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    Dear Miley Cyrus,

    Posted on Thursday 13 August 2009 by Greg @ 11:44 am
    Filed under: Rants

    I hope this letter finds you well. Although I don’t know you personally I do feel that I do know you from a distance, or at least your alter ego, Hannah Montana. Over the years I’ve watched you grow up to become the beautiful young lady that you are. God has indeed blessed you with a wonderful talent for acting and music. Your personality is vibrant and contagious. Some things just can’t be faked.

    And, to be honest, I felt a certain pride when I heard that you unashamedly claimed to be a Christian. I can’t help but think of the time that you and Jiroux, one of your back up dancers, were asked by a fan if you were Christians. Without hesitating you responded, “Yes! We love Jesus!” You went on to add, “He died for our sins. That’s how awesome he is.” Later on you said, “I sing, dance and act for Jesus! … Now that I think about it, I do everything for Jesus….We’re all about it.”

    Were you all about it at The Teen Choice Awards on Monday night Miley? I know that you claim Jesus as your Savior but you worked that pole like a stripper on that stage in front of millions of teen and preteen girls across America. The crack you heard as you danced and strutted across the stage was the sound of a million hearts breaking, the hearts of parents just like me. Young girls adore and emulate you and you sent a horrible message to them that night. Instead of keeping the faith it looks like you sold out to the pagans for ratings.

    But no matter how many awards and accolades you get I think you know that what you did was wrong. No matter how much your handlers try to convince you that it was all part of the “maturing” process that every female pop artist goes through, down deep inside, I think you know better. You are a very bright girl and, if the Spirit of God truly does dwell in you, you can’t help but know better.

    As the father of a four year old little girl my heart broke for all the young girls out there who look up to you, not just as a role model, but as the role model they follow. Your music goes on their ipods. Your fashion statement goes in their closets. And, on Monday night, that statement was “It’s okay to dress like a prostitute, dance like a stripper and still claim to be a follower of Christ.” Miley, short shorts and low shirts don’t become someone who “does everything for Jesus.”

    I’m sad that my little girl won’t have the opportunity of becoming a Hannah Montana fan now. I just can’t allow it. I won’t allow her to get sucked up in the vortex of all things Hannah because of your Britney wannabe coming out party on Monday night.

    You made the wrong choice at The Teen Choice Awards. But you can make a different choice today, a better one. You can choose to recognize, repent and repair the damage that has been done. You see Miley it takes more than thanking God when you receive a reward to truly serve Christ. It takes a commitment to honor him with everything you do. If you truly are “all about” Jesus then dress for him, dance for him and sing for him. Start today. It’s not too late. With Jesus it’s never too late.

    I will be praying for you Miley. God has allowed you to be on a big stage. My prayer is that you will use it for his glory instead of your own.

    Signed, Greg Stier
    66 Comments

    66 Comments for 'Dear Miley Cyrus,'

    1. On August 13, 2009 @ 11:56 am Craig McLeod said:
      • Amen, Greg.

        Reply to this comment

        Jeff Lrimer Reply:
        August 14th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

        Lets gang up on her and drive her away. Our holyer than thou attitudes drive more people away from chritanity than draw them in. Wier better off keeping our thoughts to our selves and spend more time praying for our young people. Lets continue to work on the planks in our eyes, and do the work He wants us to. Its better to build up than to tear down.

        Reply to this comment

        greg stier Reply:
        August 15th, 2009 at 7:02 am

        Isn’t keeping our brothers and sisters accountable to honor Christ part of the work He wants us to do? Half the New Testament writings are just that. Miley is our sister in Christ. How loving would it be to say nothing? It’s like watching someone drink poison without yelling “stop!” Sorry Jeff but your argument is lame (although, I’m sure you are not :)

        Reply to this comment

        Jared Echelberger Reply:
        August 15th, 2009 at 9:47 am

        Oh and greg by the way I am a youth leader and a 21 year old bodybuilder just like your uncles use to be. Hope to meet u someday man. Facebook me

        Jeff Lrimer Reply:
        August 15th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

        Greg funny you shoul mention lame. I was lame 4 weeks ago with a 15 inch blood clot in my right leg. After 4 days in the hospital it continued to worsen. A good friend whos a Hattian minister heard of my condition. He came and prayed we both believed and praise God the doctors were amazed. So you were right im not lame due to the gentle but power touch of Jesus Christ. The key here Greg is that Jesus was gentle yet powerful, He was patient and careful with instruction. Jared missed that part. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in seaon and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful insruction. Jesus forgave the adultress woman at the well alone and in private. He forgave the the postitute who was about to stoned alone and in private. See wee would have had to drop our stones too. He didn’t rebuke them in public for all to see. Your hearts are in the right place but your criticisim isn’t. Lets use Godsword to minister, not to defend our actions.

