by Phyllis Harbaugh
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – “You’re going to have a baby!” I remember the excitement of bringing all three of my ‘bundles of joy’ home from the hospital to begin the journey of being a mom.
I was 6 years old when my family went to a church service where my mother took my youngest baby sister to the altar, and the pastor prayed over her. When I asked my mom what that meant, she said she was giving her back to God. I wasn’t sure why she would do that, but as I grew up I learned what it meant as she prayed for us and taught us to trust God for everything.
So, I started my “mother journey” by dedicating my babies to God, giving them back to Him. I promised God that I would raise them to know and trust Him, and asked Him to help me be a godly example in our home.
Many times through the years I have had to give them to God again as life became hard and overwhelming. Each time, He reminded me that He loved them and had a plan for their life, and I would have to surrender my plan and my will for His. Every time He accomplished His will for them, and encouraged my faith and trust in Him.
Every phase of their lives I found myself on my knees giving God permission to work in their lives, and to grant me wisdom to help them through all that life brought them. As I cuddled them as babies, listened to their problems as teenagers, and counsel them as women today, I am still confident that “He who began a good work in you (them) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
The greatest thing about being a mother is to know that my precious gifts from God are loved by the God of the universe. When we surrender them to Him, we have a peace and confidence that He will work all things for good in their lives.
It’s never too late to commit your children to God and give Him permission to work in their lives. Love your children, pray for them, be a godly example.
Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise and call her blessed...”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phyllis Harbaugh is a mother of 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, Gramma of 6 and wife of Pastor Herb Harbaugh, Sterling Heights, Michigan.