The One Thing You Need To Do When Your Child is Going Off To College

There are only a few days left. Until it happens.

The day I’ve dreaded for almost eighteen years, but also looked forward to with a heart of hope and excitement. The day we’ve been counting down to and preparing for for months, but one I secretly hoped would never arrive.

In just over a week, my little-blonde-headed-blue-eyed-boy-turned-handsome-incredible-young-man moves into a dorm room and officially becomes a college Freshman. He’ll be attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my alma mater (Go Niners!), which is not far from our home. Yet still, he will no longer be living with me but on his own. He will officially be a young adult. Mercy.

When my oldest daughter Morgan started college five years ago, I’ll admit I didn’t handle it well, as explained in today’s Proverbs 31 devotion. It was so hard as a mom to let go and let God take over. When my daughter Kaitlyn started college a couple years later, it was a little easier (but not much, I’ll confess) and anxieties and emotions still seemed overwhelming. Plus, I missed both of them terribly.

But now this. The baby of the family. My precious baby boy.  The last one to be born, the last one to leave the nest. The one I’ve spent time with every single day for almost eighteen years and every day for the past several years when it was just he and I living at home. Plus, compounded with the reality that as a single mom I won’t be skipping off into retirement with a husband and traveling together in these empty nest years like I once thought would be the case, but instead am facing the reality of embarking on this new phase of life all alone —– girlfriend, I’ll confess, emotions are running high.

The truth is, even the third time around, I still don’t have this whole “dropping your kids off at college” thing figured out. But I know God does. And knowing that calms my nerves and fills me with peace.

I am still going to have to pray for the supernatural ability to hold back tears, ugly cries and overflowing emotions, at least until I am in the car driving away from the dorm after move-in day.  And honestly I might need to ask God for an extra dose of sanity to prevent me from acting a little (or a lot) cray-cray in the coming weeks.

But if there is one thing God has taught me over the years, and especially over the past year, is that I can trust Him with all things. Literally ALL THINGS. Countless times He has proven Himself faithful, leaving me in awe and thankfulness, and these are the memories I cling to when worry, self pity or loneliness try to rear their ugly heads, especially when on the cusp of a new season of life, yet again. Maybe today you need to be reminded of that promise as well and reminded to trust Him with all things, including your children.

If you’re dropping part of your heart off at a college campus, might you make an intentional commitment to change your thinking from worrisome thoughts to positive, optimistic thoughts today? For your sake, but also your child’s sake?

When we focus on our faith instead of our worries, letting go of our kids and trusting God to be their new guardian makes letting go seem a little less stressful. There is one thing we all need to remember to do no matter what, especially during emotional seasons with our children and seasons of letting go, and that is to TRUST GOD. And then, 

TRUST that you have spent all these years raising your child to the best of your ability and teaching them to love the Lord. Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy who wants to convince you otherwise.

TRUST that you’ve taught them right from wrong, but know they’re going to make their own mistakes and learn from them just as we have learned from ours.

TRUST God loves them and He will never leave them. Even if they stray, He’s always be by their side calling them back.

TRUST God to protect them. He can always be there, when we cannot.

TRUST God will calm your fears and help you grow in faith as you learn to accept this new phase of life.

TRUST your child loves you even if you don’t talk to them every day. They will need some time to figure out who they are and where they fit in, but they will always love you and love home and know Whose they are and Who they belong to.

TRUST God has an incredible and beautiful plan, purpose and future for your child just as you believe He has for you.

TRUST you can survive this in faith because all moms go through it at one point or another. 

TRUST God will give you strength you can’t muster up on your own and the ability to hold back mama tears if needed.

TRUST He will catch every tear that does fall and help you put your child’s excitement and happiness above your own anxieties and fears.

TRUST He can help you overcome the pull towards sadness and ask Him to fill your heart and life with laughter instead.

TRUST you can find peace and joy through faith even if all you really want to do is curl up in a fetal position and cry. (But if you do need to curl up in a fetal position and cry – it’s okay!! Sometimes us mama’s just need to let it all out, especially when it comes to matters of the heart regarding our children. Just try not to do it in the middle of a dorm room.)

TRUST in the people God has placed in your life and don’t be afraid to ask for support or hugs when you need it. This is an emotional time and those who love you will be blessed by being there for you when you need them most.

