Building a Bridge to Her Heart

 

The night was so special even the walk was exciting. As we crossed the Chicago River, my daughter, Mariah and I chatted away, contemplating what our first Broadway show would be like. Would we have good seats? Would the costumes be amazing? As we approached the theatre, flashing green lights ran circles around the production’s name: Wicked.  Our anticipation of seeing the prequel to the Wizard of Oz soared as the crowd bulldozed their way through the mahogany paneled lobby. Mariah was so excited; this was a perfect gift for her 13th birthday!

Finding our seats, Mariah and I were taken aback by the gilded ceiling, laden velvet drapes and rich burgundy wall coverings. If the theatre was this beautiful, how grand would the production be? As soon as the curtains parted and the first note was sung, I was mesmerized. Galinda, who later became the good witch of the North and Elphaba, the green girl who became the wicked witch of the west had me hooked.

The story of the early days of their friendship fascinated me.  As very dear friends, Galinda waltzed across the stage in her glistening snow white dress singing her trademark song “For Good”; her words of love for Elphaba.

“But I know I’m who I am today Because I knew you.….because I knew you I have been changed for good…So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart….”

In the dark of that theatre, I glanced over to the precious teen sitting next to me and in a moment the puddles in my eyes became streams down my cheeks. “Lord, I want Mariah to be able to sing that song one day about us. Make me a mom that influences for good.”

I know that you too want to be one who wants to influence for good. Your heart has invested and as the child you care for either approaches or is in full swing of adolescence, you desire to continue to guide and lead her in the way she should go. You are aware of the things in this world that are fighting for her: media lies, sexual behaviors, drugs and alcohol, apathy. You want to know; you need to know, what more can I do ‘for good’?

God has made it clear in His word that “for good” doesn’t just happen. “For Good” has to be very intentional and if its is going to happen, we need to take steps to grab hold of His building blocks and begin to build a bridge from our heart to her’s.

For the next six weeks, we’ll cover six ways we can intentionally build a bridge to her heart so we can influence the girls in our lives for good! I’m so excited to become a woman who makes a difference!

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Lynn

6 Comments

  1. deb patane says:

    So glad to join you on this journey, Lynn! Thank you again for all you do!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      I am thankful for all of you, Deb! Every morning, I ask Jesus to connect me with women who are passionate about bringing life change to those coming behind us! I am grateful for each and every one of you doing just that!

  2. This touched my heart in so many ways. i immediately thought of our daughter who sang this song for her high school graduation. She is only 19 and is getting married in December. I look back on our years together and pray that these words are true. We struggled through those teen years and she has turned into a beautiful young lady both inside and out. We strive to continue to influence her for good. Thank you for this awesome reminder that brought tears to my eyes.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      That is so sweet, Vanessia! My daughter Mariah is now 19 too! Time goes so fast. Lord, help us take every opportunity, no matter what our daughter’s ages, to influence them for good!

  3. Lynn, I loved your devo today!! I too have felt what you felt and am so grateful to have a husband who has pointed me to the exact same story!! And as a mom to 2 little ladies and 3 growing boys I greatly appreciate this post…it echos what God has been telling me – be intentional and treasure the moments!! Blessings to you!!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thank you, Jill! Keep investing friend. It may take awhile, but trust Jesus, you will see that harvest. (And as an Iowa girl, you know what that looks like!!)

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