Praying For Leilani’s Path

My time here in Alabama is coming to an end. I’m soaking up all the snuggles and have taken like, a kabillion photos & videos in the hopes they will soothe my Mimi heart in the times when I’ll miss her back in California.

As I hold Leilani Rae, staring into her hopefully green eyes…I pray. And as her snorts, toots and big yawns have captured my heart, I’ve had to catch myself.

I look at these sweet feet, curious of the path the Lord has for her and wondering if I’ll live on this side of heaven long enough to watch His plans for her unfold.

I pray the following:

I pray these feet are led to know Jesus as her Savior, respecting His word and living a life that pleases Him.

I pray for each Sunday school teacher that has the privilege of teaching Leilani, that they commit to praying and intentionally prep for the lesson they are to share with her.

I pray these feet steer clear of the path of disappointment and betrayal.

I pray these feet will be found walking in uncompromising obedience.

I pray these feet will be led to Godly friends and embrace biblical influences void of judging others.

I pray the Word of God will be the light that illuminates her way.

I pray she’ll walk in radical obedience with courage and confidence to change the world.

I pray her feet will not run away from Christ when faced with adversity.

I pray Leilani will stand. Finding joy marinating in the promises of her Savior.

I pray Leilani will not walk away from the ordinary things that God will use to get her attention.

I pray that she’ll never experience a slaughtered heart.

I pray she will find “the one whom her soul loves” and right now, his parents are praying for her.

Being a first time “Grandma” or “Mimi” in my case, I felt an urgency of wanting to do something for Leilani. That’s what any obsessed, extra, living 2,000 miles away Mimi does right?? Dedicate a room in my home to her, buy a high chair and extra pack and play for her. Her Poppy, Simon, has already looked into playground equipment for the ranch.

I wanted to accomplish something during my stay in Alabama so I decided to cover her in prayer.

However, I caught myself frantically praying for the Lord’s PROTECTION from harm and any type of physical emotional hurt. I don’t want her heart broken as mine was. I don’t want her to feel the deep disparaging, gut wrenching despair of disappointment, grief or betrayal. I wanted the Lord to keep her from being let down and to guard her soul from the sting of broken promises.

Shame on me. I should’ve be praying with the spirit of PROVISION in mind. For the Lord to deposit into Leilanis life heavenly wisdom and guidance. Provision she can call upon when her world is turned upside down. Provision for Charlie and Ilyssa’s life to be the Godly example she needs and for their words to be seasoned and reflect His word. Provision for her to know the faithfulness of Christ and that all we suffer and endure is survivable through Him.

I had to pause and confess I was praying away situations that the Lord may actually welcome in Leilanis life. He will use those times of disappointments and heartbreak to build the necessary character within her. A type of character that God only knows she’ll need in the future He has planned for her. He knows what is coming her way.

There are times I can’t wrap my head around the level of hurt I’ve suffered. And surprisingly in the same breath I give the Lord the glory for it and for bringing me THROUGH IT.

What can I leave for Leilani Rae? I can leave her the legacy of Christ’s faithfulness. My prayer is that she can see the fingerprints of God in my life, in the good times and bad times. May Leilani know His promises are true and God is never early, nor late, but always on time. God is faithful to grant the desires of our hearts even to the point of overflowing, in His timing.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.“1 Peter 5:10

So Father, will you lead the sweet feet of Leilani Rae down the paths that YOU desire for her? Because Lord, you are enough and you know what is best. Other people’s poor decisions that affect us have no influence on your sovereign plans for us. Forgive me Lord from wanting to protect her from what you’re able handle and use to help her grow into the woman you designed her to be

Mimi loves you Leilani Rae and can’t wait to watch you change the world.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a PATHWAY through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19