“If God sends us on strong paths we are provided strong shoes.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Image courtesy of ningmilo / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I recently saw this quote on a Facebook photo and it stuck with me. I thought, What a perfect quote that describes the life of a special needs parent! If you know the life of Corrie Ten Boom the woman who said this, then you know she endured a very hard life. I admire her and I admire her faith in God throughout all circumstances.
As I thought about the quote above, I thought about the word “strong.” What does that really mean? I looked it up in the dictionary and found that these words were perfect to describe the word “strong” as used in the quote above: “If God sends us on strong (forceful, extreme, intense) paths we are provided strong (solid, well-established, firm) shoes.”
What a description for the paths we have been sent on as special needs parents! I don’t know about your journey, but mine has been one that is extremely forceful, extreme and intense. It has been strong. As special needs parents we are sent on a strong paths since the birth of our children. We work hard to get our children the best help we can, we become their best advocates, and we plan our lives around their needs and schedules.
But God did not lead us on this journey without help! The shoes He has given to special needs parents are special. They can’t just be any shoes they have to be the perfect fit, size, and color. They are not always the most comfortable, but are instead made to take us over the rough spots and through the muck and the mire and the yuckiness of life.
They are shoes that not many others could handle or wear, but they were given to us because He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knew what we were capable of and He knew these were the shoes we would need to get us through each day. They are solid, well-established, and firm. They are strong.
I am so thankful that He knows us better than anyone else. That He gives us to strength to get through the stress and trials of each and every day. And so thankful for the shoes that He knew I could handle.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”- Matthew 11:28
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Love this quote! I get told all the time that I am one strong mama but the truth is I am like any other mama with doubts, fears, laughter, joy and hope. My issues are just different. It is God who carries me when I am weak and makes me strong. I always think about the Footprint poem but this is a new favourite!
I get told that too a lot. It bothers me because I don’t feel strong most of the time. Like you said I have my share of fears and doubts. Glad this was helpful to you and thanks for commenting!
I love this quote, I think it applies to any circumstance. But I love how you applied it to yours. I’m not a parent at all, but have worked with special needs adults for years. I truly enjoy it, even though it’s not always easy.
I’m hopping over from Titus2sdays 🙂
I agree. I think it can apply to a lot of life’s circumstances! Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment and thank you for your dedication to your work. I am sure many parents appreciate it so much!
Kathryn, I love how you expanded the already powerful words of a woman well-acquainted with challenges. We can learn a lot from people who’ve discovered how to thrive in the middle of suffering. Victor Frankl, Joni Eareckson-Tada, Jerry Sittser. Love how you remind us here that the battles we face aren’t all that’s out there. And that God’s ALWAYS giving us what we need for each one!
Hi Laurie,
Thank you! So true. I don’t know about all the people you mentioned, but I did read several books about Joni Eareckson-Tada and wow…. She is an amazing woman! Thanks for commenting!
i get asked a lot about how I get through everything. I tell people “It’s not me. It’s God.” He does give us strength to walk the paths before us. Thank you for this post and reminder that He alone gives us the strength to get up and walk alongside Him.
I get asked that a lot too. I agree there is no way I could without God. Thanks for commenting!
LOVE this post!!! After a very rough night with my son this was exactly what I needed. I’ve never thought about “shoes” before but it’s such a great analogy. God is so good to prepare and go before us. I’m thankful that God believes enough in me to entrust me with a special child. Thanks again!
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for commenting! I had never really thought about it either until I saw the quote. Glad that this was encouraging to you after a rough night!