Have you ever had anyone tell you to give your children back to the Lord when you give birth? I don’t know if that is something that just black families do or if it’s a religious thing, but I gave my kids to the Lord when they were born. I really did not know what that meant. I just thought it was something like a christening without the water. I would learn many years later what that really meant, and I want to share what I learned with all the BMWK parents.
I’ve learned having babies, toddlers and teenagers was the easiest time for us. I know you may not think that when they wake up at 2 a.m., throw tantrums in the store, break curfew or start dating. I didn’t think that either. During those times, I just prayed I would eventually sleep and make it through the preteen and teen years without going to jail.
Of course there were prayers when they were sick, prayers for protection when they went to school and when they hung out with friends. I kept reminding God that we gave them back to Him, and we brought them up in church. I felt if I reminded Him, He would make it easier to raise them. Little did I know my prayers would evolve, but I still didn’t know what it really meant to give them back to God.
I’ve learned my mom was right when she said parenting is harder when the kids are over 18. I thought once they are out the house, I didn’t have to worry too much about them, but I was so wrong. I worried more once they left home. I worried if they would make wise decisions. I worried about what we missed while we were raising them. And I worried about what we forgot to tell them as kids and teens.
My husband would say we taught them, now it’s time for our kids to put the teaching to work. I kept praying for God to make their lives into what I thought they should be. I prayed for what I wanted for my kids—what I thought was best for them. Then one day as I was in the shower (it seems like God talks to me when I’m in there), He told me to stop asking for what I want for my kids and start asking that His will be done in their lives.
I was like “wow…I never thought to do that.” Basically, the conversation summed up to be what I want for my kids may not be what God has for them. I leaned that I have to trust Him, not only for my kids but for everything in life. I will tell you it was hard at first. But when I prayed that God’s will be done, I asked that He blesses me to handle whatever happens. He has a purpose for them. It was then that I learned what it meant to give my kids to God.
I’ve learned that in order for me to have peace, I have to stop worrying about my kids who are 19 and 22 and trust God has them. That is such a release. And if you haven’t started praying for God’s will to be done in your kid’s life, please start. It can be hard to trust completely but know that Father does indeed know best.
BMWK family, what are your thoughts on praying this prayer?