Lord, only You know our fears and disappointments that threaten our faith! Allow this mother patience as her son struggles with the lies of Satan! Help him to recognize You in all things and heal his hurting soul! Bring a Peace and Hope to this mother who fears for her son and allow him to find his own path to You! Heal him of the hurts of youth and show him that in our human weakness, God is our strength! Help him to find the way home as he ventures into adulthood! Help him and all of us in our doubts and uncertainty! You’re love never fails and we are confident in Your promise to restore us when we fall away or doubt You! Amen

msmith: I love your momma’s heart! You reflect our God so well with it. I am reminded that when our youngest was headed to Biola University, a Christian school, the closer it got to his departure time, the more annoying he became. I don’t know what was all about but I do know that by the time he left, I was ready for him to go. It helped me let him go. Saying that is one thing, after he went, and for our eldest son also, we’ve spent the last TEN (10) years praying for our young men that they would take hold of the faith of their childhood in their adult life. Quite frankly, it’s been rocky. Our youngest married, and divorced our pastor’s daughter. Read: heartbreak for us and our entire church congregation. When something like this happens, you realize that as a parent you have no control over their decisions, but are on the ride of Life with them and feel the pain of poor decisions. Father we ask that You are ever present with this young man at Boot Camp. Be there for him when no one else is around, or when he is tempted to sin. Comfort him. Show him other believers that he can hang with. Bring to his mind scriptures that he has heard and needs in the moment. Show Yourself to him in a mighty way. Regardless of his attitude towards You, we know Your attitude towards him is that You love him deeply, and know him intimately. Sing Your blessings of peace and joy over him Lord. We pray for a Damascus road experience for this guy. We desire, and You desire him to be Your guy. May it be.

Father, lifting up this Mother’s son to You. Give him ears to hear Your voice and faith to trust You. Remind him of all the ways You have loved and cared for him. Holy Spirit, teach him to cast all his cares on You because You care for him and love him. Wash over him with Your peace and love. Fill him with joy. Remove doubt and fear- replace it with faith and love. Let him know that when he is weak, he is strong because You say so. Encourage his Mom not to worry, but just to love, guide and be persistent in prayer. Aww…a mother’s love. I understand. Bless this young man as he goes to boot camp. Let him draw close to You. Surround him with godly people who shine brightly for You. Let him shine with them. I love You, Lord! Be glorified in this family’s life today! I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.