Put Up Your Dukes

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to punch anybody more than in that moment. My systolic pressure rose nearly as quickly as the blood that spurt from son’s decimated lip.

I should have been more tolerant of the offending kick. After all, we signed up for this. Let me explain.

I love martial arts. It looks so nifty in the movies.

In my younger days I watched Chuck Norris. Then of course there was Bruce Lee. Before you know it, Matrix was on the scene taking cool moves to a whole new level.

Yeah baby… Martial arts.

Me and my chicks.

Move over Matrix.

So there you have it. My epiphany that I and my three small children should learn Tae Kwando. Once a week we donned our Luke Skywalker suits and bravely headed to class.

Isn’t it funny how some things are theoretically a really great idea? But then a cocky teenager kicks your kid in the face and you realize you are in earnest jeopardy of breaking a very serious commandment.

Talk about wanting to put my dukes up.

That was many years ago. Today there are moments that I’d give anything to worry about bloody lips. The older they get the more I worry about bloodied hearts and broken spirits.

The years have taught me that a fighting mother battles best by laying her gloves down.

It’s hard to fold fisted hands.

I can’t remember when I first read The Power of a Praying Parent. I only know that its dog-eared, high-lighted and tear stained pages testify to the wars waged on behalf of my kids.

Hard to believe that I’m in a new era. The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children discreetly made its way to my quiet-time basket a week ago. The kids don’t know it but their mama fights for them. Every. Single. Day.

It’s true. I’ve put my dukes up by laying my gloves down. Because I’ve learned that when my hands are folded the enemy knows…

The. Gloves. Are. Off.

“Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children.” Lamentations 2:19

Your DoAhead Friend,

Share the Inspiration!

{If you’d like to share what’s moving or inspiring you——link up to Angie Ryg’s Inspire Me Monday (see below.)  I also hop over to Suzanne Eller’s #LiveFree link up and Meredith Bernard’s W2W (Women to Women).  Take ten minutes to visit them…I pinky-swear promise your cup will not only be filled but stirred! 🙂 }