TRUE COMFORT IN PRAYER
The two of us at Crackerjax
In the wee hours of the morning, I wrapped my arms around the both of them and prayed. Time brings about drastic changes in the lives of youngsters. After they left, even though it was only three o’clock in the morning, sleep evaded me like a hunt for leprechauns and unicorns.
I thought back to other times in her life when our youngest was anxious, apprehensive, and downright nervous. One in particular I chronicled right here back in August of 2010 – that post, “The First Day Of School”, was precisely that; her first day of junior high school.
I shared how I prayed with her sitting on my knee prior to the bell on her first day of school, back before it wasn’t cool to sit on your dad’s knee. I knew even more difficult days lie ahead for her – it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
I also knew instinctively that if they were going to be tough for her, they were gonna be tough for me… It’s hard to have one without the other, that’s like trying to lose your shadow in an Arizona summer.
My wife and little one got up at three, our youngest had to be at the airport at four thirty. I rolled out of the sack for just one reason; to pray with and for my little one. Not just her, but her classmates and all the folks going on the mission trip to Costa Rica.
I prayed for safety, for them being the hands and heart of God, and for fun… It’s tough sending your teenaged daughter into the unknown or uncertain. The snug grip of my daughter’s arm around me as I prayed said it all…
She’s not little anymore. She’s not worried about trivial things like forgetting her locker combination these days. She’s learned that it’s a fallen world and for far more than just the theological point of view taught at her Christian school. She knows this world is ugly and has more that its share of evil.
This is her calling. It’s her turn, it’s her time. Our job is to support and pray.
I knew when I penned that post four and a half years ago that God was preparing her for events like this. He brings all of us along for His good will and purpose. Our job is obedience, and like I shared back when I started this site; that’s easier said than done…
Our youngest will be gone for eight days. That’s a long time for me… I pray it’s not for her.
Our flesh tends to want to make life a cakewalk for our loved ones, but I know at this point in my life that kind of reasoning backed up with actions is a disaster in the making. We’ve all seen that first hand.
I’ve learned that being uncomfortable brings about wisdom and joy in a way that only the ones that have experienced it can grasp… During trying times, I find true comfort in prayer …
And on my knees…
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 2:51 pm
Not only is she a pretty girl, she is also one who is following her calling. For that, she is ready. She also has an added plus my friend-you and mom back home praying the daylights out for her. I look for a changed young lady when she comes home. And a changed father… 🙂
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 5:54 pm
Hello, my friend. Not sure if this will work. I am replying via mobile phone. So, here it goes…I know that you are great father and judging from the picture you are protective. This might be hard to hear and yet, I believe you understand what I’m saying. There comes a time whe you need to let go and let your children be independent and let God handle the rest. I believe that she will be fine and this will be wonderful experience. She’s in my prayers.
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 7:03 pm
Amen, Floyd. Sending prayers up for your daughter and her mission team. May God prepare the way before them, and be their Rearguard. And may He bring comfort to you and your wife as you pray her through!
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 7:40 pm
Hope she has a wonderful time! I’m lucky – our youngest is home for spring break this week, and second youngest is coming for the last half of the week! Aren’t we blessed to have great daughters? (And sons for me!)
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 8:58 pm
I can feel your nervousness, or your separation anxiey, lol. God is with her and>/i> with her Dad. Don’t stress, she’ll be back home in your arms in no time. Love the pictures!
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 10:48 pm
I too pray for her safety and for open doors to witness and share Jesus Christ. Rest assured that she is in God’s hands. As parents it is tough on us for these letting go times, but this one is a practice test.
Thank you for sharing your heart with me and others.
Monday, March 16, 2015 @ 2:33 am
Oh, my word, I am crying as I type this. I can SO relate to all you were saying. It hurts so much to let go…the older they get, the less they need us, and it all just goes by way too fast. I have been looking forward to reading this post, and it did not disappoint! I never leave her disappointed….your words are always a blessing and so relatable. I trust God will hold your precious girl close to His heart while she is away from you and that He will hold you just as close. My dear, sweet Mom used to tell me that prayer is a long-range weapon that can reach as far as it needs to…so thankful for that. I am praying that God will keep her safe while she is away, that He will prosper her efforts while she is there, and that He will bring her back safely home to you again. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, brother. God send you the peace that only He can give.
Monday, March 16, 2015 @ 3:10 am
Prayers for your daughter as she participates in this wonderful ministry opportunity. May God use it to further define His call on her life. And may you have peace that passes all understanding throughout this time of separation from her, Floyd.
Monday, March 16, 2015 @ 6:50 am
Floyd, I felt the same way when we let our son go to South Africa for 3 1/2 weeks a few years ago. Your daughter is covered in the arms of God. And as I learned, our children are a lot safer in his arms than ours. Be blessed.
