Do you have what it takes?

When I was pregnant, we decided to wait to find out if our child was a boy or girl until his birthday.  I love surprises and can hardly think of a more exciting surprise!  Most people were surprised to hear that we were waiting and often friends and strangers exclaimed, "I couldn't wait!"  Occasionally, we met another couple who had waited and they confirmed that it would add another level of anticipation to the baby's delivery.  At a baby shower, friends and family guessed the day they though the baby might come and gender. It was a lot of fun for me to dream about being mother to a baby boy or baby girl.  Most people were so kind and encouraging throughout my pregnancy. 

But someone along the way said to me, "You can't be a mother to a boy."  Has anyone ever said something to you that just got in your head and stuck there?  Maybe someone planted a seed of doubt about your ability to excel at school, or to be beautiful, or to overcome some disability.  Perhaps you had a goal to meet and someone told you that you'd never be able to do it.

I don't know why she said that to me.  In fact, I can't even remember who said it to me.  Thankfully, God has gifted me with a wonderfully forgetful mind.  It keeps me from holding grudges, but it doesn't keep me from remembering all ugly comments.  Maybe she thought she was being funny.   But then my son was born and her words haunted me a bit.  I began to wonder if she was right.  Of course, that's ridiculous.  I can absolutely be the mother to a boy.  I AM the mother to a boy!  A beautiful, smart, curious, growing, enthusiastic baby boy.

Seriously, I wondered, do I have what it takes to help my son be all that God has made him to be?  Can I teach him what he needs to know to navigate this world, full of evil?  How will I protect him, while allowing him to experience the right kind of learning through disappointments and mistakes?  And there are so many decisions to make about his health, schooling, who will care for him when I'm not around... It can seem overwhelming when I think of the awesome responsibility.

The kind of overwhelming that drives me to my knees proclaiming that I don't have what it takes.  On my own, I am incapable of being the mother my son needs.  But with God, all things are possible.  As I think of the things ahead - temptations, dangers, evil, bullies - I am reminded of what the Scriptures say in Exodus 14:14...

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (NIV)

What is my job according to this scripture? To be still.  While I "be still" God will do what needs to be done.  He will fight the battle.  He will make a way.  I may not have what it takes, but He does.  As I place my trust in Him, He gives me peace and makes it possible to be still.  And suddenly, I do have what it takes to "mother a boy."  Where do you need God to fight for you?  Have faith.  Be healthy!