        Jared Echelberger Reply:
        August 16th, 2009 at 7:11 am

        The main things is that we trust Jesus as our savior. We all miss the mark. We fall short of the glory of God. So when u fall, get up, brush urself off and move forward. If we were perfect then why would we need Jesus? But remember just because he died for our sins doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want. Strive to be christ like. Repent for ur sins. God knows our hearts and is the ultimate judge. God bless u guys.

        Jared Echelberger Reply:
        August 15th, 2009 at 9:44 am

        2 Timothy 4:3 says
        For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

        You see Greg is doing what Christ wants him 2 do. Not saying what people want to hear but keeping true to the word and let them know wrong from right and not compromise. He is not being judgemental he is trying to help her and let her realize what shes doing. I’m sure he forgives her also.

        Reply to this comment

        don't judge Reply:
        August 20th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

        just read these comments by other pple
        follow the link watch again and read the comments under it! ALL of them!!!!!!

        Reply to this comment

        don't judge Reply:
        August 20th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

        oops here’shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvm7fx2TxG4 the link!

        jason.comer Reply:
        August 16th, 2009 at 12:42 pm

        I have a 4-year old daughter and my heart definitely broke when I saw what happened.

        Reply to this comment

        Cassie Reply:
        August 20th, 2009 at 8:54 am

        umm i didn’t even see the teen choice awards but i guess its a good thing i didn’t! it must’ve been pretty bad to have so many people talking about it!what happened cause i’m a little lost not knowing what everyone is actually talking about?!sorry to ask but does anyone know where to find the video that miley performed so i can get on the same page as everyone else and know what is going on?!!thx!i’d love to contribute more but i didn’t see it so i have no idea what the bad thing about the performance was thx!!!!

        Reply to this comment

        Amanda (again) Reply:
        May 5th, 2010 at 5:46 pm

        I was not bad. I was perfectly fone, it could have been so much worse.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Craig McLeod's comment

    2. On August 13, 2009 @ 12:05 pm alone_in_the_dark said:
      • I totally agree Greg…walk the walk if you are gonna talk the talk. If you claim to be of Christ you need to live for him and from him. So many Christians now a days live with being hated because so many people claimed to be something that they were not. When some one claim to follow Christ and then turn and live for the world it sends the message that Christians are fakes and liars. I am just learning to grow in Christ and I have gained so much understanding. Thanks for posting Greg.

        Reply to this comment

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    3. On August 13, 2009 @ 12:14 pm Dave Hirschler said:
      • I totally agree. She’s a talented girl, has a lot going on for her. But, there’s no excuse for the smutty routine. As the father of a 9 year old girl, my heart isn’t broken, I’m VERY angry about the pornification of young girls. Miley just sent the message to millions of adolescents that it’s OK to be slutty. Shame, shame, shame. As a believer I am deeply disappointed that someone who claims the name of Christ would put herself on display like that. It’s not “cool” – it’s disgusting, demeaning and wrong. I hope there is repentence for this. There comes a time when we need to listen to the Holy Spirit, not handlers, managers, or anyone else.

        Reply to this comment

        Kyle Howard Reply:
        August 13th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

        Amen.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Dave Hirschler's comment

    4. On August 13, 2009 @ 12:14 pm Kyle Howard said:
      • Dear Greg,

        I think that this fits very well with the E-Mail I sent you last night. There is such a lack of real role models in this world. Like I said, so many youth leaders, worship leaders, and even respected church men and women only being “Sunday-morning-Christians.” I was astonished when I saw pictures of my youth leaders wife outside a strip club in Vegas with the tightest of dresses, and with other Praise Team singers as well.

        With this said, very well said blog.

        Lastly, I just want to thank you for being that role model for me. I know that when I read things in the news about you, watch your videos, anything… I know who you’re about, I know what you believe, I know that you do everything for Jesus. Last night was a huge moment for me. I heard a youth leader speak on making a goal, making a starting point, and then doing it. Keeping it short, this was my goal. With God’s help, to be the best role model I can be for not only my young family, but friends too. So that when my senior year is over in May, everyone will know what I’m about, will know who I trust in, and will know who I fight for. Especially honoring God in everything that me and the good, godly, and gorgeous young woman God has blessed me with do. Treating her like the angel she is. Protecting not just her physically against kid-nappers, or bullies, but protecting her purity, her heart, and helping her grow in Christ with me. She wants to be a role model for the girls at our small school too, prayers for the both of us would be greatly appreciated!

        Thank you for being one of my major role models. I know I can count on you.

