When Alice and Dan were finished praying, they discussed JoJo's consequences for his part of the fight at school.
Dan began, "I really believe Proverbs will be the best verses to guide him in this case."
Alice responded, "I was just thinking about how my father used Proverbs to help instruct my brothers when they were young. But, what about punishments, Dan?"
"Oh yea, there is that." "Honey, do you mind if we allow JoJo to tell his side of the story before we issue consequences?"
"Sounds like a good idea."
About that time, JoJo ambles in with his head hanging low.
"Hi, Mom." "Hi, Dad."
Alice opened things, "JoJo, we understand you had some trouble today."
"I'll say." "Are you guys mad?!"
Now it was Dan's turn, "Son, we are not mad, but we certainly are not pleased."
Alice followed with, "JoJo we have prayed about this, and talked it over. Your father thought it would be a good idea to hear your side of the story, and I agree."
"Thanks for praying and wanting to hear my side. It all went down like this...JoJo proceeded to tell every detail beginning with his new record, Puppy Love getting broken. He smiled when he described hitting Sammy Smart Mouth in the nose. He was proud of Tommy for helping him. And, he saved his description of using "choice" words until the end.
"JoJo, why don't you go up to your room and let your mother and I talk this over," Dan responded.
JoJo walked upstairs like a little puppy, or maybe like a prisoner going back to his cell.
"Let's look at Proverbs, Alice." "I pray the Lord continues to guide us!"
"Amen!"
As they sought the scriptures, they decide JoJo would read the first 5 chapters. They also, chose 3 memory verses.
Now for a little deterrent for his actions.
Alice said, "JoJo was just defending himself. Besides, that Little Sammy bad mouthed me!!"
"Well, I agree with you about the disrespect for JoJo's mother." "However..."
"Yes," Alice said with a hint of agitation.
"JoJo started the fight." "He also used profanity several times."
"Hmmmm. What if Sammy would have said something about you?!"
"I would not have liked it, but it does not change the facts."
"So how are we going to punish him?"
"I think he is too old to whip. I like the idea of grounding him."
"Go on." Alice was listening before she gave her opinion.
"I think he should not be allowed to leave the house on the weekends for a month."
"I agree." "What about phone usage?"
"That is a tough one." "Honestly, I want him to be able to talk to girls."
"Really?"
"Yes, his hormones are kicking!" "To cut off all contact with females would be cruel and unjust punishment!"
"Spoken like a man." Alice smiled. "I think the Proverbs and grounding is enough."
Dan called JoJo downstairs. Together, Alice and Dan told JoJo their decision.
"Sounds fair. Thanks." "What part of Proverbs do you want me to read?"
"You will read Proverbs 1 on Day 1. Proverbs 2 on Day 2. This pattern will continue on days 3, 4, and 5. On Day 6, you will discussed your readings with your mother and me."
"Sounds good."
Dan continued, "And you have 3 sets of verses to memorize in the next month."
Alice said, "Here are your verses...write them down. Proverbs 3:3-4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 2:12-13."
"I hate to ask...what about the phone?"
Dan almost smiled, "You can use the phone, JoJo."
"Thanks, Mom and Dad!" A month without talking to Janie would be unbearable!!
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