous young woman who made her way into the realm of our "gods" by first performing a topless dance for a geriatric billionaire in a strip joint?

We are so wrapped up in fame that we will attempt to own it at about any price and justify those who do. But we forget that fame is fleeting and it was never intended for us to live a life built on the worship of other people. What is it that causes beautiful svelte girls to idolize super models who die of anorexia or a gorgeous woman who has a reality show and advertises diet pills and dies of ? Something is missing in our hearts, Sisters, and we must discover just what this is if we shall ever stop the madness!

If you have a presence in the life of a young woman, please take a moment today and make a connection with her. I don't care if it is a hug, a letter, a chat in the car, or a phone call across the miles. Tell her you love her. Tell her she is worthy just as she is, with the love of God having wrapped her tight and secure. She needs nothing else. She IS validated just for being born by the will of a blessed Savior.

It's been an ugly day, but let's not leave it at this. For Anna's sake, for our sake, for our daughters' sake, let's change the world one hug at a time. It can be done. Together.