Most importantly, TRUST God has a plan for this new chapter of your life and for this new chapter in your child’s life as well. And believe with your whole heart it is a good, good plan.

Even though as moms our lives have revolved around our kids for eighteen years before they move out and go to college – and their absence makes not only our house feel empty but our hearts feel empty too –  we can stay fulfilled, joyful and hopeful if we put our full trust in God alone.  Remember to look for the positives that lie ahead. Focus on the good things this new phase of life will bring for all of you.

When we think positive, we feel positive equipping us to share that positivity with our kids.

Let’s commit to intentionally choose to think positive about what is yet to come and trust in the One who holds all our futures in His hands while praying for sovereign protection and provision over the ones we love most.

And all the mama’s out there said AMEN!

What is your biggest fear, worry or emotion that is making it hard for you to be positive while on the brink of a new phase of life for you and your child? If not for college, for another new season that seems scary, unknown or full of change?  

Leave a comment on the blog sharing your thoughts and be entered to win a free signed copy of my  newest book Unsinkable Faith to help you learn to begin transforming your thoughts and build a habit of optimism and positive thinking in all areas of your life!

(To read more encouragement on trusting God with your children, check out this past devotion, How To Trust God With Your Children)

62 Comments

  1. Lisa on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 6:22 am

    Thank you Tracie for these reminders. I too have one in college that will graduate this December. It seems like he just left. I have two in high school. I pray for the blood of Jesus to be applied to each one of them from the tops of their heads to the tips of their toes…in the name of Jesus. I also pray for guardian angels to protect them while driving and for their overall protection. My aunt taught me years ago to “pray for the doors that need to be open, to be opened and for the doors that need to be shut, to be shut….I pray that for them too. As a mom, I have always had the mother hen nature and have to admit I’m controlling. I have to remind myself God is in control of their lives so I keep on praying. I will keep you in my prayers. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. God is using you in a mighty way. I am from NC as well. I was unable to attend the She Speaks conference however, I plan too in the future. ~Lisa~



  2. Mona Riggs on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 6:27 am

    I just dropped by baby boy off in SC last week. Oh the thoughts running through my mind! U could feel the fear trying to grip me. I did my best to cast the worry and fear in my heavenly Father. There’s a special relationship between a mama and her son, especially her baby. Don’t you think?



  3. Brenda on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 6:50 am

    My son leaves to start his junior year at a university 2 1/2 hours away this Sunday. My daughter leaves in 2 weeks to begin her freshman year 800 miles away. I pray that I don’t sink into a sobbing mess of despair, that I focus on my faith in God and not my fear of the single mom empty nest.



  4. Regina on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 6:50 am

    What a timely message. We take our ‘baby’ to college today, and I’m trying so hard to overcome the sadness and be happy for her. I trust God to watch over her, but I so needed to read your words today (and for several more days to come).



  5. Tondi on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 6:54 am

    I made the mistake of watching Toy Story 3 the summer before my daughter went to college. She was my life saver while her dad and I were married. So her leaving was super hard, even though I had a new family. It’s tough!!

    I had a medical scare a few years ago. As I was waiting for the doctor to examine the images taken by the tech, I prayed. I was laying in the cold room, with only a thin blanket to comfort me. I said, “Lord, you’be got this. Whatever results may come, I know you are here for me. This will be a new adventure for us. I trust you.”

    Living a Christian life can become stagnet unless new adventures await. Thankful God can see the way through the rough path.

    Excited to read your next book from this new adventure. 😉



  6. Leigh F. on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 6:59 am

    What a great message. I have several friends dropping their children off at college for the first time this year and I am forwarding them your blog post. Such comforting words.



  7. Donna on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:06 am

    Just put my two on a flight from Pennsylvania to Alaska for college. Hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But God is so good. We lived in Alaska for over 3 years. A wonderful couple from our church invited them to stay in their home. But loneliness and worry will remain. Our 18 year old just got his drivers license and moose accidents are very common in Alaska. Much more dangerous for the driver than hitting a deer. Thankful for a faithful Lord who has given me a loving understanding husband. This was a much needed reminder this morning!



  8. Nita on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:12 am

    Thank you for sharing. This is just what I needed today and more days to come. I will be dropping my daughter off at college next week. Yes the anxiety is starting to build. She is my baby child and my first to leave and stay on campus 2 1/2 hours away. I am trusting in God to help me through this new season in my life and hers.



