Packing your OWN food

Tam - posted on 04/17/2009

You're not pressuring anyone if you're doing what you know in your heart is right to do. In fact, it sounds like any guilt or pressure on their end might be conviction.

Think of it like when David went to the camp to find his brothers and other soldiers hiding from Goliath. When he asked, they tried to get him to go their way (and hide--in your case, bring your own food) because they did not want to feel guilty for hiding and not fighting (or bringing their own food). If everyone was in the same boat, then they didn't have to feel bad for doing what they knew was wrong. They forgot a sin was a sin. They even tried to ridicule David. But David did what he knew was right and God blessed him for it.

So, take Philippians 4:6 to heart (do not worry) and do what you know is right. If others feel pressured, then smile and gently tell them that you do not feel it is right for you and your family to do this and say a prayer for them the next time you pray. God may be using you as an example to lead those moms who are wavering!

((Hugs))

Jennifer - posted on 04/17/2009

Thanks everyone for supporting my conviction that it is wrong! ;-) Just been one of those things, especially if we go with friends. I feel like I am pressureing them to buy the concessions they don't want to buy, but they have brought snacks and I don't want my son left out of that, I just want to be sure in my conviction before I have to "influence" others. The idea of filling up before we go is a very good idea! We are going to the Earth Day movie next week with a big group of preschoolers, I feel better prepared now!

Amy - posted on 04/17/2009

I would say it is still wrong to do, as much as it pains me to say it. If the movie theatre has a policy, we must abide by it or not go there. We also struggle with this, but unsalted popcorn is actually a healthy snack, so that might be an option. We generally eat before we go (which isnt often!) and then share a popcorn.

Tam - posted on 04/16/2009

OH! meant to say if they frown on you bringing in other things. Our Zoo and other places are okay with us doing that but a lot of movie theatres do not like it since they make the majority of their money on concessions.

Tam - posted on 04/16/2009

As much as it pains me to say, I think if he can eat those things at the concession stand and not needed for special dietary restrictions, then you probably shouldn't take your own. It would be sneaking in food, even though for a different reason.

My SIL has to deal with this a lot as her children have a dietary restriction that does prevent them from eating things we take for granted. And it's difficult, even with special diet to take her own things in. I can't imagine if you didn't have a restriction what would happen. You wouldn't want to put yourself in a position to lie or cheat.

What if you filled up with healthy food right before you go and get a small treat there like an icee, share a pretzel with no salt or split a small bag of popcorn with no butter? I know when we eat before we go the compulsion to buy the junk is a lot less.

Mostly, though, pray. It is between you and God. If the Holy Spirit convicts you (and it sounds like you might already be under conviction) then you should follow as the Spirit guides.

Will be praying for you as you make the decision. ((HUGS))

Tam

Rebekah - posted on 04/16/2009

We have a place up here that is a theatre and a restaurant, so we get dinner and a movie. They offer all kinds of stuff - healthy and non-healthy, plus the typical movie theatre snacks.

We have a drive-in that we go to in the summer time and we pack all our food in a cooler. As for a regular theater, when I was pregnant I took fruit and veggies in the theater with me, I'd just stuff it in my purse. I was way too much of a health nut while pregnant and during the first 6 months I could only eat fruit and veggies, the only thing I could keep down. :P

Jessica - posted on 04/16/2009

I think it depends on the policies of where you're going. Some places really frown on bringing in food and others don't make a big deal. I usually try to feed my kids before we go to the movies, or we get a small popcorn and share (which is plenty). I know what you mean about places not offering healthy options. I usually have water in my bag all the time, too, and my kids drink that. Use your best judgment and respect the policies of the businesses you visit. Good luck!