Twelve months and 14 days ago, I did the hardest thing I have ever done in my life as a parent.

12 months ago, my daughter re-committed her life to Christ.

10 months ago, we saw her for the first time since we took her to Utah, and everything about her just glowed. She had joy that just shone through her. It was amazing. And she hugged me.

8 months ago, we had the very best Thanksgiving our family has ever had, down there in Utah with the girls at New Hope House.

7 months ago, we had an amazing Christmas with J home. Six days of just enjoying being together.

6 months ago, I got to go down and watch J get baptized.

And over this past 6 months, we have watched and listened and worked through our relationship and prayed and prayed and prayed. God is faithful. He is just, loving, and always knows what is best for us. He forgives and redeems.

Today, J graduates from Teen Challenge. This coming week, she turns 16. She has two more years as a child at home, and a lifetime ahead of her as a daughter of the King.

Was a year a long time?  You bet it was. Was it worth it?  Absolutely.

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Not sure what this is about?  Please read Part 1: Do You Wear Parental Blinders? and Part 2: Do Something!, so you know why I am writing this. Also see Early Signs of Rebellion, More Serious Signs of Rebellion, The Worst Signs of Rebellion, and So Now What?