Join me today in reading this wonderful article by Sheri Rose Shepherd called "Raising a Man of Faith." This touched me as a Mom of a boy. Thanks for stopping by!
By Sheri Rose Shepherd
Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach
She made this vow: “O Lord
of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and
give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his
entire lifetime.”
1 Samuel 1:11
I was invited to write a book for mothers of sons titled Preparing Him for the Other Woman: A Mother’s Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family. To be honest, this topic intimidated me on many levels. I had my own insecurities and fears of failing as a mom, and I grew up in such a messed-up family that I couldn’t see how I would ever be qualified to write a book on this subject.
As I always do before I write any book, I put this message
to the test. I gathered a group of young men ages twelve to twenty and asked
them if they felt they would be good husbands when they grew up. Sadly, their
comments reflected their fear of women; in fact, they felt marriage was
something to be avoided. Many talked as if marriage were a death sentence that
caused a lifetime of pain. Others asked why they should get married since
marriage usually ends in heartbreak, adultery, or divorce.
My mother’s heart broke for these boys and all our sons, and
their answers were enough for me to fight my fears and write that book for the
sake of the next generation of marriages. As I began writing, I reflected on
one of my favorite “mommy memories.” It took place on a gorgeous summer evening
on a California beach with my husband, Steve, and our son, Jake, when he was
three. As my husband tended the campfire, Jake and I snuggled together under a
blanket and watched the sun set over the sea. A young couple walked past us
hand in hand, with eyes only for each other. My little boy watched them for a
couple of minutes before turning his sweet face toward mine and asking, “Mommy,
will you marry me when I grow up?”
I gently explained that mommies can’t marry their sons. I’ll
never forget the ache I felt as I saw tears well up in his big blue eyes and
roll slowly down his cheeks. In that moment it hit me: not only was I raising a
son, but I was raising someone’s future husband. I decided that day to dedicate
my time with Jake to helping him become a good husband when he grew up. I knew
I needed to stop focusing on my fears that I would fail him and begin to focus
on the fact that God appointed me as the first lady in his life, his mother.
Later that night I got down on my knees and prayerfully committed my son’s life
to God once again. I felt a new sense of peace about being a mom as I realized
that Jake ultimately belonged to the Lord and that my faithful God would cover
my son where I could not.
Years later, just a few weeks before my son would marry his
beautiful Southern bride, Amanda, I found myself in a reflective mood. On the
one hand, I felt as if I’d done everything I could to encourage him to keep
following Christ and to prepare him to be a good husband. I knew I needed to
officially release Jake to his new life with his bride-to-be. On the other
hand, I wondered, Have I done enough? I feared the
years my husband and I struggled in our own marriage might affect Jake’s marriage.
In my inward battle to believe I had done a good job raising him, God gave me
the desire to write Jacob a very personal letter the week before his wedding.
With his permission and in my hope to bring some relief to your momma’s heart,
I want to share it with you now:
To my son, Jake,
This morning as tears fill my eyes, I reflect on the
past twenty years of life with you, from Winnie the Pooh, goody plates, and
snuggles to late-night talks when you were a teen. I remember when I first
heard your heartbeat in the doctor’s office and the doctor saying, “You are
going to have a son.” Joy and fear flooded my heart at that moment.
What kind of mom would I be, coming from a broken home
with no foundation? And could I take on the task of raising a son in this
perverse world?
I was so afraid of failing you, and I became desperate
for God, which kept me in a constant state of prayer for you, knowing that our
God would cover you where I could not and cover me where I failed. What I did
not know is that I was not just raising a son; I was raising a warrior and a
world changer!
Today I look at your fearful heart for your future, and I
see a man who seeks God’s face with humility, knowing your God is faithful. I
see a man who is passionate to do something great for God’s Kingdom. I see a
hope in your heart that screams, “I will not settle for less than God has for
me!”
Jacob, in all my imperfections and insecurities, I am
honored God chose me to raise a mighty warrior like you. I know you don’t know
how your story will be written, and it seems unclear how you will fulfill your
calling. Remember, you are not the author of your own life; therefore rest in
Him. . . . He is writing your life right now. Any and everything you are about
to walk through, good or hard, will prepare you for His ultimate plan.
So as I wipe the tears from my eyes and say good-bye as
“Mommy,” once responsible for your care, I now give you away to care for your
bride. And say hello as a friend. I will always hold the memories of my little
son as a hidden treasure in my heart. I pray that all you have seen and heard
these past twenty years, “good and bad,” will become building blocks, as you
will now lay the foundation of faith and life for your new family. Jacob, you
will fight the good fight, you will finish your race, and your faith will be
passed down to many generations long after you’re gone.
I love you, Son.
Mom
For
more teaching videos from Sheri Rose, go to www.biblelifecoaching.com.
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Have a day of blessings!
