She Magazine JULY 2016 | Page 116

Military Moms feature Story by Ashley Elvington • Photographed by Carolina Moments Photography
STEWART SHARES THAT WHEN HER YOUNGER SON , Ethan , arrived , he brought joy into the Billingsley household . “ Ethan is our ‘ golden retriever .’ Where my husband , Seth , and I are pretty straightforward and serious , Ethan brings the fun . God certainly knew what our little family needed when He gave us Ethan .” Like his older brother , Ethan is protective of those he loves . “ Ethan has a tattoo on his leg not visible while in his uniform that truly depicts him . It reads , ‘ I AM my brother ’ s keeper .’ From the outside , he looks all cute and friendly , but underneath is the heart of a fierce warrior who would lay down his life to protect you . I adore spending time laughing with Ethan , and yet I feel completely safe when he ’ s around !”
Ethan was still in high school when he made the decision to join the Marine Corps like his older brother , Seth . Once again , Stewart wasn ’ t thrilled with this decision , but she knew Ethan had to choose his own path in life . In August 2012 , Ethan left for basic training in Parris Island . This time around , Stewart was a bit more emotionally prepared than before , although saying goodbye was just as hard as the first time . “ His letters from Boot Camp were somewhat comforting to me because , although it was crazy tough , Ethan enjoyed the brotherhood of it . He loved things that I would worry about , like the gas chamber and throwing live hand grenades !” Once again , Stewart leaned on God to help her get through . “ Time spent with the Lord got me through the days of emptiness and fear of the unknown . He challenged me to focus on His plans for my life , outside of being a mom . I began putting more time and energy into serving where the Lord had me . When your children are in dangerous places , you can worry yourself to sickness , or put them into the hands of the Lord . They truly belong to Him anyway . They were only mine for a season . When you think about it , I was their first Drill Instructor !”
Just as with Seth , Ethan returned as a man instead of the boy he was when he left . “ As a mom , it is bittersweet . On the one hand , you long for that sweet , innocent boy that had nothing serious to worry about except a soccer game . On the other hand , your heart bursts with pride at the physical and emotional strength of the man that stands before you who could endure and succeed through the training at Parris Island .” Ethan is currently working at MUSC and serving in the Marine Reserves . He is willing to deploy , should the call come . “ He joined to be activated . He has interests outside of military life , but he serves faithfully at all drills and training in the event that he is called .”
By the way things are going in the world these days , Stewart is expecting her boys to be called into duty in places she ’ d rather not see them go . “ As of today , I am not prepared . I believe the Lord will give me what I need when I need it . I daily spend time in prayer and Bible study to build my reserves so when the time comes , it will be in my heart .” Until then , she is appreciating every moment she can get with her sons . “ They have been the focus of my life . Their being in the military has caused me to let go and to release them into the Lord ’ s hands for His purposes when I otherwise would have held on for dear life .” No matter where Seth and Ethan are stationed , Stewart prays they will always remember to look to Jesus as their Commander-in- Chief and to follow His orders rather than those of man .
While Stewart would have gladly chosen a different path for both boys , there has been a blessing in all of this . “ They are strong , determined , proven warriors for what is good . I am most proud of how they love and protect . I feel humbled and honored by their choice to serve and protect .” While she will always miss them , she knows that life isn ’ t over because her boys have grown up . “ My husband and I go find something fun to do in the moments of sadness . Other than that , we continue to pursue God ’ s will for our individual lives . Giving to others gets your mind off of what you don ’ t have . Also , count your blessings . Eve had everything in the Garden , but one thing was off-limits . She focused too long on that one thing instead of being grateful for all she did have . I try to write down five things every day for which I am thankful . So far , I ’ ve written thousands of things . God is so generous and good !”
If you are preparing to say goodbye to your loved one who has enlisted in the military , Stewart encourages you to find support . She is a part of Facebook ’ s Moms of Marines group , which she admits has been inspirational and ,
at times , heartbreaking . “ Please pray for our military and their families . The sacrifices they make are incredible with little reward .” For Stewart , there is no greater source of strength and solace than that of the Lord . “ As said by a great missionary , ‘ The safest place to be is in the center of God ’ s will .’ Be encouraged that your child may be separated from you , but never from the Lord . I wanted to go in those gates of Parris Island so badly , but we were not allowed . The Lord spoke to my heart and said , ‘ They may be able to keep YOU out , but they can ’ t keep ME out !’ I don ’ t put my hope and trust concerning my boys in the Marine Corps or the U . S . Government . My trust is in the Lord ! And He is trustworthy ! ‘ What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt ( or anything ) for help , trusting their horses , chariots , and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the LORD , the Holy One of Israel ’ ( Isaiah 31:1 NLT ).”
Stewart ’ s praises to God overflow like a flooding river , as she is grateful for the two greatest blessings He has given to her - Seth and Ethan . “ I cry every time I see them march out in uniform , every time they salute or are saluted , and every time I hear the Marine Corps Hymn . We wear the t-shirts and drive cars with the bumper stickers ! I could not be more proud of them !”
Stewart Billingsley resides in Florence , South Carolina , with her husband , Shannon . She is the proud mother of Seth and Ethan , and she finds joy in teaching Bible studies at Community Bible Study in Florence . Seth Billingsley is a Second Lieutenant stationed in Quantico , Virginia . He and his wife , Rachel , will be moving to Japan this fall where Seth will become an officer for the military police . Ethan Billingsley is a Lance Corporal who serves as a Reservist at Camp McCrady at Fort Jackson in Columbia , South Carolina . He is also employed with MUSC and the Light Armored Vehicle Division .
118 JULY 2016 SHEMAGAZINE . COM