“From Puppies to Prayers: This Christian Singer’s Surprising Journey Through Parenthood”

By Familyguide

Raising children presents numerous challenges, and Matthew and Emily West are intimately familiar with this reality. With their two daughters now embarking on their own journeys, the couple openly shares their ongoing concerns and prayers for their children.

During a recent episode of “The Matthew West Podcast,” Emily revealed her prayer focus for their kids: “I find myself consistently praying for both our girls’ safety, you know?”

The Wests are parents to daughters Luella “Lulu” and Delaney.

Emily elaborated, “I’m constantly praying for [Lulu’s] safety, especially now. She’s currently in North Carolina doing mission work, and she’s about to leave again.”

“Lulu is our free spirit,” Emily explained. “She’s the type who would approach a van with ‘puppies’ written on it…because she adores people. She’s willing to chat with anyone.”

Despite the anxiety Lulu’s openness causes, Emily finds comfort in knowing her daughter is following God’s plan.

“I keep reminding myself that being in His will is the safest place for all of us,” she shared. “And she’s definitely in His will, so she’s safe. It’s about trusting that the Lord is guiding her, trusting that He’s got [her].”

Followers responded with supportive comments on a post featuring a clip from the podcast conversation.

“Love this—she is safe in HIS will,” one person commented. Another added, “Definitely ‘safe’ in GOD’S Arms on this Missionary Trip and I suspect this is just the beginning of many Missionary Trips; once she completes her YWAM Training and College Classes.”

Emily recently used her Instagram platform to encourage other parents whose children are leaving home.

“To Senior Moms, everything will be alright. You’ll miss them (and their friends) tremendously. But witnessing them grow into who The Lord has called them to be is truly beautiful,” she wrote.

She urged fellow moms to savor the summer moments with their children.

Emily concluded, “You’ve done a fantastic job. They’re prepared, and if not, they’ll figure it out. God has them. He truly does. They love and appreciate you. Now watch them flourish.”

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A post shared by Emily West (@heyemilywest)

Last year, the Wests sent Lulu off to college, though she later decided to join YWAM. In a heartfelt interview, West described the emotional journey of watching her grow up.

“There’s a good chance that on any given day, if you stepped into the West household, you’d see a grown man in tears,” West confided to PEOPLE. “And that’s not typically my style.”

He continued, “Just yesterday, our daughter came home from school and tried on her cap and gown,” West shared about his then 18-year-old daughter. “Naturally, my wife started crying. That’s just the phase of life we’re in right now.”

Whether your children are still in diapers or heading off to college, God remains in control, and the Wests are living testament to this reassuring truth.