In the making of little boys, God put in a very healthy dose of something which causes them to want to conquer everything in their path. I use the word something because I still can’t figure out what to put in there. We women somehow managed to escape that part of the creation process, for we do not consider it our duty upon waking in the morning to vanquish all foes we meet before hitting the bedroom door.
That snow-covered slope does not call my name, begging me to come master it with a sock hat and sled. Or in some cases, forget the sled. The seat of snowpants works great, Mom!
The swing set is a thrill in itself by swinging as high as possible into the bright, blue sky. It does not need me to crawl, hang, and somersault on every pole, rail, and chain.
I do not feel the beckoning call of the evergreen to climb its prickly branches just to see the view from the top. Nor do I find it needful in boosting my self-esteem to tie up my brother with a rope.
My kitchen utensils are for using in my kitchen. I do not see my salad tongs, meat hammer, or soup ladle as weapons of warfare against scaly dragons.
Even after four boys, I still shake my head at that inborn desire to conquer. Yet do I want to squelch it?
They will come upon many foes in their lifetimes and without this desire, they will become passive husbands, fathers, and leaders in the church.
I’m not talking about conquering human enemies, for I believe there is no excuse for taking human life. I’m talking about the foes they will meet as they grow to be teenagers, young men, and leaders of their own homes . . . . these foes include their very own hearts.
“So go on, my son, and slay your dragons.
For very soon there will come a day when you will meet the enemy of your soul.”
And the battle will be fierce. He will be fighting for not only your life, your mind, and your body . . . . but for your very heart as well.
God needs soldiers who will stand the heat of battle, even when men are falling all around them. He wants strong men who will fight for the souls of their brothers and protect the sanctity of life. His army is made of men who war with demons that come to tear down marriages, homes, churches, and lives.
God requires men who will guard the borders of the church against the evil realm of sin. He wants courageous leaders who will not only lead in battle, but who will also get down on their knees and pray all hours of the night.
He cannot use shallow, wimpy warriors who run at the first sign of conflict and unpopularity. He needs men who know what God’s Word says, even when the world, and sometimes friends, will mock them.
God Almighty wants you, my son.
So don your armor, get out your sword, and fight alongside your brother until we hear the trumpet call. When your arms scream in pain and you feel yourself wavering, remember that the war has already been won. We’re just fighting until we hear the victory shout!
To my Warrior-in-the-making:
“Go slay your dragons . . .
And remember that we will be cheering you on!”
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Kelley says
Well we just have girls in this house but I praise God that there are others raising boys to be men who will stand up for Jesus! I really enjoyed this 🙂
Kendra Graber says
I’ve heard raising girls can be harder than boys! You must be one tough Mom. 🙂
Martin Holsinger says
Excellent Post,
I really like this part.
“God needs soldiers who will stand the heat of battle, even when men are falling all around them. He wants strong men who will fight for the souls of their brothers and protect the sanctity of life. His army is made of men who war with demons that come to tear down marriages, homes, churches, and lives.
God requires men who will guard the borders of the church against the evil realm of sin. He wants courageous leaders who will not only lead in battle, but who will also get down on their knees and pray all hours of the night.”
God bless you as you raise your sons to be mighty brave and experienced warriors for Him.
Martin
Kendra Graber says
Thank you! It isn’t easy, but with God’s help, we will do our best.
Kristi says
Kendra,
What a beautiful post – It made me smile as I read it. I have one Little Man who wakes up armed for battle against things I just cannot comprehend… but you are right we don’t want to squelch that God-given drive to do battle. The enemy is all too real.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog from Our Simple Country Life.
Blessings,
Kristi
Jacqueline @ Deeprootsathome.com says
What an important message for us. Raising our boys to be men is so very important, and the evil one wants to make us forget or divert us from our top priority, our children. TY!