Friend, take a deep breath.
I want to ask you a question, and I want you to be honest with yourself: How heavy does it feel today? Maybe it’s the physical exhaustion of a long night, the mental weight of navigating school IEPs or insurance calls, or the quiet ache of wondering about the future. Perhaps it’s the pressure of being “on” for siblings, managing work, or feeling misunderstood by your own church or family.
Whatever it is, I know your arms are full. But I have a word for you that I hope acts like a cool drink of water:
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” — Isaiah 40:11
You Are Not the Load-Bearer
In this life of caregiving, we are so used to being the ones doing the carrying. We carry our children (no matter how old they get), we carry the schedules, and we carry the emotions of the entire household.
But this verse reminds us of a beautiful reality: While your arms are full of your loved ones, God’s arms are full of you.
You aren’t standing alone in a field holding a heavy load. You are the lamb. You are the one being scooped up. There is a divine transfer of weight happening here. The Shepherd isn’t asking you to carry the burden and yourself; He is offering to carry both.
A Different Kind of Pace
The world is so loud, isn’t it? It shouts at us to “hurry up,” “fix it,” or “keep up.” It expects a marathon pace from people who haven’t slept well for years.
But the Shepherd has a different pace.
Jesus is not a cattle driver standing behind you with a whip, pushing you to move faster. He knows your steps are weary. He knows that when you are caring for someone with extra needs, you simply cannot move at the speed of the world.
He provides gentle leadership, not a frantic push.
Heartbeat to Heartbeat
It’s easy to feel like God is a distant administrator, watching from a desk in the clouds. But Isaiah says He carries us “close to His heart.” Think about that. It’s a physical, heartbeat-to-heartbeat proximity. Just as you pull your loved one close to soothe them when the world gets too loud for them, God is pulling you close to soothe your anxious heart. He is that near. He is that kind.
A Prayer for the Journey: Lord, thank You that You don’t just see the work we do—You see us. Thank You that You care for our loved ones with disabilities with a perfect love, but that You also care for the weary hands that hold them. When we reach the end of our strength today, remind us that we are already being carried. Let us hear Your heartbeat. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Much love,
Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US: We are here for YOU!
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (Voice or Text)
Facebook: facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: Champions4Parents.com
And check out Amy’s websites at
AmyChristineMeekins.com
Amystories.wixsite.com/heartrecharge
If you would like to support us financially as we provide love and support to Parents and Caregivers as well as Ministry Leaders who serve families impacted by disability, we invite you to our donor page on our website: Champions4Parents.com/giving