  9. Julia on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:19 am

    I needed these words today… My oldest graduated from college this past year and my other 3 are in the middle of their college years. Even though I am not “dropping anyone off” this year, each new year has the potential for new worries and anxiety as they work toward their goals. I will renew my commitment to daily commit them to God and trust that He will be their focus and guide.



  10. Terri on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:23 am

    Thanks Tracie! I’ve been helping my daughter move into a house that she’s sharing with 5 other girls for the last 2 days. We’ll finish today, and I’ll pray over, and for, her, the girls and the house. Then I’ll come home to paint her now empty bedroom. God has worked so much change in me, and I’m happy to say that I actually have strong emotions about her going. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have been able to express them. I was raised not to, but God has softened and grown my heart to more closely resemble His. I am SO PROUD of her! And so happy that she’s excited to be ‘on her own’. Your words today were just what I needed, and I would love to read your book!! Thank you!!!!



  11. Kathleen on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:29 am

    This was sooooo what I needed to read (and re-read!). Trusting God with my son (my only son), is the hardest thing EVER for me to do. Your post was a blessing; truly will re-read over and over. Thank you, and God bless you.



  12. Janet on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:32 am

    So fitting for me. I too have to drop my first born off at college. I feel like I am leaving a piece of my heart on that campus. I am trusting God to care for him. I think I’ll struggle most with not seeing him. After seeing him almost every day for 18 years, it is hard to imagine going weeks without seeing him.



  13. Julie Woodman on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:41 am

    Just the words I neede today. My twins are headed to college this fall. In 1 week I drop my son off and 10 days later my daughter. Tears fell just reading this and thinking of those hard day’s yo come. But the relation of Trust God started to bring some peace. I will need to read those words over and over in the coming weeks. I am so proud of the people my kids have become and am excited for them and I know God loves them, but I will miss them so much. My house will be so lonely. But I see that it can be a time for me to grow my faith. Blessings to you as you too become an empty nester.



  14. Suzie on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:51 am

    God new just what I needed today. I moved my first born son to college this week and while he is attending professional school and is not a freshman, its not any easier. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I will be focused on those verses as my emotions take over as they have been. I am so proud of who he is as a young man and excited for him, but it is still very hard. I will be praying for you too on this journey.



  15. Susan on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:57 am

    Thank you for this message, I am bookmarking it so that I can read it throughout this coming year. Both of my boys are finishing their last years at their respective schools–one is in middle school and the other is finishing elementary. This school year will be about preparing for new things ahead: new schools, making new friends, the possibility of going to school overseas. Through it all, I am and will be trying to listen to what God wants for my boys, and what He has planned for them. Praying for the courage to do this–for all of us!



  16. Elizabeth Smith on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Now with two kids, the new phase of balance has been very tough!



  17. Rhea on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:04 am

    Wow! God’s ways are incredible. I am two weeks away from sending my baby girl to college and my emotions are on a roller coaster ride. Your scripture teaching and blog came at the right time and filled my heart. Thank you for your words and guidance.



  18. Dana on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:16 am

    Thank you for the timely message. And thank you for the opportunity to receive the book.



    • Ellaine on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 5:08 pm

      We dropped off our only child, a handsome blonde headed, blue eyed boy off at University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY. yesterday. He’ll be playing baseball, so I know he will stay busy and be fine. He’s 2.5 hours from home and I’ve prayed continuously for God to protect him!! I, however, cannot get the waterworks turned off, but your blog post has helped!! Thank you!



  19. Ginger on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:21 am

    Leaving today to take my youngest to college. She is my best friend and I will miss her terribly. I am trusting God to not only take care of her but to take care of me too!



  20. Sue on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:36 am

    God’s timing is so perfect. Your words are just what I needed as we will be helping our baby boy move into an apartment for the first time with two college friends next week. Thank you so much for sharing your encouragement and wisdom! God bless you.



  21. Sherry on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Thank you for this message. I am sending my youngest to college next week. My mind has been filled with thoughts of things I wish I would have done when she was younger. This blog came at the right time for me. Thank you for sharing.



