PARENTING July 6, 2009 Issue

'GIVE THEM WINGS'

JENNIFER DALE

WHEN OUR SON CHRISTOPHER called us to announce he'd decided to put his music studies on hold to join the US Marines, I had two reactions. First, I wasn't surprised, because it had been a lifelong dream of his. But my second reaction was a bit more skeptical. He'd just found an entirely different focus for his musical talent, and I thought, "Why would he give that up now to put his life on the line?"

As I talked with friends who'd served in the military, it became clear that the experience Christopher was about to embark on wasn't just his. It was mine as well. I heard about the nights military mothers would be awakened by a sense of immediate need to pray for their sons—instincts later confirmed by stories of life-threatening situations resolved at that moment.

Alertness and humility were crucial. A surrender and trust in God's tender care. I thought of a song by Mindy Jostyn that's resonated with me over the years and has always brought confidence and peace. It's called "Give Them Wings to Fly," and speaks of heaven-sent angels sheltering the children God has given us to love. It continues: "Far beyond the reaches of my love, I know You will be there. / Father, hear their every cry, / And give them wings to fly."

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