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 […]
The Lord Bless You . . .
I have the following verses posted on my desk because I need to be reminded each day of the Lord’s greatness in my weakness. I need reassurance of all He can do in my life. The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; […]
God Chooses Those He Uses
David began his life as a nobody—an ordinary shepherd boy—chosen by God to become a somebody—an extraordinary king over God’s own people. Yet, before David wore his crown, God shaped his character by allowing pain to be his close companion for over a decade. The presence of suffering made no sense to David at the […]
Easy Ways to Help a Family in Need
When families are dealing with special needs, many of the basic chores of everyday life go from humdrum to hassle. As your friends, neighbors, and church members care for family members with special needs, take some time out of your week to offer a helping hand. Here are several ideas: Offer to clean someone’s home […]
Ten Essential Characteristics of a Healing Church
Have you ever walked through your house at night in the dark and jammed your pinkie toe into the side of the sofa? That little toe, the one you never think about, is suddenly your primary focus as you jump up and down because it’s screaming in pain—and your whole body feels it. Amazing—one small […]