For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
My son, Cole, was born on March 16, 2005 – 3/16. This week, he graduates from high school. Even though Cole technically finished high school in December and has already had a semester of college, I still see that little four-year-old boy who wants to play with his trucks in the dirt pile in the yard.
Today, my heart is overflowing with pride and a touch of nostalgia as I get ready to watch my son graduate from high school. This milestone marks the end of one incredible journey and the beginning of another. As I look back, I see a tapestry of moments, each one a testament to the remarkable young man he has become.
From the first day of preschool, where he bravely stepped into a world of new faces and experiences, to his final days as a high school senior, my son has consistently shown what it means to live a life of faith, hard work, and love. I remember that tiny boy with a big smile, excited to learn and make new friends. It seems like just yesterday, he was clutching his backpack and giving me a reassuring hug, his little hand in mine.
As he grew, so did his love for football. From those early days in peewee football to the triumphant moment of winning the state championship, he has shown dedication and true team spirit. His hard work on the field was matched by his commitment in the classroom. Even with the demands of sports and other activities, maintaining good grades is no small feat. Yet, he did it with grace and determination, embodying the values we hold dear as a family.
Throughout these years, my son has also been a wonderful big brother. He has taken care of his little sister with a protective and loving heart, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. Their bond is something truly special, and I know it will only grow stronger with time.
His entrepreneurial spirit shone through with his lawn care business. Balancing school, football, and running a business taught him valuable lessons about responsibility and hard work. I’ve watched him mow lawns, landscape and manage clients with the kind of professionalism and dedication that would make any parent proud.
But above all, what fills my heart with the most pride is his unwavering faith in Jesus. He has been a good Christian boy, living his life with integrity, kindness, and love. His devotion to Jesus is evident in everything he does, from his kindness to others to his dedication in telling others about Christ. He has been a beacon of light and hope, reflecting the love of Christ in his actions. His love for Jesus reminds me of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse beautifully captures the essence of God's love, a love my son strives to reflect every day.
His love for his girlfriend is another testament to the kind of young man he is. He treats her with respect, kindness, and genuine care, embodying the principles of a loving and supportive relationship.
As I think about his grandparents, his Nannie and Papa, who have passed away, I know they are so proud of him. Their legacy lives on in him, in the values they instilled in our family, and in the love and faith they nurtured. I see their influence in his actions, his faith, and his heart.
I know we are sending him out into the world with a good foundation.
I had an entire blog post planned this week for us senior mommas about milestones from preschool to senior year, a whole outline, and everything, but God kept saying 3:16, 3:16 over and over again in my head.
It’s tough to be a teenager these days, especially one on the verge of being an adult.
It’s even tougher to be a Christian teenager these days.
It's tough to be a mom these days.
It's even tougher to be a Christian mom these days.
I am going to start with this-
I am a sinner, saved by grace.
Hard Truths
On 3/16/05, Cole’s arrival into this world wasn't easy. I had to be rushed into an emergency cesarian after 24 hours of labor because his blood pressure was dropping, then an additional surgery for me after that because of some complications. I didn't see him until hours after he was born, and then I was bombarded with family. friends, and even strangers filing into the room. I believe rules are much stricter these days (as they should be). All I wanted to do was protect him as I had for 9 months.
I can't say that feeling has really ever gone away.
But we can't protect them from everything. That's where God must step in.
I have had to learn that the hard way, to finally let go and stop trying to control every outcome myself.
You Gotta Keep Reading
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:17-18
I once heard a pastor or maybe a Bible teacher say you can’t have John 3:16 without 17-21. You have to keep reading. I have that note written in my Bible. John 3:16 will save your soul; Jesus came here to suffer and die for our sins so that we may have eternal life in Heaven. However, if you don’t believe, you cannot be saved. It is as simple as that. But our Jesus is kind, loving, and ready to open His arms to anyone ready to say, "Okay, I’m ready." He’ll be there. He is gracious. He will be waiting.
When It’s Too Dark
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. John 3:19-20
Here’s the thing: we can’t outrun God. He’s always there. He knows every secret. Christians make mistakes every day. I, for one, do. Sometimes, we find ourselves in the same old struggles with sin. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not perfect by any means. I have regrets and disappointments. I've gossiped, lied, and fallen into anger. But He knows. He always knows. Our Father is kind and loving and will forgive us once we ask. God’s love for me has never wavered. God’s love for you hasn’t, either.
As a Christian, you will not be perfect; we are saved only by God's grace. Teaching our kids to understand that is everything.
As adults, we have an obligation and a duty to model that for our kids and not abuse the grace of God. We can’t continue to live in our sins as adults and not expect our children to follow suit!
Turn the Light On
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:21
If we’ve fallen short of God’s grace, guess what? He didn’t cut the electricity off. He paid that bill for us, remember? We must step out of the darkness and turn the light back on, and He’s there.
When I think about God's grace, I’m reminded of how He reaches out to us, no matter where we are or what we've done. It’s easy to feel unworthy, to think that our mistakes have distanced us from His love. But God’s grace tells a different story. It says that we are cherished, forgiven, and redeemed. It’s a reminder that His love for us is unconditional and everlasting.
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10
I grew up in a loving home with both of my parents, I guess you could say I was sheltered a bit. I know that my kids have already seen and heard more hard stuff in their short lives than I could ever imagine, despite how much I have tried to shelter them, too. The world is changing; things also change with every generation. Our God doesn't change; we just have to remember where we come from and go home.
Whatever your situation is, the Holy Spirit can change it.
I am a sinner, saved by grace,
Erica
Congratulations, Cole
This week, as he steps across that stage, I see not just a young man ready to take on the world but a son who has made our family proud every step of the way. His journey is just beginning, and I am excited to see where God’s plan will take him next. My prayer is that he continues to grow in faith, love, and wisdom, always remembering the foundation built by those who came before him.
Congratulations, my son. Your journey has been remarkable, and your future is bright. Keep shining your light and spreading the love of Jesus wherever you go. We are all so very proud of you.
