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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: A MIGHTY FORTRESS (don't write about the song) (04/23/15)
Releasing Her Hand to Safety

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 NIV

It was the chance of a lifetime for my eleven year old daughter, Abby. She won a scholarship to a basketball camp at North Carolina State University this past summer. As part of her camp experience, she had the opportunity to stay on campus in a dorm with a roommate for four days and three nights.

Did I mention that I didn’t get to stay with her? Great opportunity for Abby but as her protective mom, a heart wrenching time for me.

Abby, my husband, and I arrived at campus on the June check- in day with plenty of time to get Abby settled in her modest dorm room. The little room supported two bunk beds, a small closet area, and a feeble desk. It seemed so cold and lonely. I couldn’t imagine my sweet, full of life girl spending the next few days here by herself.

“What if she needs me? What if she doesn’t get along with her roommate? What if she gets sick?” were just a few of the thoughts that scurried through my mind.

No, I wasn’t ready to leave her just yet. We still had a lot more time together or so I thought. We walked back to the gymnasium together and spent our remaining time talking about all the exciting things she would be able to do in the upcoming week.

Suddenly, her leader appeared and whisked the girls into a straight line. Then they all started walking toward the door. My heart raced and I began to worry, “Were they leaving for good now? So soon? Don’t I get a chance to say goodbye?”
I ran to catch up with Abby as she’d already made it outside now, walking down the sidewalk with her ponytail swishing happily.

I reached her in line and grabbed her precious hand. “I love you and I’m going to miss you so much,” I whispered.

“I love you too, Mom,” she replied. I pulled her hand in close to my chest, never letting go of my intense grip as we exchanged a quick hug.

I wanted to continue walking with her, holding her hand firmly. I didn’t want to let go. I couldn’t let go.

But I knew I had to.

The words from a Bible verse in Isaiah came to mind, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”

It was as if the Lord Himself was speaking to me saying, “Let her go. I will hold her hand and take care of her. Do not worry.”

Even though it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, I mustered up the courage to let go of my baby girl. I released her hand as my eyes filled with tears and I watched her continue to trot down the sidewalk on her new adventure.

My heart felt sad and broken because I knew it would be an eternity before I would see my daughter again. How was she going to survive the week without me but also, how was I going to survive without her?

I clung to the Isaiah Scripture the entire week Abby was at camp. It provided comfort and a safe haven for me during such an anxious period in my life. I was assured God was with Abby every step of the way. Every drill she practiced, every meal she ate, every conversation she spoke, He was there. God would never let go and she would be safe. He showed me I had to release Abby’s hand to Him, so that He could grasp it, easing her worries, leading her, protecting her.

And what’s more, I grew in my relationship with God as I learned to trust in Him completely. By freeing my grasp on Abby, I was able to reach up toward the Lord, my fortress of safety and protection. Of course He was there to hold my right hand also, giving me strength and boldness to push through missing my girl so much.

Find peace in knowing that no matter what trials or circumstances you find yourself in today, God is there, holding onto you. Trust in Him to help you as He has promised to do
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
04/30/15
Aww...what a beautiful touching story with a powerful message. Well done!

God bless~
Hannah Gaudette
05/01/15
Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing this.

God Bless
Teresa Crumpton 
05/01/15
A wonderful, well-told story with an important message! This story really makes me want to trust the Lord more, to spend more time with him, rather than worrying. Well done.
Lollie Hofer 
05/03/15
You did a great job in expressing your fears and concern for your daughter. This is a great message for all moms in helping them to be able to do what seems impossible...letting go. It reminds them that they can trust God to be there when they can't.