Please... Not my son!

This week my husband and I travelled to Fort Leonard to witness our son's graduation from bootcamp. We saw this great kid who at one time played a shepherd in a church play, walk across the stage and officially become a soldier.

This child who has lived and breathed a desire to become a soldier is now one.  He could not look any better in his uniform, he wears it well. His pride and love for his country are evident. Yes there were three platoons and several soldiers but I only cared about one.

This is not my biological son but I fought back tears as his mother sat next to me and wiped hers.  He has been in my life over ten years. We have supported his love of the Army as he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Maas and grandfather Barfield both World War II veterans.

He is a born leader and has displayed leadership qualities in his high school ROTC and now college.
He will not be kept down, he will not hesitate to fulfill his duty or to defend his country.

As we sat and listened, we came face to face with reality.  These young men and women had now given their life, their all to the United States Army. "Army Strong" they say, except that I was anything but strong.  My heart was torn as I was proud beyond belief but still wanting to hold on, still wanting to live in the comfort of him returning to our city and being a happy, fun filled young man.

I was not wanting to think of the possibility of him one day actually being on the front lines and the threat that brings.  In fact as I saw him in formation, I was overwhelmed by this thought and I could hear myself repeating "Please....not my son!"

I would venture to guess that every mother there had that same thought...for what mother would willingly give up her son?

My thoughts went to a mother who did just that. Mary obediently gave birth to our Savior Jesus Christ knowing that she would one day have to turn him over.  I imagine that when she saw the treatment of her son, she might have cried out "Please...not my son!"

While our son is in a position of defending our country and ensuring our freedom, Christ
laid down his life to secure our eternal freedom. We put our faith in that Savior to protect our son.

With Christ on our side, we can't go wrong. Army Strong!

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues  people under me. Psalms 144:1-2