These Ladies are Counting on Me!

So...last week was a huge week. 

Thursday, I had the wonderful honor and privilege of accompanying Jenn (birth mom for baby due in June) to her bi-weekly OB/GYN appointment.  I met her doctor (He gave me the stamp of approval), he did an ultrasound (even though it wasn't supposed to be done at that appointment), and we talked about her birth plan.  It was a really special day for me...as I continue to bond with Jenn.  She is strong...selfless....amazingly grounded in her decision.  As she looks in my eyes and says, "Tammy, I trust you.  I know my little girl will have a great life with you and Chris!"....my heart becomes heavy.  This mama is counting on me!

THEN...on Friday, we had court for "Tank".  This day was one of the hardest, most gut-wrenching days of my life thus far.  We entered court knowing there was a possibility that the child we love...that we call son....might be leaving our home forever.  During court, Tank's mom decided to voluntarily relinquish her rights, and ultimately, after the full trial, Tank's dad's right were terminated by the court.  I had the opportunity to visit with Tank's mom after court.  We cried together, we hugged, and we talked about the little boy that we both love.  She said "I know you guys love him, I know he loves you...and I know he will have a good life with you and Chris".  Again....my heart became heavy.  This mama is counting on me!

Both of these mamas...were brought into my life for a reason.  God's perfect plan had our crazy, UNperfect lives intertwine in a way that only he can orchestrate.  While the stories are different...when I ponder our reality as it unfolds before us...one thing holds true and is very much the same!  These mamas are counting on me....to be the chosen mom for their child. 

To Jenn:

I promise you....
~I will love your daughter with everything I have....as she is my daughter too.
~She will always be safe...if it within my power to assure.
~I will teach her to love herself.
~She will know she is beautiful.
~She will understand self-respect...as well as how to respect others.
~I will teach her about diversity and how we are called by God to love ALL others.
~She will be exposed to music, art, and culture.
~She will be shown that she can have just as much fun playing outside in the mud, as inside with dolls (although dolls are great too!)
~I will encourage her to dream big...and support her in fulfilling ALL her dreams.
~She will learn about independence...and that she can do anything she sets her mind to....ALL BY HERSELF!
~I would like to say I will teach her how to cook and how to change a tire (But that will probably be Chris' job more than mine).
~I will hold her when she cries....and I will roll on the floor with her when she wants to laugh.
~I will help her put on her ballet shoes, tutu, and sit front row at her dance recital.....OR I will help her put on her shin guards, chest protector, and yell the loudest as she gets the runner out at home plate! 
~ Most importantly, I will teach her about God and His love....the one through whom all things are possible!  She will be encouraged to pray and to be a spiritual leader.

To "Tank's" mom:

I promise you...
~I will love your son with everything I have....as he is my son too.
~He will be safe....if it is within my power to assure.
~I will teach him to love himself.
~He will know he is handsome.
~He will be taught NOT to be a bully...but to defend himself when necessary.
~I will teach him about diversity, and that we are all called by God to love ALL others.
~I will teach him how to be respectful to women.  Chivalry is not dead, and therefore, he will know how to use it.
~He will be exposed to sports, and encouraged to play one....however, he will also be exposed to culture, art, and music....and encouraged to draw, sing, paint, and write.
~I will teach him how to clean a toilet, do his own laundry, and dust/ vacuum a living room.
~He will know that while it's good to be strong, it is also good to be sensitive.
~I will encourage him to follow his dreams....no matter how lofty they may seem!  The sky's the limit son!
~Most importantly, I will teach him about God and His love....the one through whom all things are possible!  He will be encouraged to pray and to be a spiritual leader.


These mamas are counting on me!  I will make many mistakes.  I will be learning as I go through this life/ challenge known as parenting.  But ladies...I promise you....I will love your children, as they are my children too!

To Be in Prayer...and to be Prayed For

I love praying!  To be able to pray for someone in a time of need....is something I take very seriously.  If I tell you I'm going to be in prayer for you....you can rest assured on that promise. 

I love praying for the hard stuff...for those that are dying, for those dealing with difficult issues in relationships, those that are struggling in faith or for those that do not know Him yet.

I love praying for someone...just because!  I may not know their needs on that day...or if they even have any specific needs.  But just to say....Lord, you know them and their heart....bless this person in the ways only you can!

One of my favorite ways to be in prayer...is in thanksgiving!  I'm thankful EVERYDAY....even on the hard days.  And to start each and every prayer in thanksgiving is such a blessing to my life.  Now don't get me wrong...that prayer maybe quickly followed up with "Help" or "Why" or "What".  But, to know that in all things and all times...I can always start with thanksgiving is wonderful to me.

Now...if I love being in prayer that much...WHY do I feel such struggle with asking others to pray for me?  I feel like a burden....I feel needy.  And as of late...I feel like I'm CONSTANTLY asking for prayers.  I am soooo ready to NOT be on a prayer list/ chain!  :-)

Yes...our life is stressful right now, but who's isn't?  We all have stress and trials and complicated things going on.  So why should I be seeking any more prayer than the next guy?  I truly wrestle with this issue...this feeling that my "stuff" isn't as important as other people's "stuff".  So...Tammy...keep your need for prayer to yourself!

Then...you come in contact with someone like Greg Box....a dear friend from church.  He looks you in the eyes, with such sincerity, and says "I consider it a huge honor to pray for someone that needs prayer, so please...can I pray for you today."  WOAH!

Then it clicks....we are called by God to be in prayer! 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

So....for those reading....ask me to pray for you!  It's part of my responsibility as a Christian...to be in faithful prayer ALL THE TIME!  And please...I'm asking you....pray for me too!