Labor. I was encouraged to find a focus point during labor. I chose a favorite verse in the bible: “I can do all things through Him who strengthen me.” Philippians 4:13.
I had no idea it would become one of my favorite life verses and most relied upon ones, too!
Labor was difficult. Labor was long. Our son, some months later was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a few years later began developing seizures—often gran mal. That diagnosis was epilepsy. He began walking about 3 years old but someone needed to walk behind him because his brain didn’t tell him how to fall and catch himself. He didn’t say much until he was about 12; his smile carried him through much of his lack of communication. There were such delays in every area of his life. It wasn’t always easy … for him or for us or his sisters.
But when I look back over 34 years of caring for our son, there is no doubt that my reliance on this verse is clear. It has also been a verse that helped Joe and our daughters! When our son is hitting me because he can’t communicate something, I get frustrated, too, and often silently quote this verse.
God does strengthen me. He strengthens me spiritually so I can continue to serve Him as I serve my son and others. He strengthens me emotionally when I feel spent and have little reserve to keep me going. He strengthens me with physical strength…because sometimes our 6’4” son gets so wound up and angry that I need to get him to the ground so he doesn’t do physical damage. I’m over 60. God is good.
But when I think back over 33 years of caring for our son with special needs, I’m most thankful that God is always there. Needing His strength has allowed me to ask for it, and then seeing because of that strength, I can do all things.
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