What I know is that God allowed my story to help them see their own life stories—and He knows how their stories are unfolding in real-time!
When my twin daughters were in their mid-20s, one of them decided to spread her wings. I didn't know how far and wide her wings would take her until she said, "Mom, I'm moving to Colombia!" Did she just spin the little globe until it stopped where her finger was pointing? We didn't know anyone from or anything about Colombia except for Shakira, Sofia Vergara, and coffee—and they certainly did not know anything about us! We're not native Spanish speakers, so how will she even communicate with the locals? One week later, we dropped her off at the airport and said goodbye. Christiane was off to her new adventure, her new life!
The day Christiane announced her big move was one of my hardest journeys in life. I struggled with and questioned God. I cried buckets of tears, proving to Him that my heart was broken. I was filled with fear and worry for my daughter and begged God to change the circumstances. His gentle words started coming to me as I prayed. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them" (Psalm 145:14-15).
Yes, God heard me and saved me by changing my heart. He didn't cancel my daughter's trip and return our life back to normal. Instead, He whispered, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). God told me that He is the Father of my daughter, and my job is to keep her in prayer. Only then did I understand that in letting go and letting Him take over, I was able to experience His peace.
Not that I had peace every single moment Christiane was away. When my phone rang, my heart would skip a beat, expecting to receive some horrible news—and I was powerless to stop it. So, God decided to do something special for me. He made me tell women about my journey of fear and worry as I traveled for ministry.
"Will You Be My Praying Mom?"
In 2016, our team went to Xiamen, China for speaking engagements. I was onstage with Vera, the translator, for my talk, a copy of my written message in her hands that included her notes. After I shared portions of the story of Christiane spreading her wings and how I felt so much fear and worry, there was dead silence. I thought Vera was processing what I just said and getting herself ready to translate. But when I turned to her, I saw her sobbing. She kept saying, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I walked towards her and gave her a hug and asked if she was okay. She wanted a couple of minutes to compose herself. Eventually, we got through my talk.
Vera later shared with me that she saw herself in my daughter. She too left home and had not returned to see her family for more than two years. She said that she saw her mom in me, worrying and fearing for her safety every day. After we left China, Vera returned home for a much-needed visit to her family.
In 2018, our team went to Kosovo, where I shared the same message on fear and worry with the women. After my talk, Mona Lisa, a beautiful, young woman in her 20's approached me. She asked, "Will you be my praying mom?" Although I was surprised by this request, I gave Mona Lisa a big smile and hug.
During the break, I sat down with Mona Lisa to talk to her. She said that she is from a Muslim family but had accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Because of her faith, she has a strained relationship with her widowed mother and siblings, who all left her in Kosovo for another country. I heard myself saying to Mona Lisa, "Yes, I will be your praying mom! But you must promise to pray for your mother so she can know Jesus Christ and pray for you like you desire." She agreed.
Over the course of years, Mona Lisa and I communicated via Messenger. She would tell me about her broken relationships. Her disappointment at her church. Her love for baking. Her plans to join the police force. Her exam dates. And each time we talked, I gave her counsel and prayed for her.
Perhaps Vera decided to stay home with her family after all, and Mona Lisa's family accepted Jesus Christ's offer of salvation and they're living together happily. God probably whispered to them the same thing He whispered to me: "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)—and all is well. I wish I could tell you that what I just said about them is true, but I can't because I have lost contact with them. What I know is that God allowed my story to help them see their own life stories—and He knows how their stories are unfolding in real-time!
As for my daughter Christiane, she moved to Spain a year after living in Colombia. Her twin sister, Christelle, and I had the chance to visit her in Barcelona, where we enjoyed some time together. A few months later, we welcomed Christiane home, who finally decided that her international travels would be dedicated to fun vacations instead. God put an end to my journey of fear and worry for Christiane!
We All Have Stories to Tell
We all have stories to tell! We may navigate one channel with a clear path, but another may soon be opening with some turbulent weather to experience. The Apostle Paul encourages us with these words: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). God remains with those who put their trust in Him, especially in the most difficult times.
Elizabeth George prayed, "Father of all peace… Thank You for your peace that passes all understanding…and misunderstanding! Help me to steadfastly trust You in all things." It's the best prayer to complement the prophet Isaiah's reminder to us: "You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you" (26:3).
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/KlausVedfelt
Luisa Collopy is an author, speaker and a women’s Bible study teacher. She also produces Mula sa Puso (From the Heart) in Tagalog (her heart language), released on FEBC Philippines stations. Luisa loves spending time with her family over meals and karaoke!
