Many parents of special needs children grieve and mourn the loss of their dreams and expectations for their children around the time they are first getting a diagnosis. I did not experience that with my son. I had lost three children before having my son and my pregnancy with him was precarious to the point that he only had a five percent chance of being born and surviving. I was so grateful and … [Read more...]
For Richer or for Poorer
My husband and I often joke about robbing a bank. Or winning the lottery. Or coming into an inheritance. We’ve been joking for years because almost from the day our children were born, we have been in debt, despite many, many plans and schemes and dreams to bob our financial heads above water. You name it, we’ve been billed for it: therapies tried and true and sometimes new, doctor’s bills, … [Read more...]
What Should I Say To Hurting People?
Ever wish you could reach out to a friend in crisis, but you’re just not sure what to say? Most of us tend either to avoid the person or situation altogether or to rush in and say too much. The list below demonstrates some ways you can effectively support people in need. Notice how these responses acknowledge and reflect the person’s feelings without judging him or her or offering unwelcome … [Read more...]
Make Lattes, Not War
Forgiveness. It seems like a 1,000-pound bench press, a crushing load, impossibly heavy to lift. But forgiveness isn’t a one-time heft above our heads to declare our spiritual duty done. It’s more like a marathon. (Or, for those like me, who shudder at the thought of running a 5K, it’s more like a really, really long-distance stroll—preferably with a coffee in hand.) But whether you … [Read more...]
The God Who Goes Before You
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) I … [Read more...]
Praising God in the Storms
One of the hardest things to deal with in this life is watching those we love suffer. For me personally...death is not the hard part of life ... knowing that a loved one has been released from pain and suffering to receive a body that is whole and healthy and free from pain, is something I can rejoice over...even in the midst of my own sorrow ... but watching someone I love who is suffering with … [Read more...]