A letter to my sons

To my sons,

One of you is running around in your Cameroonian soccer jersey, with a batman cape and mask over the top. You are full of laughter and energy.

One of you is sitting on the floor playing quietly with matchbox cars, in your striped blue and green shirt.  You are full of contentment and wonder.

One of you is in my arms, still too young to walk, watching your brothers with a delightful grin. You are full of joy and serenity.

As I watch you play, and hold you close, I will teach you...

To not view a man by the color of his skin, or the clothes he wears, or even by the choices he makes, but through the eyes of the One who created him.

To fight for justice, but leave vengeance to the Lord.

To treat every woman with love, honor, and respect. To protect her dignity. To affirm her beauty and worth as being so much more than external appearance.

To stand for truth, yet speak it in love.

To care more about what is right, than what is safe.

To know your neighbor - the literal one across the street or next door. To help them when in need, and be willing to share needs of your own.

To take care of the widow, orphan, and unwanted.

To protect and cherish all children.

To really see the homeless person in front of you, and reach out to them in some way.

To truly love and care for the refugee - arms open wide with food, shelter, compassion and hope.

To work hard, rest well, and invest your life in people.

To follow God in the specific and unique ways He made you.

To see money and career as a tool to care for your family and help others.

To have patience and compassion for those struggling with religion, God, and the Christian church especially. Most of these people have been deeply hurt. Let them wrestle. Just be quietly by their side.

To respect and learn from the elderly.

To see and serve those that are marginalized or pushed out of their societies.

To take care of this earth on which you were placed.

To value God's agenda above your own reputation.

To find your life, not through self-preservation, but through pouring it out.

To love Jesus and people with all you are -- by really knowing Him and His love for you.

To be led continually by God's Spirit -- only He can guide your heart, mind, and steps in the way you should go.

Oh my sons, you were born with many gifts and privileges. They were only granted for you to give back to God, and use for mankind. God created and placed you on this earth, in our family, at just this time, for a purpose far beyond yourselves.

Boys, you are growing up in a world of much darkness. I pray that you will daily see redemption, beauty, and hope -- and shine brightly because of it.

So as I struggle today to know how to respond to the tragedy, brokenness, and pain of this world, God quiets my heart with this truth...

My response is to live out the calling God has given me today -- raising you.

I love you always, and pray I can lead you continually to the One who carries us all.

Love,
Your Momma