  22. Sherie on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:47 am

    My youngest is going off to Boot Camp after his 4 year stint at college. This adds a whole new level of fear and anxiety. I am trying to keep in mind that God loves him as much, if not more, than I do and will keep him safe. Thanks for the encouragement today.



  23. Susan on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Great devotion today. Even though my kids are in elementary school I still needed to hear your words and read the bible verses.



  24. Lianne Hogg on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Tracy I really needed to hear your message today. I am not a mama, but my
    mom has some health issues, and it is not easy at all. Mom is already planning for her after life , she is not a born again christian or the rest of my family . I have read your book ” Unsinkable Faith” maybe I need to read it again



  25. Julie on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:18 am

    I have homeschooled our only child, and he will be starting full-time high school. Even though this is about your children starting college, it really helped to remind me of what to focus on, instead of a sense of another loss. I have also lost both of my parents in the last two years to death and my son has been a huge support, but I know he is ready to spread his wings a little bit. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I don’t have much support where I live.



  26. Carolyn Rogers on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:22 am

    Thank you, Tracie, for reminding us of this unshakable truth if God’s sovereignty and intimate care. He’s so good to us and our children. I worry sometimes that the world will devour my kids when they are in their own, steal their faith. I pray they never turn their backs on their good God, even when all the world makes that seem very attractive. I pray that for all Christian sons and daughters entering college. May the Lord give all of us wisdom and great faith.



  27. Jennifer on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:28 am

    This is a great read, thank you. I wish I’d of had it three years ago when my baby boy left for the Air Force just after graduation from high school. I was actually prepared for that transition, what I was not prepared for was him eloping with an older woman he’d met on the internet three weeks after they met and two weeks before he left for basic training. That broke my heart. It took me two years to come to accept it. They just had their third anniversary and he will have three years in the Air Force is a few days. I am very proud of his Air Force career and although I accept his marriage, I still believe it’s a mistake. Your post reminds me to put it in the Lord’s hands and trust that He will work this out. I loved reading Unsinkable Faith. One of my grandsons passed away this past January and I started reading your book as soon as it came out. I framed the anchor picture with his picture and it hangs in our living room. I thank you for that, it brings me a lot of peace in the times when his death feels overwhelming.



  28. Donna on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Wow. Talk about finding what you need most right in front of you! Only a few more days until our son returns to college after summer break but, thinking ahead two years until our daughter goes off to college. I love having my kids at home but, know that they are going to have beautiful independent lives they are cultivating now. My relationship with God has not been the best these last few years. I’ve been praying for renewed faith for myself and my children, and faith for my husband and a new, welcoming church community. Your blog article today reminds me God is with us and we are never alone. I need to trust Him and hang on to my faith. xo



  29. Teresa on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Such incredible timing! I was literally telling my friend I knew I needed to put my college children in His hands, but how hard it was on a Mommas heart! Thank you for making me feel better!



  30. Beth on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:45 am

    Thank you for this wonderful message. I will be helping my daughter move back to college tomorrow. I thought since this was her second year it would be easier than last year but I’m starting to feel like it is going to be harder. It has been just the two of us for the past 2 years since her dad left us. I think maybe it is harder because I know how it is being alone and it’s hard! She also has had some medical issues the last few years. I plan on using all your advice to get through today, tomorrow and the weeks to come. My preacher preached on Faith this past Sunday. I think that was for me, to remember to have Faith during this time.



  31. Edith on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 10:06 am

    I’m also sending my youngest off, if only across town. There are many emotions and concerns and I’m trusting God to help get us both through! It will be a big adjustment for us all, but I’m grateful we have made it to this point!
    Thanks for the encouraging words!



  32. Angie on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 10:15 am

    I was so blessed to read this. My oldest leaves for the University of Tennessee on Monday.



  33. Sharon on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 10:18 am

    So encouraging to read this and thankful for the friend who shared it with me. I take my oldest to college in 2 weeks and I feel so unprepared. Most of my worry is for her and adjusting to this new life she is beginning. I needed the reminder (amazingly) that God is in control. As our lives change I will trust in His plan! thank you



  34. Bobbie Todd on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 11:05 am

    This is so awesome! Thank you, Tracie for these words. My son (my baby) won’t go to college for 2 more years, but already I feel the sting and pull of the Enemy telling me ALL the wrong things, and poor choices he will be making! It is scary, but your words sure help me! I feel as though I can tackle my negative thoughts over the next couple years, and be better prepared!

