I think it seems abundantly clear that of the many times we see Jesus showing value for someone that others in His day ignored, set aside, or disregarded, that Jesus loved and valued children.
I see it in Luke 18:17 when Jesus speaks about how a child receives the kingdom of God models how adults should as well. I see it again in Matthew 19:14 when His disciples appeared to be keeping the children from running to Him. Of course there are even more examples than two. In each case, His words convey value for children and also imply that children trust and believe far more easily than adults often do.
Perhaps it was also because children often seem to have an innate sense of whether a person is safe or trustworthy. I see how even an infant responds to someone who feels comfortable when holding him or her and those who do not. The infant cannot seem to relax if the person holding them is not sure of themselves and feeling ill at ease.
As I write this, I am seeing another story of the faith of a child unfold in front of my eyes.
Her name is Sydney and she is our 13-year-old granddaughter. If you would be in her presence for even a short time, you would discover her sharp wit, her no nonsense attitude and her great love for all animals, but especially birds. 
You would discover her skill playing the violin and her entrance into the world of karate to connect with her older brother, 19, on a new level since he has entered college and no longer lives at home nine months of the year. You would see her hijinks with her younger brother, Nathan, 11, as they invented new ways to challenge each other and stir up new ways to keep everyone on their toes. You might even see her with her older sister, 15, as they sorted out the new Jamberry nail wrap styles to adorn their fingers and toes.
Her grandpa would tell you to be careful if she challenges you to a checker game because she takes no prisoners and he rarely succeeds in beating her in a game.
I would tell you she loves to have her back scratched or rubbed and loves snuggling in bed before she goes to sleep while I tell her stories of when I was a young girl growing up.
All of these things and more would be true, but today I want to tell you about her faith and the testimony it has been to those of us around her.
A few months ago, she was diagnosed with a severe thoracic scoliosis curve that would require major spinal surgery. Doctors’ visits and consultations allowed her to hear the straight facts about what that would mean for her. She learned about the six-hour surgery, the pain, the spinal fusion, the limitations, and the long recovery period and more. She learned about bars, screws, and donating a pint of her own blood as well.
Each part of it gave her parents and her grandparents pause. Two of her siblings welled up in tears at the news out of the empathy they felt for her. As we were catching our breath with each detail, Sydney’s response grabbed our attention for the clear signal it gave for her faith.
Sydney was clear-sighted and confident in the Lord. She spoke of how other family members had been faced with big things, hard things, and challenges and then said, “If you want to see God DO big things, you have to have circumstances which require big things. Won’t it be great to see how God meets each big thing between now and the weeks following surgery.”
To this point, she has not expressed fear and seems to see that as completely illogical. “Why would I be afraid if God’s going to be there with me?”
This week she has started a series of seven appointments leading up to surgery on July 13. In each one, she will take in more information for procedures and experiences for which she has no frame of reference, but faces with an assurance in the Lord whom she trusts and follows, the One who lives in her heart.
We watch and listen, humbled by her confidence and assurance as we face our own anxious thoughts and plan for what she will need from each one of us as she goes through this process.
We also celebrate what we see of her sweet, but tough relationship with the Lord. How grateful we are for the response of her heart to His nudge.
I could easily talk about either of our children or our other five grandchildren and evidences of God’s grace and faith in them on their own walks with Him, but for this post I would give space to Sydney and ask that you pray for her as well as all of us as we reach out to the hem of the Lord’s garment seeking His healing during the weeks ahead.
“Now faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV
What a testimony of faith indeed. May Jesus keep lifting Sydney up in His arms and may all of your family and friends feel His comfort, assurance, and love during this time.
Thanks, Lynn!
I pray for a speedy recovery for your little one. God bless you all.
Thanks! Blessings on your day!
Such a simple and beautiful story of faith. Thank you for sharing.
Blessed Messes
Thank you for reading!
If we all had her faith and peace when going through trials. Thanks for sharing!
Visiting from #LifeIsLovely link-up.
Thanks, Trena! Blessings on your day!
As the daughter of Pam and Mother to Sydney… thank you for those who have hearts to pray for our little fighter. She’s a pint-sized… 4’11”, 80 lb. giant in the faith. We’re privileged that we get to call her ours and know she’s going to teach us a lot about our Savior in the weeks ahead. BUT, we certainly do want to be of service and encouragement to her and aware… there will be others in our path who are on roads even more serious that ours. Folks in waiting rooms who face similar surgeries, without the awareness of a loving Savior who is big enough to meet them as well. Pray that we see beyond ourselves and trust God with all. Big things await. We know for sure God won’t appear smaller as a result of this season in any of our eyes!
Oh what a precious reminder of the Faith of the Young Ones! Yes, I also believe that Jesus holds those young ones extra close to His heart. I will be praying for your sweet Granddaughter, and for your whole family as you walk through these days with her! (I’m your neighbor over at #TestimonyTuesday) –Blessings to you!
Thanks so much, Bettie! We greatly appreciate and believe that prayers for the surgery and recovery for Sydney as well as all of us who will be there and helping are really important! Blessings…Pam
I have a testimony of the exact same surgery on our friend’s 13-year old girl, Emily. She went through this surgery LAST summer. Yes, it was rough but you know what? She recovered quickly because she followed all the rules and today? She is good to go.
Sydney? You my love are going to do splendidly because you have just the right attitude as Emily had. I hope Grandma reminds us of the surgery because I definitely want to be praying. (((xo))) Love and hugs from Susan, a “MIMZ” to Simon 13 and Hannah almost 20!
Thanks so much, Susan, for sharing this testimony and your prayers! I will likely put out the info a day or so prior to surgery. My hubby and I will be traveling there to MD. Surgery is in DC at Children’s National Medical Center. I am slated to be there for 2-4 weeks depending on what they need. Love your support, my friend!
Looking to hear a Good God Report!!! xo Praying in NC
What a beautiful girl grasping onto the strength of our Savior. I’m praying for her and all of you now. #tellHisstory
Thanks, Kristi! There is much ahead of her and the family in the midst. I will be traveling there to help for 2-4 weeks.
Great sharing of the faith of your granddaughter, sometimes children who are real and believe what they have been taught about Jesus and His Word make us feel bad because we know it but how deeply do we believe it. and walk in it. ” Lord, I believe help thou my unbelief”. Only believe all things are possible to him/her that believes. Is there anything to hard for God. I think not. For the just shall live by faith, I believe God will bless Sydney’s strong faith in Him. I will keep Sydney and family in my prayers.
Thanks so much, Lynnette! Great to see you today!
She obviously has a great heritage of faith. Praying for this sweet girl
Thanks for your prayers, Vickie! She and we will need them.