Ben accepted Christ into his life last Sunday night! We had done the whole usual bedtime productive and he called me into his room. I admit, I sighed, wondering what required me to get out of my own bed. The second he started talking, I could tell this was going to be a different conversation. I listened for a minute and then called Greg into the room. 

Earlier that night, Ben and Cate had been to their first monthly youth worship at church. A high school acquaintance of ours shared his testimony that night and something he said really struck my boy. Ben realized he too was far from God and didn’t want to run away anymore. 

I had been praying especially for my boy that weekend after Chase, who is both the middle school youth minister and teaches an Old Testament class to the sixth-grade boys at school, shared something with me. He texted me after class one day to tell me he read over some class notes Ben has left behind. After a class about the fall in the Garden of Eden, Chase said Ben seemed to understand sin, forgiveness, and our need for Jesus. I screenshot the text to Greg and a couple of friends. 

I was already in awe of how God was affirming our church move earlier this year and continued enrollment at the private school our kids attend. I wasn’t doubting. I wasn’t asking for confirmation. But God gave it to me anyway in multiple conversations and connections in just a matter of a few weeks. 

That same week Chase texted me about Ben, small groups started for the middle & high school kids. One of Ben’s two leaders is a college student Greg and I had gotten to know a little bit over the summer through our Sunday school class. We only know a few college students, so this seemed like kindness from God to a mom. 

Ben talked to us about not wanting to run from God anymore. I was thrilled he wanted to change directions and run to God. For almost 12 years, this boy of mine has always wanted to be on the move. He was a cranky baby … until he could crawl, then walk, then run. He liked stroller rides, car rides, and swings. He’s kept me on my toes with all his movement. But now I’m witnessing his willingness to move to be exactly how God reached his soul. 

Today he stepped out in faith and proclaimed in his new life and direction when he was baptized. And this momma is praying for all the movements, transitions, pivots, and changes to come as he continues to live. 

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Watch the video from Hardin Baptist or my video from beside the baptistry.