I returned home from a dinner date with my hubby last night to the breaking news that Britney Spear's little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears (16) is preggers. My kids bombarded me with the news the moment I walked in the door. I share this detail to give you a glimpse of how quickly word spreads among our youth when it comes to the misdeeds of Hollywood.
When I sat down to my computer to see if the rumor was fact or fiction, I had quite a few emails in my inbox from concerned mothers whose little girls watch Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101" and admire the lead character, Jamie Lynn. They wanted to know what to say to their little girls over the breakfast table this morning regarding this latest news.
After confirming the rumor (she admitted it to OK! Magazine in an interview and the cover story will hit newstands today) and visiting Spear's official website to find out more about her (I didn't even know she had a show), here is what I discovered on her website:
Winner of Hollywood Life's "One To Watch" Award, Jamie Lynn Spears was also nominated for a Teen Choice Award, in the category of "Breakout Female Performer," for her role on Zoey 101 and recently won the award for Favorite TV Actress at the 2006 Kids Choice Awards for her role on Zoey 101. Zoey 101 entered its second season September and was up for an Emmy in the category of "Best Children's Program".
No wonder these mama's are concerned, especially given that she won a Kids Choice Award in 2006 and was nominated for another one in 2007. Interestingly, I also discovered on another site that her mother has written a book called "Pop Culture Mom" that was supposed to release this spring (Thomas Nelson Publishers), but has now been "delayed indefinitely." Good move.
Now, I share this background in order that you might understand how I responded to my own children ages, 19, 17, and 14. I expect that my response will be considered by some in the Christian community (and otherwise) to be controversial on many levels, but here goes:
"Guys, we shouldn't be the least bit surprised that she is pregnant at 16. Nearly 40% of teen girls will become pregnant at least once by the age of 20. It's certainly disappointing given the fact that she was a role model to young girls, but let this serve as a reminder that even role models, as well as god-fearing Christian kids, have hormones and will face temptations. She (and her boyfriend) gave into the temptation and will now have to face the consequences of that choice. However, I do have to commend her for choosing to have her baby in spite of being raised in a culture that peddles abortion as a quick-fix solution. Given her awards and her "up-and-coming" celebrity status, she had everything to lose (in the world's eyes), and has chosen to fore go her career (translation: it's OVER!) and do the right thing after the fact. How many girls, Christian girls included, given her current status and success, would have raced off to the nearest abortion clinic to "fix the problem" in an effort to continue their ascent up the Hollywood ladder?"
So, there you have it. I am certainly not saying that we turn this girl into a saint for choosing life, but there is clearly more than one teachable moment to this particular teenage pregnancy story. And for the record, this is a particularly touchy subject for me given the following factors: A) I have had Christian girls who were raised in the church, confide to me through tears that their parents made them get an abortion to save face in the church -- one was even a deacon's daughter and another was a Baptist minister's daughter; B) I have had Christian girls share with me that upon discovering they were pregnant, many of their Christian girlfriends recommended they get an abortion, reminding them they would be "forgiven"; C) I have counseled multitudes of Christian women (teen, college, adult) who discovered the hard way that abortion is anything but a quick fix and would give anything to turn back the hands of time; and finally, D) I can relate firsthand to the regret the women who have sought my counsel feel having myself, opted for abortion at the age of 17. As someone who bought many of the lies peddled by the culture, my past abortion serves as one of many motivating factors to get a better message out to our girls. Praise God for His mercy and forgiveness.
Written by: Vicki Courtney, Virtuous Reality Founder and best-selling author of the Teen Virtue series.
Comments (25)
I have the biggest lump in my throat after reading that last paragraph about the girls you have counseled and about your own experience. Shame on us Christians for our hypocrisy. I feel like while our country points its finger and laughs at this young girl, we ought to sincerely pray for her and ask God to give her strength and draw her near for the road ahead. I agree with you in that this whole thing will cause many teenagers to rethink their actions. I'm sure teen stars get pregnant all the time. We just never know about it. Jamie Lynn is a brave girl and I pray that she will cling to the Lord through this and throughout her life.
