Life is hard. Everyone is feeling the pain of these days of COVID which brings some form of social isolation, disrupted routines, difficult perplexities in educating children, ministries that are upside/down and so much more confusion. We are also living with a lot of political unrest. These days are hard for everyone but especially troublesome for special needs families who are already dealing with sometimes seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Just in the last few days, we have interacted with people who are dealing with very difficult situations.
Here are some of their stories:
My son does not know how to social distance. I try very hard not to take him into public places, but when I do have to, I can see the fear, confusion, and disdain in the eyes of the people around us when he screeches or impulsively runs away from me.
I love volunteering in ministry but I have to admit that during these days of COVID, I find myself hesitating to engage the way I used to. So many volunteers who served faithfully are finding themselves holding back.
Having all of our schedules and routines completely turned upside down has left everyone in our family with high stress levels.
I love my job as a special needs director, but I have to admit that I am rather exhausted. Having to constantly think outside the box to serve our families in these days of social distancing and building shut-downs is wearing me down.
My kids and I can no longer feel safe to walk in our neighborhood. This political warfare has changed so many people we thought we knew. It’s been such a difficult time, definitely something I thought by now my kids would never have to endure.
I am so very concerned for my daughter who is a police officer during these days of political warfare.
Will my son ever overcome his challenges?
My husband has an upcoming deployment. We have not lived in our community very long. Unfortunately, we have lived here long enough to see racial prejudice toward people of color. Will I find a friend I can trust to help me with my children while my husband is gone?
I fear for my special needs child’s salvation. Can he understand enough to believe?
My children do not have a good male role model.
What are you struggling with today?
In this world there is not a whole lot that you can count on. However, we have found an anchor for our souls. He is the one who created us. He is the one who has proved Himself faithful over and over. We have experienced this in our own lives and have seen Him at work in so many others.
So, how do we tap into this Creator, Savior, Provider who loves us so very much?
Where there is fear – we see Him bring courage, bravery, confidence to move forward.
Where there is anxiety – we see Him bring calm and serenity.
Where there is overwhelm – He is bringing victory and relaxation
Where there is great confusion – He is bringing clarity and certainty
He has done it before. His provision is available for us now. He will do it in the future. We need only trust Him.
Are you feeling fear, anxiety, overwhelm, confusion?
In the often lonely world of raising a child with special needs, as moms and dads, we have many fears and unknowns. We have to deal with the unique maturity level and behaviors in our children that other families don’t experience.
The hopes and dreams that we have for our family are often shattered. How do we cope? How do we persevere when we are at the end of our strength? How do we put into place medical, financial, social, and spiritual goals for us and our family?
The ministry, as we have known it, is way different.
Life is hard. We need to be patient with our child and with ourselves. We need to be patient with the process of serving these wonderful families. As our Amy would often say while growing up, “Patience is hard”. Yes, patience is hard. Patience is actually impossible without the Spirit of God working in us. Galatians 5:22 gives us a list of the Fruit of the Spirit. Patience is one of them. Also, love and joy and peace are in that list.
These qualities are produced by the Spirit of God! Love, joy, peace, and patience are impossible without the Spirit of God producing it in us. We can cry out to God. He invites us to connect with Him.
Jesus said in John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Therefore, our great hope for today and for eternity is to keep our eyes on Jesus. When we have fear, anxiety, overwhelm, or confusion, let’s throw them all to Jesus because he cares. We are loved with a love that lasts forever! There is hope! May we be overwhelmed by God’s love who sent his Son to die for us!
And, as we continue along our journey, remember that we are not alone. There are others who are walking similar paths with similar struggles. Moms, dads, siblings, and grandparents, there are others who truly “get it.” Ministry folks, there are others who understand what we are encountering. Let us reach out. Sometimes, just knowing that we are not alone is a comfort and encouragement for us. We were made for connection.
God tells us in Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Parents, have you ever been brokenhearted? We have. Has your spirit been crushed? Ours have. Let’s cry out to Jesus, because He cares.
For all of us called to serve, minister to, and love people with disabilities and their families, let us remember these words from 1 Thessalonians 5:25, “He who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” When we are perplexed and weary, we can rely on God’s wisdom and empowering.
Always remember, there is hope!
Love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
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HERE’S HOW YOU CAN CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents/
Don’t forget our website: www.champions4parents.com
