He’s been working on my son’s heart for some time now.
I’ve seen God grab hold of him and literally rock his world this summer.
As a mom it is one of the most incredible things to watch.
I’ve prayed that God would stir him and draw him closer to Jesus, but never in a million years did I expect this to rock my world too.
This past May my husband (as one of the Pastors) went with one of the missions team members over to tour the devastation in Haiti and open the door to a partnership with a group called GCA (Great Commission Alliance) and our church.
It was there that the spark was ignited and the beginning of this amazing journey for my son began.
The church started to plan another trip for this summer and at the very first missions meeting he knew that he had to go.
Over the next few months he started to read the book “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan, had weekly meetings with our Student Pastor and then had a chance to hear Francis Chan speak at the Big Stuf camp in Daytona Beach. Everything he did this summer seemed to centered on this Haiti missions trip.
The crazy part about all of this is that it had been something that I had prayed about, dreamed about and always hoped for with my boys, but now that it was coming true and requiring him to step way out of the comfort zone I was the one that started to get really nervous.
Yes, because it is a dangerous environment, but also because my son isn’t like your everyday, ordinary teenage boy. Yes, on the outside he looks like a typical boy, but on the inside he has diabetes and a seizure disorder. This pretty much makes the whole concept of traveling on a mission’s trip to a third world country a tad bit more frightening.
We went to all his specialists, had blood work, did shots and got clearance from pretty much everyone in a white coat to let him go, but as the time inched closer it became harder and harder for me to let him go.
It was the night before he was to leave for Haiti and as I packed up all his emergency meds I totally lost all sense of peace and at that very moment panic started to settle in. My chest was tight, it was hard to breathe and I teetered on complete breakdown at any moment.
I called out to my prayer warriors via text and begged them to pray for me, for him, for the trip and for the team that was going. Within minutes the peace that surpasses all understanding came back and I knew that in that moment that God was telling me that I had to walk forward in faith and that I had to let him go.
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebews 11:1 NLT
He left for Haiti the next day, spent five days taking care of the orphans and widows, and even made a buddy (pictured above). He did end up getting very sick on day four, but thankfully it wasn’t related to his diabetes or seizures so they were able to treat him quickly and without complication.
There’s absolutely nothing that could have prepared me for what I have been blessed to witness this summer, but I am so glad that I had to let him go.
by Melissa Mashburn, Mel’s World with Melissa Mashburn
Leave a Comment
Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
Melissa,
What a great story. We all hope and pray for our children to love and serve the Lord. I never knew it would be so hard when that day actually happens. I still look forward to that day when my sons are giving themselves to the Lord.
Thank you for your encouraging post.
Blessings,
Janis
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Yes it IS hard Janis, but it is also so very rewarding too! Thank you so much for stopping by today, Melissa 🙂
Sharon says
It really rocked my parents world when we went to the southern Philippines. Not just us leaving them but taking their grandkids half way around the world was not a pleasant thought to them. I enjoyed watching God work on their hearts the longer we were there and when they came to visit the work there, their hearts were burdened for the work there. The church there continues to thrive and it is so amazing to watch God work. My parents walk a lot closer the Lord now and their faith was strengthened through our obedience to walk in His will for us. May the Lord continue to bless you as he continues to seek God’s will for his life.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Oh my goodness Sharon, I BET it did! The Philippines…that is so far away, oh but what a beautiful blessing you must have been there! Thank you so very much for your sweet words of encouragement! 🙂
Ginger says
I, too, have been there. When my 15 year old was called to China I couldn’t deny God’s call on her life and had to let her go…and then on to many more places around this world. Even when they face challenges we learn that they are the Lords and were long before they were ours. We slowly allow them to slide from our arms and leave them resting in the everlasting arms of the Lord.
Great post Melissa!!!
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Dear sweet Ginger,
You continue to bless and encourage me! What a gift you are, you have no idea just how much I learn from you and thank you for allowing me to be a small part of Ginger’s World.
Bunches of Hugs,
Melissa
Sandra Heska King says
And sometimes we have to let go even when they are heading away from the Lord.
Hard. So very, very hard.
So beautiful that God is working on His heart, walking arm and arm with Him. And working on yours to grow in trust.
Hugs to you, Melissa.
Sandra Heska King says
Oops. Those “Hims” should be “hims.” 😉
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
You are so absolutely right Sandra…it’s hard being a mom, I’m sure it always has been but as they get older the “stuff” gets bigger, doesn’t it?
Yes He is working on ME too as He walks arm in arm with my son, what an amazingly beautiful picture!
Hugs back at ya girlie! 🙂 ~ Melissa
Tammy says
Melissa –
Thanks so much for sharing! My husband has diabetes and I can imagine the fear that you felt. It’s a very real concern. God’s peace surpasses all understanding. I’m so glad that you that you were able to “let go” and not get in the way of what God wants to do in his life. A blessing for him and for you!