Posted by Amanda | December 19, 2007 2:30 PM
While I am very shocked because I thought she would be the sister to be a good example, I'm not going to totally down her. Like you said she's human with hormones.I have been born and raised in the church and I love the Lord with all my heart, but 4 years ago I found myself in the same position. My child is a blessing, my experience not only birthed a child but a ministry out of my.
I hope that she uses this to be a positive example and not go down hill with her life.
Posted by L. Savion | December 19, 2007 2:37 PM
Thank you Vicki! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For being honest and real. For not giving the usual, pat little "Bad, bad Hollywood girl" These famous kids are still just kids and I think it is so important for our own kids, especially our daughters to realize the people they see on TV are real after the cameras stop shooting. They are not to be idealized, as they all too often topple right off their pedestles. Besides, as christians shouldn't we also use this as a teachable moment about praying for the lost rather than judging. You are an awesome role-model. Please keep up the fabulous writing! And keep on being REAL!!!
Posted by STacie | December 19, 2007 2:50 PM
Vicki
you are right on in what you said! thank you.
Posted by Debbie | December 19, 2007 3:09 PM
i think 16 is a little young to have a baby. She was a pretty girl and she was a great actress and now she cant do anything cause she is going to be busy taking care of her baby. But she can ask god for forgivness. But still that is something you should think twice about! but owell its her choose.
Posted by kayla ober | December 19, 2007 3:29 PM
I have to say that when I saw the subject matter in my in-box, I had every intention of being removed from your email list. My first thoughts was that this is a chance for a Christian speaker to say "I told you so" and lament the state of our youth. I was moved to tears to read your response. This family has been through more than most and every time I see a picture of Britney in newstands I feel so sorry for her that she's probably never been introduced to Christ our Lord and for her mother who probably thought she was doing the best for her daughters when this all started. Satan tells lies and he makes what's ugly seem beautiful. Thank-you for being so tender and compassionate in your response to this situation. God bless you and your family! Merry Christmas...
Posted by Vanda Davenport | December 19, 2007 3:46 PM
Well, I'll have to say that when I heard the news at my school this morning, I was shocked for a while, but then it didn't really surprise me. I'm definitely not happy with the fact that she's a pregnant 16 year old, but I am very proud of her decision to not give up the baby to abortion. (Good job Jamie). I would of never thought of her to be the type, but some people will surprise you.
Good article, by the way. As me being a teen, the way that you planned on telling your teenagers what you thought of it, it was a really good way of saying it. :-)
Posted by Andi | December 19, 2007 4:44 PM
Amen! God bless you for your true and unashamed feelings! I agree with you 100%! While it is a shame that she is pregnant, I think it is truely amazing that she chose not to abort that baby!
Posted by Joann Watson | December 19, 2007 4:46 PM
Way to go Vicki!!
Thank you for speaking truth!
Judgement and condemnation do nothing except make us look more like the enemy himself.
Your response drew me into the Father's heart for Jamie Lynn.
Posted by Missy McManis | December 19, 2007 4:53 PM
well said!
Posted by Jill | December 19, 2007 5:05 PM
I think its smart that she is taking care of the child. Maybe it wasnt Gods plan for her to be extremely famous. Maybe he wanted her to go down a different road and get out of her comfort zone. But im sure this happened for a reason. Maybe not at the time God had chosen for her but im sure it was in his plan for her.
Posted by Jacie | December 19, 2007 10:16 PM
I agree totally. What she did was wrong but there is no "getting out" of this situatiion, no matter what. She's making the best out of this situation. However, to me (and I didn't read the entire magazine, so I don't want to ber judgemental) it almost seemed like she didn't seem scared or sad or anything. She sounded like a married 25-year-old who wasn't planning on getting pregnant but did when, in all actuality, she's 16! I was scared for her, for crying out loud! I just hope she realizes the seriousness of what's going on, I guess...this is a life she's dealing with here.
