A few weeks ago I woke up to a 1am phone call from my daughter who was in far off Thailand. I knew before I even looked at her name on my phone, it was her and the news would be bad. She told me 8 bombs had gone off in the last few hours, all targeting tourists very close to her hotel.
Sleep and all other life circumstances ended for me at that moment. I stayed glued to the Internet for the next 24 hours as I watched 4 more bombs detonate far too close to my precious daughter. She finally made it to the airport and safely home.
I don’t think there has ever been a time that I relied on God more, prayed harder, or held my breath longer. Even at 22, she has always lived close to me and this somehow gave me a sense of control over her safety and wellbeing. Those hours between her phone call from Thailand to my beautiful little girl landing at our local airport showed me how false that sense of control has been all of these years.
God is the only one who can keep our kids safe. I couldn’t even reach her by airplane to hold her close and tell her she’s safe before her intended departure from this country under attack. Knowing this made me lean on God and trust Him to do that special comforting that us mommies sometimes think only we can provide.
I came to the realization it’s been Him all along. My body may have been there to hold her in those dark moments and my voice to soothe her, but He is the one who truly comforts and protects our babies. He holds power that we could only dream of.
Join me at my dear friend’s online space today, ArabahJoy.com, for more about this scary situation, including adorable pictures of my precious girl during her travels. If you are a chronic worrier like me, don’t miss the helpful new tool I’m sharing there…
Wow, Candace. This is speaking volumes to me already. Two weeks ago, I happened to look at my phone before going to bed and saw that my son was in a lock down at his university with a shooter on the loose. Talk about losing sleep. I just started praying. I wasn’t panicked, but I couldn’t sleep until the situation was resolved. But yes, it’s been God all along.
What a scary situation, Betsy! Sleep definitely alluded me as well until my daughter was on a plane headed home. The love and concern we have for our kids are incredibly intense. I’m so thankful your son is safe!
Oh that is so scary! I too worry, so thank you for these words. My oldest goes to middle school next year, and I am already dreading it. But God will take care of her!
He will absolutely take care of her, Sarah :). Middle school is a big transition for our kids and us mommies, so I completely understand your dread. My youngest will start high school next year. They grow up too fast!
That must have been so scary, Candace. I’m so glad your daughter is safe. The pictures are so awesome. 🙂 It can be so hard to let go and let God, can’t it? As you say – “Only God.” Even when our children are grown, I still worry. Also about each of our grandchildren. But I have to keep turning them over into our God who alone can watch over them. Thank you for sharing the hope we have in God, especially when we are incessant worriers. 🙂 Blessings and hugs to you!
I’m obsessed with all the pictures she came home with, Trudy. Those 2 don’t even begin to show the enormity of her summer travel. I know you appreciate photos like I do, my friend. I completely agree with you that the worry never stops, no matter how old they are. I can’t even imagine how crazy I will be over grandkids some day ;).
How terrifying, Candace! I know exactly what you mean, relying completely on God to take care of our babies. When we have to surrender COMPLETELY because it is totally out of our control- on our knees we go, and there is such comfort in knowing we have placed our children in the hands of the Almighty God. Off to read!
There really is such comfort in that, Chris. It’s been a long road for me, but I’m making great strides with His help :).
Wow!!! I’m heading over now to finish reading your post.
Thanks, Sonya! I’ll see you over there :).