Hugs,
Tammy
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Tammy,
You are so very welcome, it was so refreshing for me to share this part of our journey. YES…you know exactly what I am talking about with the diabetes, it just throws a wrench into everything and it was while I was packing all his emergency meds that the reality of the gravity of the situation smacked me right in the face. Yes, He is continuing to bless me AND my son from this step of letting go.
Hugs to you too…
Melissa 🙂
I Live in an Antbed says
Beautiful testimony! I, too, have a son whose heart is pulled toward missions. Always has been. He is making plans to spend next summer in Africa. But, we do not have the medical issues. Your trust in the Lord, even when you were terrified, is so encouraging. When you couldn’t “get there” on your own, you ran to His Body to hold up your arms like Joshua and Aaron did for Moses. That’s exactly what we have to do. Thank you for being so transparent and for being a prayer warrior! Thank you, too, for offering your precious son to His work. May He bless you richly.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Did you say the whole summer in Africa? WOW…that is amazing!!! Thank you so much for your sweet and encouraging words, you have no idea how much I appreciate that. YES…we have to call on Him and our sisters in Christ when we can’t hold our arms up one.minute.longer. I am so glad you “saw” that in the post.
Bunches of Hugs to you! ~ Melissa 🙂
Linda Thomas says
I appreciate your honesty as well as your journey of faith. My mother was terribly upset when my husband and I and our kids moved to South America with Wycliffe Bible Translators . Later, as empty-nesters, we moved to Africa with Wycliffe, and once again my mother was terribly heartsick. But bless her heart, she let us go. Now my kids are married with children of their own, and my heart skips a beat when my daughter and son-in-law mention they’re thinking about going to the mission field. But if God calls them to do so, I know I’ll offer them up to God, even though it will be very painful. I will contact you later about being a guest blogger on my blog, as I’m planning to write on the very topic of letting kids go to the mission field.
I’m looking forward to checking out your blog.
Thanks again.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Thank you so much Linda for your sweet words, I can only imagine how your mom was unnerved when you and your family moved to South America. That is absolutely a giant leap of faith for her AND for you! How exciting to see how your step of faith stretched her, you and now your kids…that is totally AWESOME!
YES!!! Please DO contact me about writing something with you on your blog on this topic, I would love that. You can email me at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com, I\’m looking forward to connecting with you more! Melissa 🙂
allison morrison says
So true….it’s hard to remember that they are God’s before they are ours…my boy’s are still young, but I’m learning that I have to let go a little everyday to let them live their lives so they can reach their ‘God-potential’….Thanks for sharing!
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Allison, you are right on…it IS hard to remember they are His first, we are so blessed to call them ours. That is the key…”letting go a little everyday”…thanks for stopping by! Melissa 🙂
Amy Sullivan says
It is so hard for me to believe that God loves my girls just as much as I do, and although I am years away from the time to truly let go, I hope this truth will comfort me when I have to take that giant step.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Amy, that giant step gets closer each and every day…I look at my boys and can not even begin to believe that they are 14 & 16 and inching closer to college, wow! Hold on, love them, squeeze them and enjoy them! ~ Melissa
Janelle says
I love you Melly Mash. What an encouraging story…thank you for opening your heart and sharing.
Reminds me of a super inspiring verse…
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
Hebrews 10:39
xoxoxo
mucho mucho love and hugs!
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Janelle,
You are such an incredible blessing to me! Thank you for being so passionate about pursing Him. I love watching your fire burn brightly no matter where you are, whether it is in Miami or in Haiti, you are who you are and you are so beautiful!
Love ya girlie!
Mel 🙂
Linda @ prone to wander says
Oh, the letting go. Years ago before my older ones were older, the Lord reminded me His grace was sufficient for me and for them as well. And to trust Him. Difficult at times to walk in. So wise to let him go with your blessing. Still, it is not easy but it is necessary. I hope you have been very encouraged by this act of faith and seeing your son pressing on toward maturity.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Linda, oh my goodness YES, I could write pages and pages of blessings that have come from that decision and will be spending time these next few weeks in Mel’s World talking about some of the incredible things that have happened since that trip. It’s not easy being a mama but thankfully He knew what He was doing when He gave us the kids we have, I’m so thankful to be their mama!
Beth says
This is exactly where I am right now- my son is not being pulled towards missions, but I’m having to let him go as I watch him work through an extremely difficult emotional time. He’s seeking the Lord and pursuing righteousness, but I know there are many days he just wants to throw in the towel. I read about Moses the other day, and I realized that through prayer and supplication I’ve tar and pitched his basket, and now I have to place him in the Nile and wait for God’s rescue.
It’s by far the most difficult parenting challenge I’ve had so far in his 23 years- but it’s a growing, stretching, challenging time that’s deepening my faith and his.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Beth,
YES!!! You have tar and pitched his basket, you have laid the foundation and the rest is up to God. That’s a hard one for us mama’s, we want to swoop in there and help but there are so many things/lessons they need to learn only with God.
