Go Be Brave

Thirty-one years ago, in April 1988, we were blessed to become parents for the first time. We were blessed a second time in July 1993. Daughters, two of them…born to unqualified and unprepared parents. Oh, we planned to have children, but we were not prepared!

In 1988, we had only been married for three years, and had just survived our first major fight. We struggled in three fundamental areas of a successful marriage: faith, finances, and friendships. And yet, we managed to raise not one, but two, amazingly brave daughters.

Not perfect daughters, mind you. Oh no! Collectively, they wrote on walls and themselves. They danced in mud puddles while wearing white jeans. They lied to us, hid notes from teachers, made bad decisions, and ended up places they weren’t supposed to be. They’ve disobeyed, disrespected, and disenchanted us at times. But, wow, are they brave!

When your children grow up and do incredibly brave things, your emotions will absolutely run the gamut! I have felt, am feeling, or will be feeling all the feels…bursting with pride, sadness, joy, anxious, fear, grief, abundant love, and trust.

 

Being brave requires trust.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known my daughters would go and do great things. I had no idea what they would do or become; and their plans, ideas, and dreams grew and changed over time. I also remember sharing with my daughters that I believed they would go and do great things…brave things. I expected it. I planned for it. I prayed for it. And I bet you did or do the same for your children.

I wonder though, when we say things like, “You can be anything you want!” Do we really mean it? Or do we mean, “You can be anything I want you to be!” Or “You can be anything as long as you live close by, get married, and have me some grandchildren!” Or a host of other hidden meanings.

The mystery of what they will do or who they will become is a part of the journey God allows us to participate in from the front row. We get to be their advisor, mentor, motivator, and cheerleader. We are not their dictator, but we are their invested and interested spectator. Like sitting on the front row of a final four basketball game, the role of parent / spectator is full of emotions…and trust is required.

Being brave requires trust.

Our oldest daughter has been a practicing Physicians Assistant, primarily working in urgent care and emergency departments, for the past six years. However, through her experience in a variety of mission trips, God revealed to her a desire to do more than simply practice medicine in America.

We are a little over a month into her move to Geita, Tanzania, Africa. She planned, prepared, and raised money for the past 18 months. She learned a new language and studied global pediatrics. She prayed, sought guidance from mentors, and had to submit a multitude of forms.

Did you know it is a 17 ½ hour flight to Tanzania? And that’s if there actually was a direct flight from Nashville, Tenn. to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania! I have prayed. I have met the family she will be living near and working with. I have prayed. I have talked to people I know who are involved in the work at Neema House, the orphanage where she will be working. I have prayed. I have fasted and prayed. I have cried and prayed. And prayed some more.

Being brave requires trust.

On this side of the planet, our youngest daughter obtained a bachelors degree in communications with a concentration in public relations; but through her volunteer activities in mission work, God revealed her passion and desire was to become a teacher. And so she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She plans to teach high school English. This has been a 2 ½ year journey.

Did you know there were 82 school shootings in 2018? Did you know that 50% of new teachers are leaving the profession within their first five years? I have prayed. I have talked with friends who are teachers. I have talked with teachers who love what they do. I have prayed. I have fasted and prayed. I have cried and prayed. And prayed some more.

Being brave requires trust.

I grew up in a small country church and often sang the song, “Trust and Obey.” While ‘obey’ is not a popular word in our culture, I encourage you to replace that word with ‘follow,’ as in I will trust and follow God. The lyrics that ring out to me as I write are…

“When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey [follow].”

I’ve been a highly invested spectator as I’ve watched each of my daughters follow the path God laid before them. I’ve watched them wait for Him. I’ve watched them trust in Him. I’ve watched as ‘He shed light on their way.’ I’ve watched them thank Him along their journeys.

Being brave requires trust. And mommas, I encourage you to trust Him with your little ones. Stand with me in bravery. Trust and obey [follow] Him as He sheds light on your way and the ways of your little ones.

And when this is difficult, and it will be, I have another song to encourage you:

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” this version by Lauren Daigle.

I sing this often when I am alone and thoughts, concerns or worries fill my mind. He eliminates my fears. He calms my mind. And He reminds me that while He has allowed me a front row seat on this beautiful brave journey, they are ultimately His, and He has got them.

Being brave requires trust. Go. Be. Brave!