My G I R L: Madison

Madison \m(a)-di-son\ as a girl's name (also used as boy's name Madison), is pronouncedMAD-a-son. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Madison is "son of the mightywarrior". Also possibly variant of Madeline (Hebrew) "woman from Magdala", or surnamederived from Matthew (Hebrew) "gift of the Lord

When we select a name for our children we can't be quite certain how fitting that name will be. We spend a lot of time finding that one perfect name - the only one that will truly fit this specific child. Many things factor into a chosen name:family names, popularity, the way it sounds with the last name. Sometimes people even investigate into the meanings behind the names. Still we have no guarantee the meaning of the name will truly fit the child's personality.

 Well the meaning of the chosen name for this precious girl fits her to a "T". She is indeed a mighty warrior who is a gift from the Lord. 

My dear hub and I have watched this girl grow into a steadfast, solid, kind, compassionate young woman who desires to reach out and make a difference. Not because she wants the recognition or self gain but because she wants others to feel the love of Jesus. From the time this girl turned 14 she was heading to Africa on mission trips. By 17 she had taken trips to El Salvador & Ecuador with her youth group in addition to several return trips to Africa. 

Now at 18 years old she is headed to Arusha, Tanzania for a Discipleship Training School with Ywam. We couldn't be prouder parents. It takes courage and faith - and she has got it!

While many of her friends are heading off to college, Maddy has made the decision to start adulthood with a different type of education. She will be learning about different cultures, different ways of helping, different things about herself and most importantly different aspects of God. Her world is about to explode with new knowledge and wisdom. 

She has already spent considerable time pondering on our cultures value system based on "The American Dream". I believe this is part of what sets her apart from so many teens. She has touched third-world poverty, she has hugged starving children infested with lice, she has entered into one room shanty's filled with the aroma of human waste.  She has touched tragic life circumstances we seldom find within the borders of our country. Still, I believe her world is about to become even bigger. 

It takes tremendous bravery and faith to step out into the land of the unknown. 6+ months in Africa or more. What will God reveal to her? How will He use her? What will He ask of her? 

As her Mama I have been spinning some of this on my brain. I know God has called her for such a time as this. I know it is time to open my hand and release the fingers of the once little baby girl we named into the hands of our loving Father.  It is time to watch her run, not walk, to where God is calling her. I am excited for her and a little bit sad for me. I will miss her.

I am full of mixed emotions as we prepare to let our little Warrior sharpen her skills in the BIG world. I trust she was given to us as a gift and God is calling us to give freely of what we have been given.  

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 

-Judges 6:12