        ~Kyle J. Howard.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Kyle Howard's comment

    5. On August 13, 2009 @ 12:18 pm Hannah said:
      • Wow Greg that was awesome! I totally agree with you there. When I saw that performance, I was in shock that she would do that. I was already iffy about her outfit when she walked out, and then whenever she got on that ice cream cart, I was sad to see that she has lost some of her morals that she had in the beginning.
        I just hope she realizes it, and turns from that before it is to late.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Hannah's comment

    6. On August 13, 2009 @ 12:44 pm Alyssa said:
      • Amen Amen Amen!
        Her performance was absolutely ridiculous and awful. What kind of role model is this? Surely not one who has Christ in her heart. And where are the parents and why aren’t they drawing the line here. I wonder what Disney thinks of this as well. She should no longer be in the spotlight for girls ages 5 and up. Go into adult stuff? If you must, but she sure is showing she is “mature” enough to be. I truly hope she reads this letter. Keep up the great work.

        Reply to this comment

        Jack Stevenson Reply:
        August 17th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

        I don’t think that it’s fair to say that she isn’t a Christian, in Romans 3:23 it says: “For all fall short of the glory of God.” We all sin but that doesn’t mean we aren’t saved, I agree that her parents should NOT have let her do that. I wish she hadn’t, my whole family are big fans of her show. But God also tells us that we CAN be forgiven no matter what we do. Yes I agree with Greg about it being wrong and a terrible message, but we should be encouraging and loving when we correct our brothers and sisters. Who knows maybe her Dad saw that and chewed her out for it after wards, maybe she went to her room and prayed all night about it. We don’t know, God is a God of love and mercy. If she asks for forgiveness He will give it!

        Jack,

        Reply to this comment

        Concerned About Our Gender Reply:
        August 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

        I knew Billy Ray personally when he was up-and-coming. His life became Christ-centered when he had children, not before. I too watched in disbelief, not because Miley is an entertainer – our culture has been saturated with half-naked, pole-dancing women in the media for decades (there is nothing new under the sun) – but because she claims to love God and that she dishonored Him that way. The camera scanned to BR and he was on his feet, smiling and knodding his head in approval.
        “Money is the root of all evil.” From all indications, he has sold-out his child for greed and forgotten about his commitment to the almighty God. Or, perhaps he’s taking lessons from Brad Pitt, who I read today doesn’t believe in religion…”It’s just not for me. It doesn’t fit my lifestyle.” Pitt at one time was considered a God-fearing family man as well. Just like the golden calf to the Isrealites, money is their God unfortunately. Although I pray for and feel sorry for Briney Spears, I can’t fathom why she would be anyone’s hero. Her contribution to our world is nothing to applaud.

        Reply to this comment

        Garth Glenn Reply:
        August 19th, 2009 at 8:29 am

        The LOVE of money is the root of all evil–I Timothy 6:10. Money isn’t bad–we need it–it’s when we love it, worship it, stockpile it, live for it when it becomes evil—James 5:1-6.

      • Permalink to Alyssa's comment

    7. On August 13, 2009 @ 12:57 pm Jim Shultz said:
      • Greg,
        I hesitate to put my feelings on your website. Could you initiate an e-mail with me so that I can comment a little further with you in private about your “Dear Miley” letter? Thanks.

        Reply to this comment

        Greg Reply:
        August 13th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

        you can send a private message to me via Facebook Jim. Thanks.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Jim Shultz's comment

    8. On August 13, 2009 @ 1:11 pm Katelyn Marissa said:
      • I didn’t watch it. I get bored with television. I only watch NCIS…
        I’m not much of a fan Miley… I don’t think I will be ever.

        I’m daring myself not to watch any tv for the rest of my sophmore year of high school. It’s too messed up. I’d rather be outside walking than watch tv.

        I just have to say this sense the song Praise You In The Storm by Casting Crowns, I thought of MercyMe. The Christian band was in a fatal accident. Someone in the car wasn’t paying attention and didn’t see them and 2 people the car died along with an unborn baby. The pregnant lady was in the ICU for a couple of days and sadly she passed away on Tuesday at 2-ish. She was only 18. I don’t know how old the other people were. Please pray for their families, the band, the driver…
        Sorry to get off topic.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Katelyn Marissa's comment

    9. On August 13, 2009 @ 2:51 pm Rica Goettsche said:
      • I am with Greg 100% on this. There are no luke warm Christians. Stop living like there is a grey area to God. To God there is only black and white. I am really frustrated when I think about how I am going to raise children in this world. It’s so sad to see such little girls growing up in the world and then getting sucked into it.

