I had a conversation with a very good friend the other day. She is also a parent of a child with special needs. We were sharing stories, encouraging each other just by the common bond that is special needs. There are things that only caregivers of people with special needs can know. We mourn the…
How Jesus dealt with anxiety (and how we can follow him in this, too)
“Jesus understands everything you’re going through.” “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 Anyone ever read that and think, “Yeaaahh, but not ____” or “But my situation did not happen back then”…
Grace, space and community – How to move towards God in the midst of pain
I’ve never dealt well with difficult news. Lately, I’m processing a potential new diagnosis for my son. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with ADHD. That’s been its own journey, but new doctors and experiences have led us to question if he is on the autism spectrum. We’re currently in the thick of the diagnosis…
Knit together – When you need a reminder that your hot mess is full of purpose
Psalm 139:13-14: “For You formed my inward parts. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, my soul knows it very well.” Wonderful are your works. I have prayed these verses when trying to understand and trust that my issues, my…
Speak the truth. Cling to the truth. Act on the truth.
Dreams. They’re just dreams. Crazy, mixed up, scary, but not real. Thoughts alone. Manifestations of neurons. Pictures and fragments in a blender in my head while I sleep, trying to sort themselves out. I dreamed that I knew I was about to witness my husband’s death. Some sort of gentleman’s duel, sort of, only it…
The Truth in the dirty dishes
Today, I matched socks out of a basket while sitting on the potty. I’ve never done that before. As I did so, I tried to decide if I should consider this efficiency? or a new personal low in home management skills? As a working mom, ministry wife, and mom of 3 (and a half!), I…
Finishing the course
This little guy’s determination. We went to the park yesterday. He watched another family playing soccer, walked up to the daddy, and asked if he could play soccer with them. He told them his name. I don’t even think this family spoke English, but that didn’t stop Noah. They took him in and played with…
Prayer for those days when you really need 2 more hours of sleep (or for any day at all, actually)
Father, you know I am tired. You know my days lately. You see them. You see me. God, I take comfort in being seen and known by you. None of my hard days go unnoticed by you. God, my body is telling me that the only plausible solution to this day is more sleep and…
2 years later
2 years later. I’m so thankful for this journey. I have learned so much about so many medical issues. I have learned so much faith. HARD faith – but when is faith not hard? I have gained so much empathy for so many families, many I’ve met only BECAUSE of this journey. I have so…
To the mama at the earliest screening for the kid-friendly movie
I see you. And, probably, I get you. I figure you’re probably like me, torn between wanting to have nice family activities and fearing public meltdowns. Maybe you made the plans a few days ago, and maybe you even dreaded coming after solidifying the decision. But some sense of normalcy… the luxury of simply going to…