Teenagers are a unique group of people. They can text 4,000 words a second but can’t speak in complete sentences. They remember 8,000 e-mail addresses but claim memory loss on trash day. They sustain electric energy during all-night social events but become comatose at two-hour family functions. I have four teenagers. Four teenagers whose hormones […]
Author: Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Thick Glass
One of the realities of raising a neurologically disabled child is what I call “thick glass.” Thick glass is the clear yet mostly impenetrable divider between a parent’s unconditional love for his or her child and the child’s seeming total lack of response—that disheartening vacant look. Parents grieve behind thick glass, ever longing to touch […]
2010—Something Better
Okay, let’s be honest about New Year’s resolutions. You write down the same resolutions every year, don’t you? I even bet some of these common resolutions made your list for 2010, as they did for 2008 and 2009. Lose weight. Manage debt. Save money. Get a better job. Get fit. Reduce stress. Take a trip. […]
Depression: Part of the Journey
How many of you feel comfortable talking about depression? Better yet, do you share your convictions when someone else is vulnerable about being depressed? Let me start off by stating that depression can be a severe struggle for parents raising special-needs children. Depression can be indescribable, grievous, and debilitating. It’s not easy to talk about! […]
Here’s a Gift for You
My son Jonathan’s disabilities diagnosis came on December 3, 1999. At that time, Thanksgiving was behind us, but Christmas was coming fast. What would I buy a child whose only interest was (and still is) anything spinning (including him): fans, water, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines? I cried in every toy aisle that year, thinking, […]
Am I Really That Important?
Some years ago, Chuck Swindoll desired to encourage the members of the Insight for Living board of directors, to express to them that their contribution to the ministry was significant. He quoted from an advertisement published in the Wall Street Journal. I offer it to you here because, from time to time, we all need […]
God’s Wonderful Work When We Are Weak
A Prayer Lord, do You ever feel worn out at the end of Your day? I know as truth that You’re not limited by space, time, or power. I also know my human capacity for endurance is weak. Lord, I need to know You are with me in everything. Jon’s struggles ebb and flow like […]
Things I’ve Learned from Raising Kids
A good sense of humor is essential in life. And taking some time each day to laugh can lighten any load. Here’s some funnies for today. Things I’ve Learned from Raising Kids A king-size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2,000-square-foot home four inches deep. If you spray hairspray on dust bunnies and run […]
What We Need to Help Us through Trials
When you encounter people who are going through a trial, do you find yourself thinking: I really want to help them, but what do they need most? As human beings, we all need the following qualities in our lives to help us through our toughest times. Perhaps pastors and leaders can consider including this list […]
A Weekly Gift for You
I often forget to take care of myself as I care for my autistic son, Jonathan. My family often reminds me to tend to my own needs as well. Finding time for yourself seems selfish, but it really isn’t. Caring for my needs is the best care for Jon. Jesus encouraged His disciples, after a […]
When Hope Returns
Hope is a buoyancy word. It takes a tsunami-like surge to keep it submerged. It’s difficult, I know, to hold on to the life preserver of hope when storms rage in your life, but let me encourage you to tighten your grip. Perhaps this poem, “When Hope Returns,” will help. Despair, oh despair, you’ve taken my […]
Dear Wayfaring Traveler
Dear wayfaring traveler, your journey so long The night air’s dense, despairing, no song The darkened soul wonders, confused and alone This mystery of pain, so drained, forlorn Dear wayfaring traveler, winter doth reveal What binds up the soul, temptations that kill The vice-grip of self, motivations deep hidden Dark, longing desires of wishes forbidden […]