Dearly loved Mama,
I may not be able to see you, but I so wish I could come over, make you a cup of tea, coffee or a beverage of your choosing, and just share life with you. The world is a scary place at times, but for us, we are championing our children in a world that is slow, and dare I say, reluctant to notice us. Whether it’s physical accessibility issues, the hidden pandemic of isolation and loneliness for those with additional needs and their carers, the expectations for children to be reaching targets set by people who have no idea what they are talking about, the lack of facilities, services and resources that are required yet never provided, the cost of care, the stares of others, the under-the-breath comments of passers by, the lack of respite and physical support, the never-ending paperwork and phone calls required as you advocate for your child, the balance of protecting them and letting go… It’s a lot.
We don’t all experience the same obstacles or feel the same frustrations. Our individual children with their unique needs, personalities and attitudes (plus our own as parents!) may be different. But we do share some common ground, even if we’re wearing different shoes on the journey.
Praise the Lord that He sees us. He walks alongside us and is with us. More than that, He uses what is weak in the world’s eyes to shame the strong. The world’s wisdom is foolishness to God. He chose ‘the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are’ (1 Corinthians 1:28). Our families are made strong when we are weak, because it is the strength of Jesus that sustains us.
Every day we ‘do the next thing’ even when we don’t know how we (or our children) will navigate through the day. Unexpected illness, unprecedented meltdowns, sensory issues (and more) on top of being at home, caring for other dependents, and trying to care for ourselves too can be exhausting. There are moments of guilt and anger. But so many moments of joy and thankfulness.
As I write, I long to encourage you in your important role and how much your children love you and look to you. What you are doing every day is seen by the Lord.
Be encouraged dear one that:
Our children are blessed to have us as their mother.
We are blessed to have them as our children. They teach us every day, about ourselves and about the Lord, which is a truly amazing gift.
The Lord Jesus loves us and our children so much. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. There are no mistakes.
He sees the pressures and the struggle, and He sustains us in it all.
Anything in life that encourages us to cry out to Him for help and recognise our need for Him is a good thing. It teaches us to depend on Jesus. Because all of us need Jesus every moment of every day in all things.
So Mama, keep fighting the good fight of faith, especially in entrusting the Lord with your children – and trusting him by casting all of your anxieties upon Him. I know that we can do all that He has called us to, for His grace is sufficient and made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Yours in Christ,
Ruth
An Anchored Hope 