E
EVERY MOM HAS HER REASONS FOR BEING PROUD OF HER CHILDREN,
when the first one flies from the nest. All we got was a voicemail with a lot of shouting
especially when those children have chosen to dedicate their time and service to
and screaming, saying that he had arrived safely and would contact us by letter in
protecting and serving their country. Stewart Billingsley is one proud military mom,
a few days. The last line of the voicemail was, ‘And thank you for your support!’ We
as not one but both of her sons are devoted Marines.
laughed and cried simultaneously! I think we listened to that message a hundred
Long before the day came when her children made this decision, Stew-
times just to hear his voice. After the candidates have been at Boot Camp for a few
art welcomed her older son, Seth, into the world. Affectionately nicknamed as
weeks, they are allowed to send a mailing address to their loved ones. I had letters
the family’s “pit bull,” Seth is described by Stewart as being strong-willed and
written, stamped, and ready to mail!”
determined. “He started running his own life around the time he was three years
Stewart credits her relationship with Jesus Christ as her source of strength
old! It was all I could do to stay in charge. This is one thing I love about him.
during this difficult time of adjustment. “I would get up while it was still dark,
He has such a strong, protective personality and will lay down his life to take
make a cup of coffee, and open His Word. One verse particularly encourag-
care of you.” Although Seth may not admit it, Stewart shares that underneath
ing was Proverbs 16:9 (NLT), ‘We can make our plans, but the LORD determines
that tough exterior lies a tender and kind heart, which has captured his own
our steps.’ I had to make a decision to trust the Lord with Seth’s plans.” God was
mother’s since day one. “Most moms take care of their sons, but this son has been
certainly working on Seth during this time, and he became more focused than
taking care of me since he was old enough to think about it.”
ever. “He has always been disciplined and organized, but he went to a whole
Seth was in his first semester of college when he shared with his family the idea of
new level. It appeared that there was no boy left in this man. As time passed,
joining the military. Stewart was shocked at first, as she had hoped he would pursue
however, we began to see not just the Marine, but the man.” Today, Seth and
the ministry path. “I was sick to my stomach! I did not want my son to have to endure
his wife, Rachel, are preparing for deployment to Okinawa, Japan, this fall.
the harsh realities of military training and war. It was such a conflict between pride
He is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to lead troops. Stewart is also pre-
that he wanted to serve and dread that he would not be in a safe environment.” She
paring for this, as Seth will always be her baby boy. “I try not to be passive-ag-
hasn’t ruled out the ministry as a future endeavor just yet, however. “When you think
gressive and over-share how much it hurts to be separated from him. He needs
about it, what is a bigger mission field than the men and women of our military?
to be free to do what God has called him to do without a guilt trip from his mom-
Twenty-two military personnel a day take their own lives. I pray that the Lord will use
ma! I am so grateful that he has Rachel; she is a dedicated military wife who
Seth’s gifting to shepherd these lives toward a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).”
consistently works at taking care of the business of military family life! She loves her
After careful consideration, Seth enlisted with the hopes of becoming an
man!” CONTINUED...
officer in the Marine Corps. “They have quite the reputation of being the
hardest, most difficult branch of the military.” This meant he would have to
complete a four-year degree and attend Officer Candidacy School, a challenge
for which Seth was made. “He was born a leader!” Seth embarked to Parris
Island for basic training in March 2011, leaving behind a bit of an empty space in the
Billingsley family. “There was a sense that it was right, but it still leaves a vacancy
SHEMAGAZINE.COM
“AS TIME PASSED, HOWEVER, WE BEGAN TO SEE
NOT JUST THE MARINE, BUT THE MAN.”
JULY 2016
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