        Reply to this comment

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    10. On August 13, 2009 @ 4:40 pm Becky said:
      • wow

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Becky's comment

    11. On August 13, 2009 @ 7:36 pm Robin McDaniel said:
      • Greg, thanks for being vocal and loving at the same time. I work with teens everyday and get so heart broken because they sell themselves so short. Along the way they forget what their worth. How beautiful they really are. How much they have to offer and how important they are. I hate that Miley went down that path. That she sold out, and forgot the one who created her. I will be praying for her. That she again remembers the Jesus that she so gladly proclaimed as her Savior. We’ve all made mistakes and done things we wished we hadn’t. I pray that this is one of those times for her and that she realizes it. That she also realizes it’s not to late, there’s forgiveness, and there’s grace.

        Reply to this comment

      • Permalink to Robin McDaniel's comment

    12. On August 13, 2009 @ 7:44 pm Paul said:
      • Well said Greg. Whether you are a Hollywood Christian or just a regular Christian the standards should be the same but they are not. It is the same thing for athletes or coaches who can talk a good game at prayer breakfast and swear up a storm on the sidelines. The standards are not the same. We hold the high profile more accountable than the lowly. The question for all of us is, “Would we write the same letter to someone in your church if a behavior was unbecoming to a believer or is Miley an easy target because we won’t see her in the church hallway on Sunday?” Just saying.

        Reply to this comment

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    13. On August 13, 2009 @ 8:03 pm Kyle Glenn said:
      • Thanks Greg for articulating our views but reminding us she is someone to be loved and prayed for. As a Pastor of Student Ministries and Dad of 3 young daughters who know Mileys songs very well, this has been a great teachable moment for me. We actually had a discussion a year or two ago over a photo shoot she did. I think we all saw this coming; unfortunately, apart from meeting Christ, her fall from grace is not over. You can’t live for yourself and for Him. One would have expected her parents to be doing everything they can in keeping her pure and holding her accountable, but the end of the day, the mighty dollar wins out.

        Reply to this comment

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    14. On August 14, 2009 @ 12:41 am Amanda Lanphere said:
      • I am a born again Christian and I think you are sadly mistaken at what Christianity is truly about. First and foremost it is your relationship with the Lord that matters. Our Lord gave you the right to have an opinion, but not to thrust judgement on someone else. Whether or not you believe that Miley is not acting the way you think a Christian should does not mean that it is ok for you to judge her in a public forum. You are entitled to your opinion, but God’s opinion is really the one that matters. If you remember He washed the feet of a prostitute and she became a believer that day. Maybe more people would come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior if we dropped the judgment and gave more love. I say this to myself as well.

        Reply to this comment

        Travis Williams Reply:
        August 14th, 2009 at 7:19 am

        I think that’s a tricky line though. 1 Cor 5:12 says not to judge those outside of the church but to expel the immoral brother from the church(the guy who was getting frisky with his papas wife). So if Miley claimed to be a Christian and love Christ…are we being judgemental if we call her out on a very promiscuous dance that I’m sure you wouldn’t want your 16 year older daughter to do or do we let it be and hope someone else tells her?

        I’m kinda with Greg….kinda not. What if it were Greg up on that pole(nasty thought)…I’m sure we would fill up his inbox with notes of judgement/encouragement because he openly claims Christ. So why not Miley? Maybe it wouldn’t do any good coming from someone who does not know her well…but I’m not sure.

        Reply to this comment

        Concerned About Our Gender Reply:
        August 17th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

        Revelation 3:16, “But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I’m going to spit you out of my mouth.”

        I watched a movie many, many years ago (channeling surfing and ran into it) about a mother/daughter relationship whereby the child had gotten hooked on cocaine and the mother was tolerant, non-judgmental, trying to be a friend instead of disciplinarian. In stark contrast was another mother who beat the tar out of her kids each time they crossed the line. Ironcially, the latter of the two families fared much better in the end (I’m not endorsing that extreme behavior). As I watched the credits scroll by coming to terms with what I’d just seen, Revelation 3:16 came into view on the screen. That was it!!! That was it in a nutshell – the mother who didn’t take a stand against right and wrong lost in the end. It truly sent a powerful message to me as a soon-to-be mother myself. We can’t be our children’s buddies and expect them to agree with everything we say. Just because we correct them, doesn’t make us judgmental. In case you haven’t noticed, God does indeed correct us, at least He does me.

        Reply to this comment

        Amanda Lanphere Reply:
        August 21st, 2009 at 5:40 pm

        Listen, we are talking about a 16 year old little girl. Do you know that the “rational” part of kids brains do not fully develop until they are 21 years old? I think that Miss Miley can have a pass and we can just love her and pray for her. Not judge. How do you know this is not part of the path God has chosen for her. He is using for His glory. He uses everything for his glory. In a couple of years she may come back and be a better woman. This letter is ridiculous. I do have a 16 year old and let me tell you we don’t get to her by treating her like a prostitute everytime she makes a poor immature choice. Because that’s all it is. A bad choice. It is our job as parents to protect them and teach them. I think if you are going to write a letter it should be to her parents. And even then that’s crossing the line.

