Voice of an Angel

August 2004

Well, after finally seeing several specialists and my regular doctor, we finally know what’s wrong with me. The car accident we were in back in April has caused my body to develop Fibromyalgia. This explains why the drugs they had me on (high doses of morphine and valium) weren’t working — those drugs simply have no effect on this disease. So the doctor got me off the bad drugs and onto some good ones that help with Fibromyalgia, and life’s been getting better!
During the past few months, I’ve spent more time than usual watching TV. I don’t recall the channel, but a commercial was on showing parents all the fun and easy ways to get your kid interested in reading the Bible. One of the items was Revolve, the New Testament for young girls presented in a teen magazine format. I just HAD to go out and get a copy and see how women are portrayed. So we took a trip to the local Christian bookstore. Every page of Revolve has the New Testament on about a third of the page and the rest is taken up with “teen tips” and tips on how to live a Godly life.
There are lots of Q&A which give great advice like:

Dating a nonbeliever is like playing with fire. God wants Christians to marry other Christians.
Sex is a gift that God has given to married people.
It’s OK to date if you are looking for a husband. (There is no purpose to dating except “husband shopping”.) They also have some very funny “Top Ten” list.
Way to have fun on a date: Double date with your parents!
How to have fun with your friends: Make a Wedding Cake. Make flower arrangements. Give each other makeovers. Go shopping!
This magazine is just another example of the Christian right trying to lure and brainwash young kids. The magazine is clearly aimed at young teen girls. It tries very hard to be “hip” and “cool”. What it also tries to do is talk excessively about the importance of marriage. It tries to impress upon young girls that the only thing they should be worried about is remaining a virgin, getting married and having children. It tells you to “pray for your future husband and children”.
I haven’t seen anything that talks about getting an education and training for the work force. Instead it teaches these young women to get married and let a man “take care of you” — after all that’s what “God’s Plan” is all about.
My favorite quote in the magazine so far is: “Don’t procrastinate when it comes to your eternity!” I’m not sure what it means, but it gives me a chuckle each time I read it!

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Angela C. Byers