Why do you carry it?

By: American Decency Staff

Personal note: Some say that efforts to roll back indecency from checkout counters is so minuscule compared to so many other societal battles. Really? So are we just to stand by and allow sexual themes and images to become normalized in our neighborhoods and communities – allowing Satan to take that ground too? When is it time to speak up? Read the account below. Is speaking up really that difficult? Could it possibly be that being a Christian might include taking up your cross and following Him on this issue? Email regarding opposing filth at Stop and Shop Bill, Don’t for a minute think that your efforts are unheard or ineffective – they are not. I read your note from Kathy and her bold effort to confront store managers about the questionable material near the checkout registers. That story stuck with me throughout the week. I ran an errand to Stop and Shop in my home town and while in the checkout line, I began inspecting the magazines as Kathy’s story came to mind. Predictably heaps of magazines promoting pornographic trash, debased content about actors, breakups, and adulterous flings, covered the racks. I made a decision to follow Kathy’s example. I picked up two of the worst offending magazines, one concerning Britney and her gay interest and the other magazine had the caption “what everyone should know in bed.” The truth is I did not read them carefully enough to recall specifics because they were so embarrassing and to pick them up made me very uncomfortable – however be assured that the titles were most shocking and unfit for family viewing. As I neared the checkout register, I began loading things on the conveyor and wondered how to broach the matter. I thought to just politely ask for the manager. The boy at the register had a dyed black Mohawk, and I thought – “Is this kid going to give me a hard time?” Anyway, I checked everything out and asked to speak to the manager. The manager came over, and out loud so many could hear I asked, “Sir why does Stop and Shop sell this trash? This one says something about Britney and her gay lover and the other about things in the bedroom. I spend thousands of dollars here and occasionally bring my family and find this stuff offensive and impossible to explain to them. Why do you carry it?” The manager ran to the back for additional support and the teenage checkout clerk unpredictably was the greatest cheer leader in our little area! He made a fist and said “Way to Go! I’m sick of that stuff too and wanted to say something myself. Way to Go, good for you! That stuff is trash.” The manager came back and quickly took my number and promised a phone call from a superior. We exchanged numbers and I made my way to the car. I left thinking to myself – I need to do more of that and as God allows and directs I will make the effort. I thank you for your efforts and especially for Karen’s report. Perhaps if more of us didn’t just applaud the change agents but ACTED like change agents in the less noticeable places like little grocery stores, malls, meeting places, and schools – change would come. Blessings, In the service of the One and Only, J.M.D. Fools for Christ campaign — A small but significant number of you have already requested the ADA membership card and the DVD that will provide helpful hints and suggestions as to how to speak up for decency at your local checkout. Our membership card has been designed and is in line to be printed on a plastic backing. We hope to receive them this week. To indicate your interest and stand with us in this nationwide campaign call us at 1-888-733-2326 or email us at info@americandecency.org and please provide your name, email address and phone number – any other information that you think might be helpful would be appreciated as well. ==================================== Let’s encourage one another and strengthen one another to be more like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 PH: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org

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