        Reply to this comment

        Jack Stevenson Reply:
        August 26th, 2009 at 6:14 pm

        I agree, when Jesus was confronted by the leaders and pharisees about the Adulterous woman he didn’t yell at her. He told them: “The one of you with no sin throw the first stone.” By us saying stuff about Miley and her performance is “Throwing stones.” In God’s eyes all sins are the same, they are all sin. Yeah, I have thrown my fair share of stones in this matter. Several times, but the more I look back I come up with: Look at the tree in your eye Jack, it is sin all the same.

        Amanda (again) Reply:
        May 5th, 2010 at 5:40 pm

        THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I totally agree!

      • Permalink to Amanda Lanphere's comment

    15. On August 14, 2009 @ 10:47 am Teresa Stine said:
      • I would really like to know where her parents stand on this issue. And is there some kind of child exploitation laws being broken here. After all she is still a child in the eyes of the law.

        Reply to this comment

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    16. On August 14, 2009 @ 12:22 pm Kristina said:
      • I was thinking the same thing as I watched the awards show. Miley has the power to make an impact but she is making the wrong choices and making the wrong impression to teens, pre-teens and even parents around the world.

        Reply to this comment

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    17. On August 14, 2009 @ 12:23 pm Breeana said:
      • Wow i so agree with that, i am 13 and im not a huge fan of Miley or Hannah, but still it really made me upset to her her dance like that, the clothes she wore didnt help. My heart jumped when tshe thanked God on that stage but then it broke seeing that dance, i wish she would reamian a better role modle to us girls my age ,older and younger. Totally agree with you. :-)

        Reply to this comment

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    18. On August 14, 2009 @ 4:36 pm Gary Grottenberg said:
      • Yikes! So … Does that mean a Christian actor cannot play certain roles? But maybe it is different for a singer/pop star, since that kind of artist is (arguably) NOT playing a role on stage. Hard to say. I didn’t see the Teen Choice Awards. But I do kind of come away feeling that Greg Stier buys his shirts from a taxidermist.
        Gary Grottenberg

        Reply to this comment

        Greg Reply:
        August 14th, 2009 at 9:22 pm

        Hey Gary, I do buy my shirts from a homeschooled taxidermists who uses a King James Version Bible (Old Scofield Reference Edition) and sings hymns while he plies his trade. His shirts tend to be itchy but they are very durable.

        Reply to this comment

        Gary Grottenberg Reply:
        August 15th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

        That’s what I thought …

        Reply to this comment

        Justin Klatt Reply:
        August 16th, 2009 at 11:43 am

        Greg you have always reminded me of Esau! You hairy beast

        Reply to this comment

        Jack Stevenson Reply:
        August 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

        Funny you should mention “homeschooled”! I am homeschooled! (I think that’s funny.)

        Reply to this comment

        Justin Klatt Reply:
        August 16th, 2009 at 11:39 am

        Do you think Greg gets his shirts from a taxedermist because he is so ripped and buff?

        Reply to this comment

        Greg Reply:
        August 16th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

        oh, if that were only the case…

        Reply to this comment

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    19. On August 15, 2009 @ 7:58 am Leyanet said:
      • Hey greg
        Honsently i has been watching hannah and miley and i do not like her because first of all the way she act not good example to me and second of all everybody who love miley think she is being good example and that not true and i have freinds that are younger and like her and they are wearing her clothes and i dont think they realized that Miley is not good example. she not good role model and plus she been acting different and making herself look bad to millions of parents out there and to fans as well. i wish that her fans will realize that she is not good role models.

        i stopped watching her on her show and stuff.

        I have good role models and those are you (greg), Zane and Derwin,
        Jeremy camp, my friends and my mom and my family. Greg, keep being good example to me and Everyone!

        Reply to this comment

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    20. On August 15, 2009 @ 8:17 am Nate said:
      • Greg,
        First and foremost I did not watch the teen choice awards… I am a youth pastor and have seen first hand the potential in young people, and that most other do not see the true impact that they can have on the world now… I feel the need to comment to those people who have said that its up to her parents and the Holy Spirit to convict her and let her know “if” what she did was wrong… I think that too often we use that line of thought to justify behavior that we really don’t want to stop. I hear it all of the time if I make a comment about the types of music a student listens to, I get the response, “well, I haven’t been convicted of that yet…” My question to them is always, do you think that a God that is 100% holy, pure and righteous has all of these varying standards? If God is always the same then wouldn’t His standards always be the same? I think more often that not we just want to be comfortable, and get our “going to heaven” card punched… This should not be so… We are called to be in the world not of it… So why do we try to justify our worldly behavior instead of calling each other up to becoming the people that Jesus Christ has called us to be?