Monday, March 16, 2015 @ 8:00 am
Love these pictures, Floyd! 🙂 Praying for your daughter and her classmates in Costa Rica. I know how you feel, brother. Hard to let them go. But so thankful that we know a bigger Dad goes with them. Still hard not to worry though. :/
Monday, March 16, 2015 @ 3:40 pm
I’m relating to you! Praying for your daughter and those serving in Costa Rica. I don’t believe it will ever be easy to let go of them, even when their hair starts turning grey.
Blessings.
Monday, March 16, 2015 @ 10:14 pm
I found those who are successful and most effective take time on their knees praying. Prayer should be in our everyday life and actives. Great post!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 @ 1:16 am
I have sent my boys off four different overseas missions trips and a couple of them could have been dangerous. I was always a mixture of excitement and apprehension but the excitement always “won” because I was so grateful they were involved in Kingdom work, as I j is you are too. Praying for your sweet daughter and for her daddy. (Love the picture!) ❤️
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 @ 9:41 am
Really touching… unexpectedly made me emotional. I think perhaps the topic of fatherhood does that to me. There are so few godly fathers these days, and they are a commodity that is so valuable, both to the esteem and character of their children and also to society as a whole, that when I come across content about them it lingers with me. Will be praying too for your daughter, that all goes well with her and that God uses her to have an impact in the places He sends her.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 @ 5:22 pm
Without a doubt, the hardest faith challenge in my life has been, and continues to be, the ability to leave my children in the Lord’s hands. I love my sons so much. And I never want them to feel anything that hurts them or scares them or makes them struggle. You’d think it might be easier now that they’re grown up (32 and 28!). But no, once a mother (or father), always a mother. Our *parent hearts* will always hover and worry.
This was such a beautifully heartfelt post, Floyd. And I’m with you. Prayer is the only thing that brings me any comfort. I constantly remind myself that the Lord loves my boys far more than I ever could, and that He is faithfully writing HIS story in their lives. I pray for God to give me the courage to release them to HIS purposes, and to give me peace whenever I have to let go.
GOD BLESS!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 @ 5:56 pm
There is something so special about a praying dad. God created His men to be protective and cover us this way in our families. I know you are a man of prayer because your words are so anointed. Your little one is adorable and will forever be influenced by this mission trip. These experiences taught my girls volumes that books never could. And I remember how fervently I drew away in prayer. Add me to the list of prayer warriors. I love Costa Rica, btw, been there twice and love the people. I will pray for open doors for the gospel to be shared powerfully by this group.
And thank you for praying for my doctor. He gave his life to Jesus a few weeks ago! He wrote on FB that he believes Jesus will heal him and he longs to get well and be used to give back healing to our community!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 @ 7:22 pm
Hey, how exciting that your youngest is going on this mission trip to Costa Rica! I imagine that’s scary for you as a parent, but I am thrilled for her. My two eldest will be going with us on a missions trip this summer too, and it does feel different having them with, I agree. 🙂
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 @ 6:53 pm
As usual, good way of sharing. AND the writing being a bit higher has helped me read. AND when mentioning Costa Rica you really grabbed my heart. Dave and I were there for a week in Nov., ’98 and I was there for 2 weeks in April, ’00. And people know to pray and exceedingly lift the Lord during those times. Kids and people with them need a lot of spiritual protection and help. Thank you for sharing about your girls and it was wonderful to see the pictures. Thank you, Dear.
Thursday, March 19, 2015 @ 9:45 am
I’ve learned that being uncomfortable brings about wisdom and joy in a way that only the ones that have experienced it can grasp…
I’ve learned that being uncomfortable brings about wisdom and joy in a way that only the ones that have experienced it can grasp… During trying times, I find true comfort in prayer …
And on
That little sentence speaks volumes brother. Praise God your daughter is willing to come out of her comfort zone. What her eyes will see will affect her for the rest of her life. Looking forward to reading more details of her trip on your blog. It’s hard enough to let them travel in the states but traveling over seas brings about fears that only God can calm. It so much easier to go when you know the ones you love are behind you. It’s a step of faith for the whole family, one that will bring great rewards.
Thursday, March 19, 2015 @ 9:45 am
I must have liked that sentence since I type it twice…
Thursday, March 19, 2015 @ 12:49 pm
I heard one minister put it this way–to walk you have to become unbalanced. If you want perfect balance and staying comfortable it’s not possible to move forward. It’s uncomfortable for us and it’s uncomfortable for them, but God’s in the middle of the whole thing. That makes it worth it. Great post, my friend. Thanks Floyd.
Friday, March 20, 2015 @ 5:24 pm
Floyd,
You are such a great dad to not hold your daughter back even though I can imagine it is hard for you as you uses the wings you and your wife have given her…I pray God will be with her and the group…for God’s Presence and joy to be palpable to her and to her team…for good health and protection…take care as you wait for her return.
Saturday, March 21, 2015 @ 10:10 am
Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and heart. My little one is home and well and life has indeed been changed forever. Blessings to all of you!
Sunday, March 22, 2015 @ 10:10 am
Great to hear!! Blessings.