Since Meghan’s surgery last Tuesday, she and her wrapped hand, and foam “Carter’s Block,” have been sleeping in the king size bed with me, while Daddy has slept in the twin in Meghan’s room.

She usually needs a little bit of room, as she isn’t the calmest sleeper, but we knew with the new foam addition, there would be no way the three of us could fit.  So, with Meghan came her pillows, and her iPad.

Her iPad has a playlist that she plays through the night when she sleeps.  I always knew it was on, but this past week, as life has made sleep a bit elusive, I have gotten opportunity to listen to this 23 minute segment several times.  Yesterday I looked up the lyrics, and as usual I was in awe of what she had assembled.

In our house we listen mostly to Contemporary Christian music.  We are Christian, yes.  But typically the type that tries to spread the love by example rather than with a Bible in your face.  That being said, the move to Contemporary Christian music evolved after Meghan became old enough to hear, sing, and understand the lyrics, and the DJs on the radio.

I was, on more than one occasion, appalled at the level of exposure my then 5 or 6 year old child had to things I wanted her sheltered from a bit longer.  So, I switched the station.  And I kept it there.

Now, don’t misunderstand,  She is not bound to listen only to Christian music.  She can pretty much listen to whatever she wants.  She has an Itunes account and downloads music of her choosing, with our permission.  And, there are plenty of afternoons you will hear a good Classic Rock station blaring out our car windows.  But, like anything else, my initial changing of the radio station led to conversations.  And I like conversations.

Meghan became aware that many of her friends at school were familiar with other musical artists that she had never heard of.  So, it became practice that every time she brought home the name of an artist or song, as long as it wasn’t overly offensive – we would buy it.  But I loved that our conversations got her looking at lyrics, hearing what she was singing along to, and taking responsibility for her choices.

I know that music is a very personal thing. I will not be the Mom who is in denial, or tries to over regulate.  It will lead to rebellion and there is no need.  I will talk to my daughter regularly about valuing herself, her body, and other people.  We will talk about what lyrics mean.  Then, she will, as preteens do – do as she likes.

But for now- the “sleep” selection on her iPad is a powerful collection of 6 Contemporary Christian songs.

The first is “Stronger” by Mandisa that begins…

“Stronger”