“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Letting Go

Walk His Way Revisited
First Posted October, 2014

 When my children were little I was not a very patient mom. I worried most of the time about them staying clean, matching clothes, combed hair, being respectful in public, and teaching them to love God and treat others kindly. I’m sad to say, looking back, I think I just did my best to “survive” being a young mother and regret now that I was concerned about many things that turned out to be unimportant.

I admired my best friend who was so patient and calm with her kids—and she had six of them! Motherhood came so naturally to her. She was always composed and never let much of anything ruffle her feathers as a mom. One day one of her little ones who was crawling got “lost” in her huge house. I was frantic about looking for him and she just said, “Don’t worry; he can’t go far and he will show up soon.” And soon he did. I was always the opposite as a mom. In retrospect I see that I could have done motherhood better, but God knew I was the best mom for my children at that time and I’ve accepted it.

Now that my children are all adults, my job of caring for their physical needs is over. My role now has taken on much more depth and I am learning to let go and care for their souls.  I still struggle when they make decisions that may lead them down a scary path or seem like a detour to me. I have found great comfort in turning my worries into dedicated prayers. I have found great strength and victory in praying scriptures over my children.

I usually pick one child or person a day and cover them in prayer using scriptures to meet their specific need or situation. Sometimes I journal my prayers, and sometimes I pray silently or out loud. The power of God’s written Word in dedicated prayer for my children (and others in my life) has moved me from a place of fear to a place of trust and letting them go into God’s great care and promises for their lives. I’ve seen so many answered prayers, both great and small, and this gives me great encouragement and hope.

Thank You, Lord, for the powerful gift of prayer. This practical tool You have provided gives us great confidence and hope in letting go and trusting You. Amen.