Preparing To Mother A Boy

When I first learned that I was pregnant with a boy, I admit I was apprehensive and intimidated. Those of you that know me, know that I am a girly girl. I love all things pink and shabby so naturally I knew exactly what to do with a girl when Hope came along. I figured having another girl would be perfect. I’d be more than ready for another pink nursery and additional princess dresses. And Hope would have a sister! When the ultrasound tech showed us that it was undoubtedly a boy, I can’t say I was disappointed. . .just a little scared I guess. What will I do with a boy? They are wild and dirty.

As the weeks of my pregnancy have gone by, I’ve definitely warmed up to the idea of mothering a boy. Partly because my daughter has hit a very intense whiny stage at almost three years old. I’m pretty sure I’d rather not do this again with another girl! I’ve been told boys are wild and crazy but they love their mommies and most of them don’t whine like girls. SOLD!

During the first half of my pregnancy we went through some pretty intense family stuff. That, combined with my normal, post-miscarriage guardedness made it very hard to focus on my pregnancy. I vowed that once I got past 20 weeks and knew what we were having I’d spend more time praying and journaling through the remaining 20 weeks. As I’ve walked through the last 6 weeks I’ve prayed for the growth and safety of my little boy but as much as I’ve wanted to pray for his heart and his future, I’ve struggled to get started.

Recently I discovered a network of women who are currently raising boys and who are gathering moms to come together to pray and contend for their sons at TheMobSociety.com and  BrookeMcGlothlin.com. At first I thought it was way to soon to join their army but then I thought, I prayed for my husband and my marriage before I even met Dave. It can’t be too early to start praying for my son. On April 1 they started the 21 days of prayer for sons challenge to go along with Brooke’s ebook Warrior Prayers. I downloaded the book and committed to join the challenge. Although I am so excited to be a part, I admit I am a bit behind due to some family travel. But I won’t let that stop me. It’s never too early to pray for your son and it’s never too late to join the fight!

I’m catching up today as I sit confined to my home potty-training Hope. I’ve so enjoyed reading Brooke’s wisdom and passion for raising boys. I know this is a book I will read over and over again as my boy grows. Here is a short quote that jumped out to me this morning. What an amazing truth!

With each day that passes I’m more convinced that I have absolutely no power to change the hearts of my boys. Oh, I can change their behavior if I try hard enough. Anyone can do that. But I know that what’s in the heart eventually comes out. I know that if their knees are ever to bend to Jesus as Savior their hearts must bend first. And that’s God’s business. – Brooke McGlothlin, Warrior Prayers

I encourage any moms who are raising boys (or moms-to-be carrying a boy like me) to check out this wonderful ministry. I can honestly say through it I’ve become so excited to pray the Word over my son and (by His great grace) raise a strong man of God.

Contending for my boy,