I will absolutely be praying for you and your son during this intense season of growing, stretching and challenging. Hold tight to Him Beth, He’s holding on to your boy!
{{hugs}}
Melissa
Holley Gerth says
Melissa, I love how you revealed the other side of bravery…the ones those letting go have to have for others to fulfill their God-sized Dreams. It’s just as important, just as beautiful, just as HARD. Thank you for this encouraging post!
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Oh Holley,
You are so sweet, thank you so much for seeing “the other side of bravery”. I absolutely didn’t feel so brave at that point in time, but I trust in Him and He continues to carry me through when I can’t take one more step.
What an honor to share a little piece of My World with you and your friends over here at (in)courage. Thank you for opening the doors for so many amazing guests these last few weeks.
{{Hugs}}
Melissa 🙂
shelly @ Life on the Wild Side says
Yep. Totally get this. In fact, I wrote about it this summer when my 16-year-old went to serve at camp for 8 weeks. Hard to do, but it’s what we raise them for, isn’t it?
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Absolutely Shelly, you nailed it…it IS exactly what we raise them for, who knew when the time came that it would be so “hard” though? 8 WEEKS? That is so awesome, you are one awesome mama! ~ Melissa 🙂
lorrie says
ive been going to a bible study of crazy love only on chapter 4 but its an amazing book
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Lorrie, Can you believe that I still haven’t read this book? Crazy, I know! I have heard all about it and everyone I know that has read it says that it is a MUST READ but I still haven’t read it. I’m gonna have to head on over to Amazon right now and order it…glad you are enjoying it! Be ready to have it rock your world! 🙂
Lisa Shaw says
Mel, I can hear your Mother’s heart within your words. As a Momma Bear, I know how it feels to release your cubs in any way. I’m so excited for your son and the testimony he has now and the ones to come.
How GREAT is our GOD that he permitted this trip, kept your son (and husband and all others) safe from harm, equipped them to minister to the widows and orphans and even though your son became sick it was nothing too hard for our GOD to work out! Hallelujah!!!
Thanks for sharing with us! Awesome!!!
Love and blessings!
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Lisa Shaw,
Girl, you know my mama bear ways and you know that this was not easy for me when the time actually came, but He stepped in and gave us complete peace, for that I am eternally grateful.
The doors kept flying open for my son to go, it was it God was saying there is not a single thing that is going to keep this boy from going, and that not a single thing was also me!
The ripples from this trip continue to reverberate in our lives to this day and history is being made, lives are being changed and our boy is growing into a man after God’s own heart. What more could a mama bear ask for?
Love ya bunches girl!
Mel 🙂
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Michelle says
Thank you for sharing your heart, Melissa. Letting our kids spread their wings is hard on us, but it’s so neat to sit back and watch what God has planned in their lives. What a great story you are watching unfold right before you.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
You are so right Michelle, it is hard on us, but it is so spectacular too when we do actually take the time to sit back and see what God is doing in their lives. Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement! ~ Melissa 🙂
Gezina Shaw-Butler says
Hey Mel.
So proud of you. Keep writing !!!
You have an amazing son – no, actually sons as they are both amazing, following the example set by great parents !
Miss you lots,
Gezina.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Dear sweet Gezina,
Every time I see your name it makes me smile! Thank you so much for always being such an incredible cheerleader and encourager for me! I miss having you close so we could grab coffee, talk about a book or just create something fun together. Thank you for your sweet words about my boys…they are good boys and I am so proud to be their mama!
Bunches of Hugs,
Melissa 🙂
Praise and Coffee says
Oh Melissa, your Momma’s heart is sooo precious!!
This is such a great testimony of our Great God and your wonderful family!!
Thank you and big hugs,
Sue
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Thank you my friend, what an incredible journey He has had us on, clinging tight on this wild roller coaster of adventure! Woohoo! xoxo, Mel <3
Erica says
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for sharing! I have and will continue to appreciate your willingness to be transparent about the joys and challenges of your Christian walk/lifestyle. Thank you for being a beacon of light that draws us back to Christ and to the heart of worship where it’s all about HIM. Continued blessings upon you, your marriage, your family and your ministry.
Big Hugs and Lots of Love,
Erica
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Thank you sweet Erica! I miss having you here in South Florida to chat with and to hug on! You “get me” and I totally appreciate that! Thank you so much dear sister for your kind words and encouragement, you continue to strengthen and bless me! Lots of love and hugs, Melissa 🙂
PS – While I was in Baltimore (for 45 minutes) a few weeks ago I was praying for you…you were heavy on my heart but in nothing but a good way!
Kristine McGuire says
This post made me cry. It’s a blessing to witness what God can do. Thank you for sharing it.
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Ahh, Kristine, you are so very sweet! It has been such a JOY getting to know you and watching God cross and connect our paths! xoxo, Melissa