Mommas, don't let your babies grow up to be....

You know that old country song "Mommas, don't let your babies grow up to be..cowboyssss"? Well, I was hearing that tune in my head today, but I have inserted different words. I can use any or all of these versions:
"Mommas, don't let your babies grow up to be...tear gasssssssed" or "Mommas, don't let your babies grow up to be....pepper sprayeddddddd"  or  "Mommas, don't let your babies grow up to be....shot atttttttt"
 
I am saying this light heartedly right now (although I have lived through all of the above!) , but the truth is you cannot stop your babies from doing what God wants them to do, or what God has in store for them, even when it is painful and scary. We want to protect them from all harm, and hurt, and injury---of course we do..! But, we can't. We can equip them though, with the years that we still have them at home. The truth is, I am so glad, and blessed to know my kids are growing up with the passion to protect and serve and minister to the people, and to protect the rights of those who have no voice, or not enough voice. I am so blessed to know that they care for mankind so much, that they are willing to put themselves in harm's way. When they were little, it was so hard to imagine them going out in the world, and in any kind of danger, especially of their own choosing! Reality is, God is in control, and it is a more peaceful existence to live that out every day, instead of fighting it due to fears and worries. Some of my kids have headed out into the world to fight evil and injustice with the "sword", some of them with the sword of the Spirit, and some of them BOTH! I have conscientious objectors, warriors, and one that is BOTH...my life is overflowing with the blessings that come from really and truly learning to trust the Lord with their lives...and my heart is bursting with pride and joy as I watch my kids live out their passions and dreams. So, the real song should be "Mommas, just let your babies grow up to be..what God wants them to be! (no matter what ...no matter what..no matter what..." Just guide them, love them, listen to them every step of the way until they let go of your hand and take their own grown up path. And most importantly, pray pray pray...and when you are done praying, pray some more!
And while one of mine is practicing handcuffing the bad guys (which means, anyone who walks in our front door-willing or unwilling lol ), one of them is practicing preaching the Word of the Lord, one of them is practicing adjusting the spinal column during the weekend, and is finishing out his warrior duties one weekend a month, and one of them is determined to shed light on bullying, injustice, and the TRUTH, through media--I will go pray, and thank the Lord for my babies. What a blessing they are to me...