The role of a Godparent is more than what people seem to make it to be. I recall my Godmother; Ms. Carr is what I always called her. She was so loving and gentle. I always sat with her in church. In one service, she taught me the bunny rabbit way to tie things. I had on a top, with red, orange, and white horizontal strips. There was a pocket in the front and the waist had a belt that tied in the front. During one service, as we sat in 'her' seat on the left side nearest the door for female restroom, she quickly showed me how to tie my belt. This was one of many lessons I received.
When she was in her 'later years', she would call my mother for me to come brush, wash, and/or braid her hair. She lived at the end of the road that was perpendicular to my house. My mom would send me walking, watching until she saw me turn into the driveway. We'd sit and chat while I played hairdresser. Other than myself and my household, I guess you can say she was my first hair client. I can recall the soft, curly texture of her hair. There was never a tangle.
We continued our 'give/receive' relationship until she passed. Her children were all grown. She had grandkids my age. They've never forgotten me nor I them. I had only one regret: that we didn't spend more time together sooner.
Her hugs were like butter on homemade buttermilk biscuits. Her smile like a ray of sunshine. I've never seen her upset. She was super loving.
I didn't have much experience with children until my dear friend from college, whom I met in physics lab, happened to be my lab partner. We never really spoke until one day I mentioned I needed a sitter for my dog.
She volunteered. This stranger...my random lab partner for the semester. Without knowing, we immediately formed a bound. She had two small children at that time, ages 4 (boy) and 5 (girl). They were very protective of one another and didn't receive new people well. They knew me but the first 100 times (not really 100, but it felt like it) They were with me, they never talked to me. One day, as they sat on my futon watching Nick Jr., one of their favorite shows came on and the little girl cried out. I peeped around the corner to see her covering her mouth to hide her shock and smile. I smiled back and the ice was finally broken and I all of a sudden had two children.
Now they are 19 and 18. My 'daughter' graduated from high school last year, and my 'son' graduates this year.
I say all of this, again, because I, like so many others, had the wrong idea about what it means to be a Godparent. The first part of the word is God. I believe, now, this role should put God first. Before, I simply called myself a surrogate. I made sure I was available to parent when their parents were not available, never missing a birthday or holiday. My last three God children received a different me.
Over the last years, my husband and I have been honored to become Godparents to several children...too many to count, but I think there are 11 officially and more than double that if you include the inherited siblings. It wasn't until our last Godson, Kai, that I realized I had it wrong. With Kai, I learned that it wasn't the gifts, it was the praying! For his special days, I'd present a gift, but also make sure he and I prayed together. After Kai was Xen, born with greatness already in her as she set a record for the first child for the year. Then came the one I call Gracie. Gracie was sent by God and I was asked by The Spirit to cover her even before she was born. Now, we've decided ok...we have too many, but just how many lives can we touch through prayer for these little ones.
I have one very active, 12 almost 13 Godson whom I prayed for and covered a lot lately. He's been under undo attack over the last few years but God has already showed me why and that he will prevail. This child has such an anointing on him that the demonic kingdom seeks to snuff him out early. BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!!!
As a Godparent (inherited), I've spent many hours in prayer for him, seeking others in my prayer circles to touch and agree with me. Gleaning from them as they reveal what God has shared to them. Receiving confirmation after confirmation on what God has revealed to me.
And this, my dear readers, is what Godparenting is all about: covering our Godchildren as if they were really our own.
I've had the opportunity to really minister to him. It's taken this event for me to speak to Word to him. I'm not ashamed. I've corrected it. I'm moving forward. We've talked about healing and faith, renewing our minds, renouncing negative words, and miracles. I need for him to believe his miracle is ready for him to receive it.
But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37:39-40 KJV
Unknowingly, I've shared this last bit of Psalm 37 with him. In his salvation, is his freedom. In his freedom, is deliverance. Through his faith, he has learned to trust God.
Trusting God is one of the biggest tests we face. Often times we see an obstacle in front of us and we have fear instead of faith. His 12 year old mind was able to grasp the concept that fear cancels faith out, so he and I dealt with faith first. His healing will come. How do I know?
And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalms 37:40 KJV
I've given him affirmations to speak over himself so that his mind will be renewed. He will be able to cancel out every word spoken over him that contradicts the Word. He will be delivered and made whole because he trusts God.
Godparents are an extension of the parents. We are there for children to assist when needed and volunteer when not needed. But most importantly, Godparenting is an extension of God. We should ensure we cover these children as we cover our own, ministering to them as often as we can, helping the next generations to form a bond with God that cannot be shaken. And if we never get to see them, prayer can reach any corner of the world. Keep them lifted in prayer. Call their names and declare the Word of God over their lives. The demonic kingdom wishes to snuff them out but I decree and the declare that:
[They] shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psalms 118:17 KJV
Fin,
Keiyia JOYet George
This is the last bite sized piece of the Psalm 37 series. I have so much I've wanted to write but my assignment was to finish this. I pray that each piece touches the life of someone in a special way. As always comments are welcome but as I seek to do the will of God for my life, I welcome you contacting me offline for prayer or a word if needed. Email: info@justmekjg.com. I wish you a very blessed day!
Psalms 37 Series
Part 1 - Evildoers
Part 2 - Do Good
Part 3 - Heart's Desire
Part 4 - The Son Will Rise and Shine For You
Part 5 - REST
Part 6 - Soar Like an Eagle
Part 7 - Seek the Kingdom
Part 8 - It's Not Your Fight
Part 9 - You Will Reap It All
Part 10 - He Got You
Part 11 - Give It Up
Part 12 - Delighted
Part 13 - The Righteous
Part 14 - More Than a Conqueror
Part 15 - Renewed
Part 16 - Cornerstone
Part 17 - Fear Not
Part 18 - Perfect Peace