        Reply to this comment

        Dee Reply:
        August 18th, 2009 at 7:43 am

        Great post Nate, and Greg I totally agree with you! My husband and I have been bringing our youth group (grades 7-12) to your Dare 2 Share events for the past 3 years, and truly are blessed by your teaching and convicted to do our part in helping a lost generation of teens and just people in general. I’m with Nate, I didnt watch the awards either, I dont watch much on TV – we dont even have cable, and we are Americans – ha, and the commercials – whoa! I think its important for us to choose wisely what we watch, it could end up persuading you in what you think and do, like the Casting Crown song says, be careful little eyes what you see – anyway, I think we do need to speak up and tell the truth,in love, I wish someone would have had the guts to give me some truth, in love, when I was a young teen, I messed up big time so many times as a teen ager, not sure of right and wrong, and I did things I have to live with the rest of my life, and shame, even when you are saved, can try and come back to haunt you. I personally dont think Miley has ever been much of a role model, but probably because my husband and I have recently been convicted to teach our children that even kissing should be left for the marriage, dont tell me you dont feel things going on inside when you kiss your wife, I dont think we should even be giving teens and now even younger the OK on dating (which leads to kissing and even more),but you are taking a huge stand when you knock dating and kissing, since even those in the church are doing it and not teaching against it most of the time, but I dont find dating or kissing (the way we do it) in the bible at all, greeting each other with a holy kiss is for sure not what is going on today, and our culture has put up with so much, even us Christians are sometimes blind to what the bible actually teaches on certain matters, no wonder our kids, like Miley, are confused and not sure where the lines are! I dont think we draw the lines close enough to what Christ wants, and we let too much that is wrong slip through and taint our lives and blur the truth. And I’m not saying I’m not guilty too, we all are at times, but we need to speak the truth and help each other out, in love, and pray for God to reveal his truth to us in our lives and shed light on the gray areas we are walking in, and then help others know it too. Keep up the good work Greg, and all you other youth workers, taking a stand for whats right is a tough job, but the Truth of God’s word never returns void! And we are all students, no matter what our age, still learning what Christ wants our lives to be for Him. Its an injustice to our children and the next generation of leaders not to speak the truth to them, and live it out ourselves as best we can with God’s help every moment of every day, and repenting when we are given new light to our own faults! Its a life long process of refinement, so we can be in the image of Christ, our Savior!

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    21. On August 15, 2009 @ 8:22 am Dana Schmoyer said:
      • Great post Greg! It’s always sad to see teen pop stars turn against the morals they say they’ll keep. I had a hard time when Jessica Simpson did the same. I don’t think Christians hold high enough standards for our teens these days. We struggle with it in our own church with some people agreeing that we should set higher standards than the world and others who don’t see the reason/purpose to do so. I pray every day for mine and Tim’s little Hannah, (named after the Hannah in the Bible, not Montana) who is one week today, that she will be an example of Christ to those around her.

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    22. On August 15, 2009 @ 8:45 am Brian Ford said:
      • Great post! A well put together letter that is clear and yet shows the love of Christ. And isn’t that what we should be doing for our brother’s and sister’s in Christ? If it wasn’t for God using people in my life to point out sin (sometimes gently and sometime like a 2×4 over to the back of my head) I believe my depth of growth in my relationship with Jesus would suffer greatly. It’s those times when someone pulls me aside and says; “hey Brian…” that draws me closer and has me examine the depths of my motives and heart. As Dana said in her reply; we need to be setting higher standards than the world.

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    23. On August 15, 2009 @ 9:01 am Maggie said:
      • Well, ok here is how I feel about it. I did watch the TCA, and saw the dance. I full heartedly believe that someone needed to say something to her. Unfortunately I think you went about it the wrong way. I think that the reason you chose this form of communication was because you had no way to reach Miley. I would have much rather appreciated seeing you send an email or letter to her website. There is no need to publicly talk to her. After all this the rest of the world is doing. If she does admit that she did something wrong it is not our jobs to beat a dead horse, it is to support a sister in Christ.

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        Amanda Reply:
        February 24th, 2010 at 3:46 pm

        I so agree! She already feels bad about it, why keep getting on her about it?!

