This fall, we’re doing one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do: sending our daughter off to study abroad in France. On the surface, it’s a dream opportunity—new culture, beautiful country, valuable education. But beneath that excitement is the gnawing worry every parent knows too well: Will she be safe? Will she be okay in a world that feels increasingly unstable, divided, and overwhelming?
There are moments when I find myself wondering, “What kind of world are we sending her into?”
It’s a world of uncertainty – social unrest, economic instability and moral confusion. We ALL see headlines that shake us. We hear stories that disturb us. And we’re left trying to hold it all together with clenched fists and tired hearts.
The PRESSURE is real.
Not just the pressure of letting go as a parent – but the daily pressure of life itself. Bills. Deadlines. Expectations. The constant hum of anxiety stirred up by newsfeeds and social media. Even when we try to “do the right thing” or “stay strong,” we often end up feeling stretched, burdened, and exhausted.
In times like these, the words of Jesus can sound…too simple. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Really, Jesus? That’s it? Just…come?
But yes. That’s it.
He isn’t asking us to figure it ALL out or fix everything. He’s asking us to come to Him like children – wide-eyed, honest, dependent. Children don’t have to understand everything to feel secure. They just need to know who’s holding their hand.
So today, whether you’re sending a child out into the world or simply trying to survive your own day-to-day chaos – COME. Come to the One who sees, who knows, who holds the world (and your world) in His hands.
Chad Mitchell
Afternoon Show Host, STAR 99.1
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I totally relate to this. My daughter is leaving for boot camp on August 4th. Being a single mom for many years now, it’s always been my 2 daughters and I. I’m struggling with how I’m even going to say goodbye to her. She has her faith and God will protect her, I have to believe that. She wants to serve our country, and for that I’m proud.
Good luck Chad. Prayers of safe travel to your daughter.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I can only imagine how deep the emotions run as you prepare to send your daughter off to boot camp. You’ve raised a brave young woman with faith and a desire to serve, and that speaks volumes about the strength and love she’s seen in you.
Saying goodbye doesn’t get easier just because we trust God, but He is in every step she takes, even when you can’t be there. Psalm 121 says, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” That promise is for her and for you too.
I’ll be praying for peace to hold your heart together on August 4th, and for God’s protection over your daughter. You’re not alone in this.
And thank you for the prayers for my daughter too. It means more than you know.
Chad
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thank you very much for that! I really needed it! It was such a good reminder to me that God has everything under control and I don’t need to worry about anything. Unfortunately, I am very good at worrying.
You’re so welcome. I’m really glad it encouraged you.
You’re definitely not alone in the “very good at worrying” club—so many of us live there more often than we’d like to admit. But it’s such a comfort to remember that God isn’t asking us to carry it all. He’s asking us to trust Him with it.
Chad