Posted by Leah | December 19, 2007 10:56 PM
This is a very timely and impactful article. Thanks for sharing and I agree with what you have shared.
Posted by Tricia | December 20, 2007 7:33 AM
praise god for his unfailing love and mercies
Posted by mish | December 20, 2007 7:41 AM
I applaud your response back Vicki! I would imagine that Jesus response would be similar to yours. I also appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your last point. My mom had me when she was 17 at great cost to her and I will forever be grateful!
Posted by Angel Parker | December 20, 2007 8:22 AM
thats cool
Posted by Jo | December 20, 2007 10:09 AM
I totally agree. It made me sad to hear that she was pregnant, but also I was incredibly impressed that she has chosen to keep her baby (as far as I know). I'm the oldest of two sisters and when I heard them laughing about it, I quickly reminded them that we are ALL sinners, and we are not "better" then she. I hope the Christian community responds positively to this. But the way the current trend shows, many so called Christians will look down their noses on her and add her on to their gossip list. HOW sad! I believe if more Christians embraced pregnant teens, then the girls would not feel shamed into having abortions.
Posted by Madeleine | December 20, 2007 1:06 PM
Thank you for your Christian World View on this situation. Just like Michael Vick, Jamie has the opportunity now to come forward and be an even stronger role model for our girls and for the media. Let's get on our knees and pray for God's healing hands to be upon her as He forges a path ahead for her to be a warrior for the kingdom if she chooses. We must be in the world if we are to do kingdom work!!
Posted by Beverly Brown | December 20, 2007 5:51 PM
Why does everybody care about the girl, yet nobody scolds the boy?
Posted by Eleanor | December 21, 2007 10:02 AM
I think it was not smart but she has to deal with it and live her life .I think her show needs to be cut.But I think she is handling it the best way she can .
Posted by ashlie | December 21, 2007 11:58 AM
I am a 24 year old single mom of a 2 and a 1/2 year old boy...
I grew up in a Christian home, and much to my parents dismay, became pregnant at the age of 17. I had the baby (who is now 6 years old and thriving) and placed him for adoption with a family who later adopted another child I had less than 2 years later. Because of my unwise decisions, I now have 5 children (all of which are adopted except the 2 year old)--twin girls who are now 1, and I can't put into words the sadness I feel for other women who haven't chosen to wait. I am one who now knows well the value of waiting until marriage, and wish I had followed God's plan for my life.
Posted by Jory | December 21, 2007 1:17 PM
Vicki, this is a great blog! i loved being able to hear a good christian view on this whole scandal! thanksā„!
Posted by Brandi | December 21, 2007 9:02 PM
If one of my friends suddenly surprised me with news of her pregnancy I would definately NOT be happy, but I would never leave her to deal with it on her own. First I would confirm that her parents had been informed and knew about the situation. The worst thing to do is put guilt on your shoulders in such a difficult predicament trying to hide your problem. Then after I knew for sure that her parents were aware I would just let her know that I'm there anytime she needs me; that I'm just a phone call away. Of course I would discuss with her whether or not she wanted to keep the baby or put it up for adoption. I would never bring in abortion as a choice. I don't believe in murdering either alive or unborn humans. In conclusion, I think that what any girl would want in that situation is acceptance. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone makes bad decisions, but forgiveness is what the world needs more of.
Posted by Carin | December 25, 2007 8:09 PM
I have to say when I heared the news I was suprised BUT( hate to say it) not shocked!Because in the world these days its just NORMAL! Well its NOT to me!! I know that life is full of choices and that her and her boyfriend made a bad one(from my point of view). If my friend came up to me and said Im pregnant I would say have the baby and consider adoption. Because 16 is too young to have a baby. But agian life is all about choices.
Posted by L | January 7, 2008 11:33 AM
Hi my mane is marissa and im 13 years old. i have had more than enough experiences with boys than i wanted. and now that im more careful i get teased by boys. i could really use your advice about this. A BIG THANKS TO YOU!
Posted by marissa | January 13, 2008 3:48 PM