Madelyne Jeanne is our first grandchild and the only girl of our four grandchildren.
The Importance Of Names
Her name is special because it represents both grandmothers. The “lyn” is derived from my name Lynda. In addition, her maternal grandmother’s name is Jeanne, Maddie’s middle name. I affectionately call her Melon because when saying Madelyne in a quick succession it sounds like “Melon.” There are many variations on how to spell her name, but I know of only one Madelyne. Maddie is truly unique and her bold personality is a testament to who God created for His purpose.
The Prophecies
Long before Maddie’s spiritual heart was being formed, I belonged to a Catholic lay group. Our director was gifted with the word of prophecy. Before the iPhones, we recorded the prophetic words on audio cassettes. Out of habit, replaying the prophetic words about my grandchildren helped me memorize what was spoken. When it came to Maddie, the Word of God was that she would have my mantle. Over and over the same prophetic words about Maddie serving the Lord were confirmed.
I kept these things in my heart and prayed about them coming to fruition. Understanding how God works in our families is learning that it’s always in His time. My family is saturated in daily prayers; not a day passes without them being prayed for. My prayer for Maddie had shifted from finding a helpmate to her drawing closer to God.
Maddie’s Parents
There is a wonderful, mysterious relationship between a mother and child. Jenny, Maddie’s mom, is a prayer warrior for her daughter. We all knew that something had gone awry with Maddie, so we prayed. Maddie is blessed with parents who care deeply about her wellbeing. All we could do was come alongside them and pray for Maddie’s mental health.
COVID
Maddie was 15-years-old when COVID hit. This really altered her life in all aspects. She could not drive or do anything social. Going on hikes with her parents and brother was not her idea of fun.
Since sixth grade she had been attending a youth group at Calvary Chapel. With the governments mandates the youth group meeting came to a halt. She lost sight of who she was and no longer had a relationship with God; her faith had weakened and she fell into a pit of unbelief. She was devoid of any spirituality.
Friends
Maddie was a rebellious teen and she started to develop unhealthy friendships. She was not sure why she was angry but she was. She continued to question God’s existence and, along with her friends, made their own rules. Because of COVID’s restrictions she had no discipline; she felt like she could get up when she felt like it. She hated zoom classed and felt that it was a waste of time.
The Betrayal
Social distancing was no better. She experienced her first high school boyfriend. Maddie introduced her friends to his friends and they did everything as a group. After a few months Maddie broke up with her boyfriend. Never would she expect her friends to shut her out and exclude her; these girls took sides and it deeply hurt Maddie. To a sixteen-year-old, this was the worse time in Maddie’s life. She focused on college.
New Friendships
Maddie made new friends, healthy-minded girls who were supportive of her. One girl in particular is still her best friend; they met through a Club Volleyball Team. She made other friends who were in her classes as well. Maddie felt the presence of God in her life, but did not have a personal relationship with Him.
High School Life Lesson
Maddie’s high school life lesson is without God you have no control. If you try to control your life, it leads to negativity; nothing good comes of it.
Grand Canyon University
Maddie visited several colleges; she visited Grand Canyon University twice and felt a strong sence of community. This felt different from the other colleges she visited. It seemed that this was a fit for her, and that she would have fun there. She and her best friend roomed together along with four other girls. She was settled and happy but felt a void; she was still trying to find who she was.
The Calling
Maddie had all she wanted; her roommate situation was great. All that had been removed in high schools had been restored, but there was still something missing. She did not feel satisfied. She was invited to attend a retreat, “Kamp Love.” This organization was founded by Christian college students to bring community in Christ.
The Retreat
At the beginning of the retreat Maddie felt that there was a lot of turmoil, a warfare within her spirit. The first night was dedicated to mental and physical wellbeing. “I was still angry, I knew I had to give everything to the Lord.” She confided in one of the prayer team leaders for two hours and was experiencing the power of God setting her free. The young mentor was led by the Holy Spirit and guided Maddie to the realization that she needed to surrender all to God. She was Baptized that weekend.
Saved
Do you think Satan would not notice Maddie’s conversion? No, because once Maddie was saved it was a long process to fully have confidence in herself. Because like the rest of us we have trouble forgiving ourselves. In Maddie’s words, ” Learning more about God’s forgiveness and mercy helped me feel comfortable in the process. My past is a testament of God’s presence and faithfulness…He waited for me.”
The Post
I follow Maddie on social media and when she posted her commitment to Christ, I knew she was home.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank You for Maddie’s conversion. I know that there are thousands upon thousands of youth who are struggling with spiritual direction. Guide them into Your loving arms and set them free. Reveal Your love to them and use our youth as never before. Set them on fire to serve You and to spread Your holy Word to the nations. Amen.