    Thank you!



  35. Shawna on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 11:35 am

    Thank you for this great message! We are taking our first born to college in a couple weeks, and I am try to keep my emotions and fears in check. I thank the Lord for the opportunity my son has to be the first one in our family to go away to college. I am so excited for the new adventure that awaits him! Now if I can just keep myself from being a blubbering mess! Lol! I am doing my best to trust the Lord has this. Thanks again for your honest and inspiring message.



  36. Elizabeth on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 11:38 am

    I have good friends who are dropping their children off. I know that they will benefit from reading this blog just as I would benefit from winning the book. 🙂



  37. Courtney on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    My biggest upcoming obstacle & issue of question & doubt is a big, family move. My husband, 2 daughters, & myself had to move in with my parents, & older brother, a yr & a half ago, bc our house, which btw is only 1 house over (Not positive if I’m saying that correctly. There is 1 house b/w ours & my parents), had become very damaged from weather & storms & was finally going to have much needed repairs done. Repairs so drastic that it has ended up being almost a complete home renovation. But bc of some legal difficulties that incurred w/ the insurance company, the expected 6wk job has became a 1½yr, & counting, yet to be finished job. The house that my parents have been living in for the past 11-12yrs, even though they have only been renting, has very much been made into a home. With thoughts of eventually being able to buy the house from the owner, my mom, & even myself when we first moved in & I was still living @ home w/ my parents, have put an extreme amount of time, effort, & money into doing various updates & additions, interior & exterior, to make it more “ours”, homely, & presentable. About 3wks ago, my parents found out from the owners, an older couple that are very uncaring, unlogical & irrational thinking, for some very unworthy reasons including them not being fond of my parents & several large, costly repairs needed & necessary, decided that they were no longer going to rent the house out to my parents. Imagine our shock! In our area, it is practically impossible to find any home to rent that is decent AND affordable. Plus, to add in the fact that my husband & I have also been having to share a care w/ my parents bc ours is needing a new motor & many repairs, which has been an over a yr work in progress that I believe has become a job too difficult for the mechanic we’ve paid, the only reasonable, affordable one we could find, to finish. Sooo, there you have it. We all have to be moved out by the end of the month. Our house, which may finally be finished by then, is not large enough to accommodate my parents & brother as well as the 4 of us, and my parents have been unable to find anything else in the area. Please pray for this life changing situation we are enduring!



  38. Carmen on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Thank you for this powerful reading and trust statements to live by. For the second fall, I am NOT going to be dropping my daughter off at college. Three years ago our spunky, creative, God- loving 16 year old became ill. I compare it having the pause button pressed. Three years later, she has a diagnosis that finally makes sense. She recovering and slowly making progress to regaining her health and sense of self. I rely on trust statements, too, many of which are the same as yours. I thank you for this opportunity to reflect and write out a few my own. I TRUST that God has a plan to use this suffering and bring her to a place beyond what we can imagine. I TRUST in God’s timing, not the timing of the world. I TRUST God will use this illness to let us help others. Moms, when you have a child that is ready to be dropped off, consider it a blessing. There are Moms out there who want nothing more for their child than to be ready.



  39. Jean on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    Thank you for your words Tracie, and for sharing your heart. The countdown to the start of college for my only child is 20 days – and my heart is feeling a whirlwind of emotions. My son has such a heart for the Lord, and his walk of faith is deeply rooted. But I worry about how he may feel different, and in the minority, on the college campus. The world that he’s grown up in is so scary. So many of his peers have become caught up in the ways of the world, and either stumbled or flat out fallen. I trust that God works things for good, and I’ve seen Him to just that … but my son often feels discouraged, and left out … alone in his commitment to walk in faith and obedience among his peers/age group. I know his confidence and strength come from the Lord – not his circumstances, but I am sure praying that the Lord let someone cross paths with him to join him through his college years as a good friend. It’s hard enough to stand out, and even harder to stand alone. A good circle of close knit friends, even if just 1 or 2, would make a difference. Trusting the Lord during this transition, and praying mightily for His continued covering over my son.