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    24. On August 15, 2009 @ 11:49 am Daniel Ellsworth said:
      • Greg:
        I agree with you, though I did not watch the TCA, I heard about it, and Ive been saddened by other things Miley has done recently. Looking at the Hollywood/Nashville scene, there are so few good role models for teen girls, and I had hoped that Miley would stay true to herself and to God. Its frustrating to see this hope being destroyed.
        I also have no problem with your open letter to her. As a public figure, she is near impossible to talk to in person, and since you did not bash her as a person, you simply explained where you felt she was a fault. (which I agree) and plainly explained that Jesus always cares, and its never too late to return to Him. I found this post an insightful message from a parent, and one that would make others (not just Miley) think about how they act for the Lord. As Jesus said, be either hot or cold, for if you are luke warm I will spit you out of my mouth. Ive seen in my personal life, those who claim to be Christians do more damage then good by their actions. others look and say “well if your a christian and your smoking weed like me, why should I become a christian”

        I believe you made a very valid point, and I see no problem with your medium of a open letter. Keep the Faith.

        –Dan

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    25. On August 15, 2009 @ 6:23 pm kim said:
      • I do agree that her actions are hardly ever appropriate. I personally do not allow my younger girls to watch her show. Britany Spears also “claimed” she was a Christian, and was staying pure until she married- all lies she later admitted. I chaulk it up to maturity, or a lack thereof. I also hold their parents responsible. I guess I have many opinions regarding these young girls, and the lack of parental guidance and sheer irresponsibly of her actions. She is making choices that have consequences. I don’t have room to judge, and I am thankful to God to second chances, or 113th chances. It is up to parents to guard our children now more than ever, for the world has nothing but trash, garbage and false acceptance to offer. I hope she finds her way and eventually finds a way not to be a sellout, and ultimately it is only Jesus that we hold as our example

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    26. On August 15, 2009 @ 9:51 pm will said:
      • A broadcast by James MacDonald I heard recently convicted me to write a reminder to myself and post it above the light switch in my office: “Are my friends and family, believers and unbelievers closer to or further from Jesus Christ because of me?”
        No matter who we are and what our positon in life, we are on a stage. And if I profess Christianity I MUST rely on our Holy Spirit to Glorify Jesus Christ Through me, for I have proven a miserable failure when I attempt to honor Christ on my own power.
        Jesus Himself Says, “If God has been generous with you, he will expect you to serve him well. But if he has been more than generous, he will expect you to serve him even better.” – Luke 12:48
        How much more Generous Can our Savior Be? He Has put to death our sin on His Cross and Gives us Eternal Life in His Resurrection!! WOO-HOO!!
        Is He my Lord as well? Or is there another in my life that I would dance and sing to please above Him?
        I can honestly testify, Greg, that in the 6 years I have observed you in your walk, at the end of the day I am closer to Jesus Christ because of you.
        Miley, I pray that to you whom God Has Richly Blessed, He Reveals Himself and Breaks your heart for His Lost, especially those among your fans.

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    27. On August 16, 2009 @ 8:18 pm StevenGirlie said:
      • Greg, my name is Steven and I’m 16 years old. And as a 16 year old I know very how Hollywood and all the other forms of media out there, influences people my age. It’s really sad that the idea of being yourself has become alienated. And what your saying about Miley Cyrus couldn’t be any more true.
        I personally have seen what happens when my friends are influenced by the media. For example several of my close friends started listening to ICP(insane clown posse), which is a horrible dark rap band by the way. And now I’m afraid that their going down a road I can’t turn them away from. In fact I actually prayed for one of them at the Dare2Share program that I met you at, and i feel that now matter how hard I try to help him, its useless. And if you can I’d love to have some help on that matter.
        But the true point is that, all those who truly belief Miley’s behavior is acceptable, have never truly lost someone close because of an influence by someone “famous”. So to those adults who allow their children to follow and become fans of Miley Cyrus I asked you this, What if it was your daughter up there?

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    28. On August 16, 2009 @ 8:52 pm tlc said:
      • Hey Greg,
        Great post and something even greater to pray about. It is not about judgement, it is about the reality of how this society continues to twist and tweek young girls to be influenced in our worlds driven sexual darkness. Young, older girls and women constantly have the sexual driven behaviors in their face and it is truly heart breaking to see the world/the media take that young innocence and gradually start to break it down. Our girls and boys get lost in the things that destroy them little by little.(self image,eating disorders,sex, cutting, addition etc….) Dancing can be wonderful,fun and entertaining but it doesn’t have to be twisted to something sexual, provocative and harmful every time we turn on the tv. I didn’t see the show but I don’t need to. I completely understand how our world keeps influncing the thoughts and actions of our kids. Dancing isn’t dancing any more in the world. This is just another sneeky and deceptive way that satan steps in to destroy the innocence of our kids. sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly…. all the more reason to reach this generation for Christ and bring light to replace the darkness!

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    29. On August 17, 2009 @ 1:22 pm Jack Stevenson said:
      • Hey Greg, I completely agree. It was wrong, but I have been reading the other comments and it is possible to find a good Christian role model that is famous. (As in on TV and such.) I could name one that has been a HUGE influence in my life, I really hope Miley turns back to God. She could be using her fame to give God the glory in a huge way! It would be cool if with out a reporter asking her about it if she apologized to everyone that she sent that message to. I loved D2D This last time in Atlanta!

