How will he stand?

He sits underneath the slide, tears streaming down his face.

And I walk away....

Because he told me to.

Except for that first morning that is always wrapped in merciful ignorance, this is how every school day has begun so far.  And I wonder, as I walk away, how will he climb out from under there when that bell rings, and it's time to stand?

He comes home and tells me that he always makes sure to pray before he eats lunch, "even though no one else does.". I tell him that's awesome, and to get used to it, because those of us who give thanks to our Creator for the gifts He gives  are in the minority in this world.  I say I know it can be kind of weird to be the only one praying. And he says:

"It's not weird to me, because: (his reasons are always twofold) One: I'm used to praying.  And two: I love Jesus.  So im going to pray even if they don't.  I also pray for the other kids while I do it."

Oh, there are no words.  I could leap for joy.  And yet, I don't.  Because I wonder....

What will happen when someone points out his culturally odd habit...and laughs?

What will happen when he's finally been accepted into the cool kids' group, and he's got to interrupt a conversation...to pray?

What will happen when the atheist high school kids compare God to the flying spaghetti monster?

What will happen when his science teacher tells him point blank that his beliefs don't line up with "reality"?

I'm mulling all of this over at the kitchen sink, where a notecard sits.  My grandfather...Papa....has spent years filling notecards with reminders from God that he wants to burn on his mind and heart.  When he filled an entire photo box with cards, he gave it to my dad.  My dad let me borrow it, and I switch out a card every week on my kitchen sink.

I flip this one over.  And there it is:

I look up Romans 14:4 in my Bible, which uses the word, "stand", instead of succeed.  I have my answer.

This verse speaks of one who holds a conviction that another might not, and says that it is before his own master that each one stands or falls.  Then comes this gem of a verse, which God used to show me:

It will not be my excellent parenting, wise cautions, morning Bible stories, faithfulness to pray, quick answers, flawless theology, or careful sheltering that enables my boy to stand in conviction...to SHINE in the darkness.

It will be the work of Almighty God.  Nothing else.

And so, this week, I continue my Bible stories, our memory verses, and my prayers...NOT because they will make him stand. But because they will show him Jesus. And HE is able to make him stand.