  40. Debra on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I too am on a new journey with my only child, son leaving for college near Calgary, Canada (1,200 miles from our home in NV) in too weeks.
    For the first time In 59 yrs of my life I am experiencing healthy feelings of loss and gain. I was 16 years young when my father died and I was not allowed to grieve. I did not know Jesus then and had no healing guidance from any adults in my life then. I did not lhandle loss well with Gods grace and ease.
    Two years ago, God lead me to Celebrate Recovery where I found freedom from depression and healing with knowing my identity in Jesus Christ and He has shown me He has a greater plans for me. Even though in the last month I’ve had tearful days, as we get closer to my son leaving for college and his new life. I know trusting the Lords process, we will progress and He will bless both of us. My prayer is to keep my heart open and faithful to Him, resulting in His glory.
    May God bless all the Mom’s in this season of change.



  41. linda Glisson on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    Just the encouragement I needed & asked the Lord for today.Would LOVE to win the book but pray that whomever needs it the most God will deliver it to. He knows best.



  42. Kym on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    Thank you Tracie! This was timely for me as I have had my heart ache so much since, my 3 sons are called to the military. One Marine, one Sailor, and my youngest just signed with the Air Force and will be leaving. Watching them walk away from me and heading on a plane to start their service, well, I cannot express the love, pride, as well as fear and “momma worry” I experience all too often, now more than ever since the world is in these uncertain times. I go by their rooms and just pray they will be returning home safely. I also asked God for peace and he lead me here to this post. So, again, thank you!



  43. Shelly on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    Thanks for encouraging and understanding. I will take my middle child to college in 1 week and I have been counting down the weeks and now days with dread! I need to read your book as it will be hard for me!



  44. Holly Jacobs on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Tracie, I needed this post today….While I’m not sending one off to college this year, my older son graduated college this past May and got a job in WY (I live in TX). My younger son is at the Air Force Academy and only comes home at Christmas. So, sending my older one off (and not going with him to help set up his apartment – that he had to find and rent on his own) has been very hard on this mama’s heart. I’ve always struggle with worry and have been trying to take more to God and less on my heart. I’ll be printing this post and referring to it whenever the worry starts creeping in. Thank you SO much!!



  45. Kim on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    Wow! It was like you were reading my mind. I have about 1 week until I sent my blued-eyed, baby boy off to college. My baby. The nest will be empty. I enjoyed your posting and will be reading it over the next several weeks. Thank you! I do trust that God will be with him.



  46. Cheryl on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Thank you so much. This is also so timely for me. My youngest will be starting college in a few weeks. I have been struggling with the emotions of sadness, loss, and loneliness this whole past year trying to prepare myself. Thank you for helping me feel not alone. I want to focus on God and His goodness. He knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans to give us a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11. This is for us and our children.



  47. Becky on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    We, too, are in the middle of packing up to take our baby girl to college next week, 1200 miles away. We know she is ready and in God’s hands, but the emotions continue to well up. Thank you for your very timely encouragement to trust God.



  48. Elsie on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:40 am

    I do remember quite a few years ago when we first took our oldest daughter to college. The university she chose to go to was enormous in size compared to the high school she went to. She felt like a smaller fish in a great big ocean. It was very hard when we dropped her off. A lot of tears were shed at that time and when we got back home. The Lord was with us all. She graduated and she is now a part time staff member of the the university she graduated from. The Lord’s blessings to all who are going through this. All things do work out – Romans 8:28.



  49. Kathy on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:43 am

    Been there, done that, got the T Shirt….college and then being deployed as a Navy helicopter pilot…..my heart goes out to all you mom’s experiencing “empty nest” whether for first time or whatever….it’s never easy, but God will see you thru….lifting Tracie and all others up in prayer!????



  50. Sue T. on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Another wonderful example of God’s plan – being led to this blog just as my first born heads off to college next Friday. Thank you, Tracie, for the reminder that I don’t need to worry (quite so much) because God’s got this. He will be with our family as we learn this new normal and let our daughter set out to become the woman He made her to be.
    This blog is going on my fridge as a daily reminder.
    Thank you so much (from a fellow UNCC alum.)



  51. Shelley on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    Thank you for your timely encouragement. Soon to take my first of 3 off to college out of state. Definely bittersweet feelings right now. Excited for her possibilities but trying not to worry about all the unknowns. Thanks again!



  52. Jaydnn on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    I’m in. Working on the “just trust me “



  53. Betty on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 7:12 am

    Thanks for your encouragement.



