Tweens and teens have spoken and the verdict is in: Miley Cyrus wins the ahem, dishonor of 2009′s Worst Celebrity Influence.
According to www.UsMagazine.com:
JSYK.com (Just So You Know), AOL’s pop culture blog aimed at 9-15 year olds, recently tallied 44,594 online votes for its first, eponymous awards.
In its “Worst Celeb Influence” category, Cyrus garnered 42% of votes — easily beating out an on-the-mend Britney Spears (27%) and VMAs-spoiler Kanye West (19%). Caught in a nude photo scandal, Vanessa Hudgens charted at 9%, while Shia LeBeouf’s public intoxication scuffles snagged him 3%. (Click here to read more.)
Go ahead, on the count of three, let’s all let out a collective groan together. While the news shouldn’t come has a surprise, it is heart-breaking all the same to see how this talented young lady has “copied the behavior and customs of this world” (Romans 12:2a NLT) and as a result, is paying a heavy price. Oh, I realize that many would argue with that last statement pointing out the fact that her misdeeds have placed her in the spotlight even more, allowing her to cash in as a newly inducted member into the girls-gone-wild club. Surely, the jokes on us, right? She keeps misbehaving and we keep shelling out the bucks to reward her bad behavior. Or let me put it to you this way: A sixteen year-old pole dances on an ice cream cart while dressed like a streetwalker during her performance on the Teen Choice Awards and we gasp in disbelief while our daughters rush over to iTunes to buy “Party in the USA.”
But don’t be fooled. This “party” will eventually come to an end for Miley. Just ask Britney. And when it does, a bevy of Porshe convertibles, vacation homes, and Calvin Klein model boyfriends won’t begin to soothe her aching heart. Nor will the hit songs, movie parts, or Grammy awards lining her mantle. At some point, Miss Cyrus will have to face the sad truth that she bought into the lies of the world and traded her good name in the process. Proverbs 22:1 cautions us, “Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.”
Honestly, I feel great compassion for this young lady. She is 16 years old and has a camera pointed in her direction most of her waking hours. Of course, she’s going to make mistakes. That’s to be expected. I think what makes her more of a target for criticism is the fact that she often acknowledges her faith in Christ and thanks God for the “blessing” of her talent and success. In claiming to be a believer, she herself sets the bar higher when it comes to audience expectations regarding her actions and behavior.
The primary purpose of this post is not to trash Miley Cyrus, but rather, serve as a reminder that we are each susceptible to buying into the lies of the world. If you have a child who is a Miley-admirer, take advantage of this teachable moment, but do so with humility and grace. Our prayers should be with this talented young lady who no doubt, has to be troubled at some level by this latest title of “worst celebrity influence.” If she is in fact a believer, we can rest assured that God is gently calling attention to this area of her heart that stands in disrepair. Just as He patiently does with each of us.
Overall, I’m relieved that the survey shows tweens and teens do take notice when actions don’t match up with words. If you say you believe in God, you best behave like it. In the meantime, it might be a good idea for Miley to refrain from acknowledging her faith in the public spotlight until she is past this season of sowing her wild oats. It only leaves her audience more confused and overall, disillusioned when her behavior fails to back up her proclaimed beliefs. One of my Facebook friends (who happens to be Miley’s same age), summed it up nicely in a status message she posted yesterday:
“Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” (James 2:17; The Message)
And that’s a reminder we can all use. 
My heart always breaks for these young women (and men) when this happens.
It makes me sad…but so thankful,like you said, that God doesn’t give up on us.
Goal achieved, Taylor finally made it on to the blog in the form of a facebook status.
Thanks!
Very eloquently said.
Oh girl, wish you would’ve been around as a teacher when I was a tween!
I am sad for her to have to go through this. I pray that her faith in the Lord will bring conviction to her heart to be a different kind of role model than what most Hollywood fame offers to our kids. I am thankful that the Lord has convicted my heart about shielding my young girls (6 and under) from the Hannah Montana craze that has been so popular among kids this age. If your kids are not at the tween/teen age…then please let them be little and save the teen shows for when they are older. They will grow up too fast and by watching these shows so young, you’ll possibly have to deal with attitudes that could be avoided at such a young age.
I, too, am saddened by some of Miley Cyrus’ choices. Unfortunately, we as the public make it hard for these young girls to grow up with any kind of normalcy because they are put on pedestals for all to see. We have to teach our daughters not to “worship” these kids, but to remember that God is the only one we should worship. He is our truth. I pray that Ms. Cyrus will find her way in this world and won’t end up like so many other child stars before her.
I was so excited when she came out, to have a Christian girl in the business who dressed decent and was kind and a good role model. However, Miley and her parents have changed, I don’t know if it is the money or the millions of screaming fans or what. She has changed and the lesson I learned and am teaching by 10 year old daughter is to always put your trust in Jesus and all we can do for Miley is pray for her. She has some problems right now that she really needs to work through, and part of that is being a teenager, but her parents still need to parent her; they are still in control whether shis making billons of dollars or not.
Thank you Mrs. Courtney for all your posts and insites and for letting Jesus lead you and speak through you.
So sad and I pray that the Lord draws her close during this season.
My 7 yr old has been in love with Miley Cyrus for at least 2 yrs now and I was so excited to have someone out there proclaiming to be a christian and be a good role model for my girl. But it saddens me too that she is going this direction. No, we cannot judge but we do have to control who is our children’s role models in their life the best we can. As parents I believe we are held accountable for what we allow our children to listen to, watch and participate in. I pray that Miley Cyrus and her parents will see the influence she has on our young ones today and what a testimony she could be to others if used in the right way.
Thank you for your post on this matter.
I’m quite sad at the direction she seems to be taking, too. I don’t think that passing something off as ‘art’ makes it ok. We need to keep praying for her!