Recently a friend asked my husband and I the question, “How did you raise three sons to be warriors?”
Our immediate response was what every good Christian would say…”Oh, it was by the grace of God and in spite of us.”
She said, “No, that’s not the answer I’m looking for. I want to know WHAT you and Craig did to raise your boys that each one of them is serving (two in the military and one a youth pastor).”
That question is hard! Everything I was taught said it would be boastful to answer that question honestly. But Craig and I have thought about it and put words to it.
The essence of a warrior is to fight for a cause and to serve without regard to themselves.
Craig and I grew up serving in the church…mostly selflessly. We were part of a community helping the community around us. We stayed in that church after we were married and continued to serve. Sometimes it was easy…sometimes it was hard and exhausting.
As our boys came along, that did not slow us down. We took our oldest son with us every Saturday night when we set up the sound for church Sunday. His earliest way of serving was to test the mics for his dad before he was 2 years old by saying…”Hedooooo” (hello).
Admittedly, we were over committed and over serving. But the ATTITUDE behind it is what we passed on to our boys. They grew up like we did, serving…mostly selflessly.
Believe me, there were plenty of times when they were normal kids and complained but the attitude of service runs deep in them.
So, I celebrate our warriors and what lies ahead on this journey with my three sons.
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Deanna Sturgeon lives in Michigan with her husband of 30 years. A mother of three boys and three grandchildren, she loves spending time with her family and friends, camping, lounging at the beach, and reading. She is learning to embrace what wild Jesus has for her through love, dreams, hope and laughter.
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Deanna – I love this: “to fight for a cause and to serve without regard to themselves.” I guess that’s it. Thank you for putting into words something that has felt intangible for me. I love your warrior-mom’s heart. Love,
Erin
Thanks Erin!
The essence of a warrior is to fight for a cause and to serve without regard to themselves…….thank you for sharing what this has looked like in your marriage and life. You lead by example Deanna and definately selflessly! AND God has blessed you and Craig as a result with 3 wonderful sons who are also leaders. Love u! Cindy
Thanks Cindy!
I love how you share your heart and the stories of your family, Deanna. You are the matriarch of a legacy of warrior men and princess granddaughters. How blessed you are and how blessed we are that you share.
Thank you Valerie!
Love this, my friend! Your faithful serving has been passed on to the next generation. Such an encouragement for others to raise warrior sons! Yes, you have done just that.
Thanks MJ!
Thank you, Cindy! Your heart and your husband’s and sons’ hearts to serve are astounding and so good. Thank you for sharing….I want to be more like you.