  54. CarrieC on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Oh my! I’m navigating this for the first time, as my oldest heads to college in just over a week! Thank you so much for the encouragement!!



  55. Jennifer on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Thank you so much for sharing, I like many other moms needed this too. My youngest will be leaving to college next week and she will be sharing an apartment with two other roommates and I’ve been praying for the Holy Ghost to guide her and for God’s angels to protect her every day. This is definitely a very emotional time in my life and I thank you for reminding us we have to have faith in God and know He loves our children as much as we do. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and advice. I needed this. May God guide and protect all the kids leaving to start college and all the other ones that are starting a new year too in school. God bless you all.



  56. Laura on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:04 am

    Though not off to college, my youngest enlisted in the US Navy and is about to be deployed to the Middle East. I too am a single mom and honestly never thought of the day all my babies would be gone. Silly, I know!
    Some days trusting in my Heavenly Father is easy but the other days, maybe not so much. The “now what’s” take over….what do I do now? What do I do with the extra time? What do I do to not be alone so much? How do I stop worrying? “Now what Lord?”
    I’m at a place in life that many women look forward to. Right now, I’m praying for direction and trusting God that He has me where He wants me…and my children are where He wants them too.



  57. Brenda on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    I want to let you know that although my kids are long grown and their kids are nearly grown up I can still remember taking my kids off to college. It is a scary and exciting time depending on whether you are the parent or the child. You have given them good advice. I suggest for you that you take up a new hobby like painting or photography and cultivate a group of women who are in the same situation you are and plan a night out each week with them. My husband use to work away from home and only come home once a month. The hardest night was Saturday night as often we would have a date night that night. Hardest day was Sunday as we use to go out for lunch with the kids and do something and I instead sat at home feeling so alone. I have a friend who lost her husband a number of years ago and she cultivated a group of ladies, all widowed or divorced and they would make sure they all had someone to go out for dinner with on the weekend and many times would plan something on the Sunday so not alone when everyone was with their family. Just a suggestion and maybe with all the wisdom you seem to have for us women you may already have figured this out.



  58. Danyel on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:51 am

    I am coping with a son in prison. On top of it we feel anger and frustration over his trial and sentencing. I attend church, pray regularly, more like plead…. i am trying so hard to be positive
    This is effecting every aspect of my life. I feel broken… i think this blog and the book, Unsinkable Faith would be a tool for me to use.



  59. Eydie Hammaker on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 8:32 am

    Over the past year I’ve been reading tons of literature about “letting go” and blah, blah, blah….Your blog, however, has been greatly helpful and right on time! “Jump Day” for my baby bird is this Friday. My oldest daughter is a senior at UNCC and my youngest will be at freshman at UNCC also. My emotions are all over the place these days as I realize my beautiful girls have grown into such amazing women! I pray that God gives me the strength and peace to handle the transitions ahead. I pray for all us mama’s out there. WE GOT THIS! AND WE GONNA MAKE IT! Thank you for your encouraging words, Tracie and God be with you too on drop off day!



  60. LeAnne on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    Do I ever need this book! I am a total Eeyore! My first thought was, “I probably won’t win.” Do I sound like I need to retrain my brain to think more positively? Good grief. I need to focus on the positive more, need to trust God more, need to let go more, need to worry less. Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Both of my two kids are in college, freshman and senior.. I am handling it better than the first time, but there are a whole new batch of worries that threaten to take over. Things like can we survive the empty nest, what will we do& where will we live in retirement, will our oldest get a job, will she chose a wonderful man to marry or settle for someone who might not be God’s best choice for her, will they both cling to Christ and raise their families accordingly are worries that could preoccupy my mind for the next several years. I just am tired of orrying. I want to lay it down. I know the key is saturating myself in God Word and prayer. I would love to have your book to help me out.



  61. Angela on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    As I’m sitting here missing my one and only son, who is in his 3rd week of college I feel so empty and sad, I miss him so terribly and am trying to figure out how to do this empty nest thing … My husband works Second shift so my evenings are the worst, dinner time and just the loneliness of my baby boy not being here. I know he is where he needs to be and I’m so proud of him, I just didn’t think the 3 and a half hour drive he is away from me would feel like this. I pray for God to intervene and show me how to do this without this lonely lost feeling I have…



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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