I’ve raised two boys and girl. All are a blessing to me.
Today I’d like to share a memorable moment I had with the middle one, he was always independent natured, who mostly internalized everything and goal oriented. He was the one who loved to participate in every sport.
This began in elementary and continued every year till he received a football scholarship, so needless to say I’ve sat on the sidelines of this kids life for many years, cheering and watching him grow up a team player.
His senior year he decided he wanted to pursue criminal law I wasn’t surprised it has a team like environment, but when I asked why he would choose this, his reply was one I could never argue with. ” I figure if I can help someone have a better day, it would be a good job.”
So instead of questioning, I prayed.
After high school, he decided not to go the college route but work his way up through training, when he was old enough to go into the academy, he did very well, never regretting his decision to pursue this career.
This praying mom continued to ask the Lord to direct and protect.
As I watched on the side lines again, this young man transitions into a roll where major responsibilities became daily habits. I knew he would do well, as he had been trained to suit up and show up.
After graduation from the academy which was in the big city, he moved back home for a few months to get situated in his new career.
The night before his first day was here and I was questioning for the first time, “is this going to be ok Lord?”
I remember going to bed that night feeling like maybe I should get up early to pray with him before he left, but at the same time I didn’t want to hover.
So I prayed “Lord, if you want me to wake up and pray with him. Please wake me up.”
And went to sleep without setting the alarm. My eyes popped open at 4:48am just a few minutes before he would leave.
I stepped out of my bedroom and as looked around the corner at the exact same moment a completely suited up and armored police officer was stepping down the last step from upstairs.
My son looked ready for game day. You could see the excitement in his posture and face. He looked reliable and ready.
I told him that I was awakened to pray with him before he left.
I remember placing my hand on his shoulder and asking God to give me the the words which came and were not my own, they flowed seamlessly and were a badge of protection over him and his mind. I know in that moment it was a blessing to witness the Lord use my son as one of His own.
Afterward it was time for him to go, he collects his gear to carry out to his truck which is about 50 yards away from the house.
It’s still dark out and he has to make several trips so I decided to pick up his outer bullet proof vest and walk it out to the porch.
It was a heavy load and in that moment it felt real.
If he was wearing this added vest..it meant danger.
My heart felt just as heavy.
As I was watched him walk out into the darkness the reality of his choice began to sink in.
Even though I knew the Lord was hearing my prayers, I saw and felt the realness of this new chapter in front of me.
Our driveway has a parking area at the end of it, there’s a hill that separates the house and yard from it. I was looking out in the darkness beyond that hill for his figure to come back into the light when all the sudden a bright light comes on out there in the darkness.
It was the light given to him for his armor.
My son was not in the total darkness but had a light for his path.
I stood there watching the spiritual implication unfold, as he was walking towards me.
Inwardly praising God for this spiritual reality.
Here’s the truth of the matter -we are all living in a very dark world, filled with uncertainty and potential danger at every corner. But God.
God sent His son that we may have the truth which gives light in the darkness.
We are offered this light which is the truth of His Word and if we use it we are never left in darkness.
He will provide and protect.
He doesn’t want to leave you in the dark, but He will not trespass. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks, you only need to choose to let Him come in and live.
It is my hope that something in this story helps you today to seek His armor and walk in the light of His truth because He loves you.
In Christ love, amen
Side note: That first day he was called to one suicide death and one who passed while living alone, another reason that morning prayer was essential.
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