Words of Encouragement
For the Highs and Lows
September 15, 2021
The number of hats worn by special health needs parents/caregivers is lengthy. From just being a parent to a nurse to an administrative assistant to a therapist to so many, many more titles. And most certainly, the duties are long and endless. From stressful phone calls with doctor’s offices, insurance companies, pharmacies, coordinators, and therapists. To the endless hours of researching the newest diagnosis, medication, test, procedure, or surgery. To sleepless nights, hospital stays, and trying to fit into society’s social norms.
Those are just some of the so many highs and lows involved in being a parent of special health care needs child. The exhaustion is real. Yet, if you ask any one of us parents/caregivers of our special health care needs children, we would not change a thing.
Yes, the stress does take a toll. When Jon and I are asked how we do it, and how we get through all the stress, our answer is always the same by the grace of God. Undoubtedly, we have seen God answer so many of our prayers. From protecting our children to helping our children on their bad days. To helping keep a roof over our heads, and food in our bellies. God is honorable, dependable, and marvelous. It is with God’s help that Jon and I are able to fight for our children and their needs. That we are able to be their voice and advocate. The path that God has put us on has so many highs and lows, but the highs far outweigh the lows. It is on the low days that we look back and remember everything that God has done for us.
Know this ‘Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9
Here are some words of encouragement. As there are guaranteed to be highs and lows in raising a child with special health care needs. There will also be a special kind of support that cannot be found anywhere else. That support is the support of God. He will provide grace and support that is unlike any other thing you will find in this earthly realm. The biggest thing we can say is that all you must do is ask. Ask God to keep your child/ren protected and safe. Pray God to help give you the strength, energy and drive to take care of the child/ren that he has sent you. Ask him to provide you with the grace you need to get through all the highs and lows.
When things are getting tough, you feel like you are falling apart; ‘Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!’ 1 Chronicles 16:11 For as you do this, you will feel his presence around you, you will feel his grace, and you will feel his strength.