        Jack,

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    30. On August 19, 2009 @ 9:49 am robochef said:
      • Greg, Thanks for your thoughts. I think you struck just the right tone with your letter I pray it does some good. After reading all the post it breaks my heart as a Pastor that we have fallen so short of understand the life we are called to live as Christians. This act of Miley or even the post by those who try to justify what she did isn’t the problem it’s a symptom of the deeper problem of sin. As I type, the church body that I am affiliated with is voting to ignore the word of God and turn 500 years of Luther’s teachings on their head not to mention over 2000 years of Christian doctrine and several thousand years of Judea/Christian values. But once again this is only a symptom of the problem. But why are we surprised? “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Tim 4:3
        I’m not surprised, All I have to do is look in the mirror to see how far I have fallen and daily come crawling back to Christ to start again. With out Christian friends like you many will never see their true reflection.
        I pray for Miley and all those who are trying to “live the life” out in this fallen world. One day we will all see how short we have fallen. To quote my good Friend Steve Taylor; “When we get what we don’t deserve, it’s a real good thing. When we don’t get what we deserve, it’s a real good thing”

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    31. On August 19, 2009 @ 10:43 am Honey said:
      • Greg,

        I realize that I am a few days late to reply to this post, but I only just found it. Just to clarify, I am a teenager, and about a year or two ago I was watching a Hannah Montana marathon on TV. My cousins watched it and said it was pretty good. At the time, I found parts of it funny and entertaining, but then I saw an episode where she tried to go to Florida against her Dad’s will, and was allowed to get away with it. My Dad had stopped in and watched it briefly, and then said he’d rather I didn’t watch it ’cause he thought she would eventually go the road of Britney Spears.

        I’ve been keeping up with her in the news since I heard her say she was a Christian, and it saddened me when I heard about the pictures in the magazine. What in the world was a teenaged girl who calls herself a Christian doing in Vanity Fair in the first place? And then today, when I saw your post, it was the first I’d heard about her performance. I watched it BRIEFLY on youtube, and I have to agree that it was unacceptable. My Dad was correct. Thanks for this post.

        *Honey

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    32. On August 20, 2009 @ 9:49 pm Leah said:
      • I just want to make only one statement. I have three sons, none of us watched the award show…………..But thanks to all the media coverage, my twelve year old now know what a pole dance is. Sad. I know I’m a mom, but I think that’s just a little young.

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    33. On November 3, 2009 @ 4:15 pm leah said:
      • A “ranting” and “raving” Christian that dodesn’t capitalize all the ‘him’s and ‘he’s and ‘his’s? odd

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    34. On February 11, 2010 @ 4:51 pm Amanda said:
      • You know, that was barley anything! Miley is just a teenage girl, she messes up, you mess up, I mess up, we all do! We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. I read he biography. I don’t see anything wrong whith her. BUT….. She still needs prayer. She is a teen and I think that,if someone doesn’t do something for and/or about her, that she will become like Britnay. <3 Amanda

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        Amanda Reply:
        February 11th, 2010 at 4:54 pm

        (add on) Her clothes really saddened me, the pole dancing really didn’t, but her outfit really upsets me. WE ARE NOT TO MAKE OUR BROTHERS STUMBLE

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    35. On March 7, 2010 @ 2:43 pm Amanda said:
      • OK, so I just saw the song that she does with Bret Michals. Really sad. I think that, if she is going to be open with her faith, then she should stay pure and clean. If she didn’t, it wouldn’t be a problem. It show that people are watching us if we are open about our faith. Like, I heard a story on a middle school retreate I went to, and there was a story about a girl about eleven came back from school and said, “Daddy, I don’t want to be a Christian.” The dad asked why and she said that she saw a couple of Christians bullying a gay person. She said that, if this is the way christians act, why should I be one? That really got me thinking, and, my point, is that since Miley openly said she was a Christian, people watch her all the time, and that she (and we) should be careful what we do once people know.

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        Amanda (again) Reply:
        May 5th, 2010 at 5:39 pm

        I also just saw her mew music video for “I Can’t be Tamed.” If you thought that Party in the USA was bad. Wait till you see this. She is so totally going against 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, and its really sad. I thought that she was a great role model, then the pics w/ her boyfriend(s). I guess you could say I was in denial, then I saw the music video for Party in the USA, that lowered my respect for her down to a sliver. Then I Can’t be Tamed. POOF! Gone! Zip! :’-( Well, no one is probably going to read this but I posted it anyway. <3 Amanda

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