Moments of Joy

1

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:13

Receiving a diagnosis for your child can feel like a heavy blow. Fear, denial, and confusion may swirl in your mind. It’s common to wonder if you’re somehow to blame, but let me stop you there: You’re not. The path forward isn’t through debating blame; it’s in looking for God at work.

I remember when my son was diagnosed with several heart defects before he was born. I was terrified. My mind raced with questions I didn’t have answers to, and I felt completely unprepared for what was ahead. It was like stepping into a world I didn’t know existed—one filled with surgeries, medical terms, ongoing specialist care, and so many unknowns. I wasn’t just overwhelmed; I felt helpless and heartbroken, unsure how to be strong for a baby I hadn’t even held yet. I knew so little about these challenges.

I’m telling you now what I wish I knew then: It’s okay to feel a whirlwind of emotions. It’s okay to mourn the picture of parenthood you had imagined. But let me tell you, that diagnosis doesn’t mean defeat. It’s a starting point for a new journey, one where you’ll discover strengths you never knew you had.

For me, that diagnosis was a catalyst. It ignited a fire within me to become the best advocate for my child. I delved into research, learning everything I could about his condition and the resources available to us. I transformed into a warrior, determined to provide him with the best possible life.

So if you’re facing a new diagnosis, challenges, or uncertainties, hang in there. You’re stronger than you realize. Trust that God is with you. Remember, you’re not just a parent; you’re an advocate, a warrior, and a beacon of love for your child.

Affirmation: I am strong, capable, and filled with love. God is with me on this path.


2

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. —John 15:16

When we see other families walking an easier road, it’s hard not to wonder if we were truly meant for this calling. Why me? we say to ourselves and ask in our more honest prayers.

But here’s the truth: You were chosen. Not by chance, not by mistake, but intentionally chosen by God to love, nurture, and guide your child. He knew the challenges you would face, and He also knew the incredible strength, resilience, and love He placed within you to meet them.

God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Every day that you show up, whether through small victories or hard-fought battles, you’re bearing fruit that will last—fruit of love, patience, and faith. Your journey may not look like everyone else’s, but it is uniquely purposeful and divinely appointed.

When the road feels heavy and doubt creeps in, remind yourself of this: God doesn’t make mistakes. You were chosen to be your child’s parent because no one else could do it better. Lean into the Father for wisdom, strength, and joy, and trust that His plan for you and your family is unfolding in ways greater than you can imagine.

Affirmation: I am chosen, equipped, and loved by God. He has called me to this journey, and with His strength, I can do all things.


3

Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
—Isaiah 33:2

While I was pregnant with my youngest son, Maison, I already had four boys and a total of sixteen years of parenting experience. I thought I knew everything there was to know about being a mom and raising children.

That was until I gave birth to a child in a separate category. Parenting a child with special needs is very different from raising a typical one. There have been times I felt like I was in the twilight zone. Day after day, we go through the same routine, not knowing if things will ever change. We don’t know if the expected milestones will ever be reached. With typical children, we can be certain there is an expiration date for certain behavior, but with special-needs ones, that’s not necessarily the case.

I’ve learned I can’t walk the journey of being a special-needs parent in my own strength. And, thankfully, I don’t have to. I’ve realized I don’t need to have it all figured out.

Friend, God wants us to lean on Him. Even in parenting. Especially in parenting. And that’s what I decided to do. This means recognizing in the hardest moments that He is present, guiding and sustaining us. I lean on Him when the weight of advocacy feels too heavy, when exhaustion sets in, or when I fear for my child’s future. Leaning on God looks like whispered prayers in the night when I’m so exhausted, trusting that He hears and cares. It looks like recalling Scripture and holding on to its truths. Leaning on Him is remembering that it’s okay that I don’t have all the answers, because He does. We lean on God when we find comfort in His promises in the times we feel alone and when we hold on to faith in the times it seems nobody understands.

In our moments of weakness, we can experience His strength in profound ways. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Affirmation: In my moments of weakness, I will not forget to lean on Christ. His grace is sufficient for me.


4

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7

The other day, as I sat on my bed, I experienced one of those rare moments when I felt filled with an unexpected sense of peace. It was as if all the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders, if only for a fleeting moment.

It’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of appointments, therapies, and to-do lists, but it’s essential to pause, rest for a minute, and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. It’s in those quiet moments that we find solace and strength to carry on. As parents, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to be everything for our children: caregivers, advocates, therapists, and so much more. But it’s crucial to remember that we’re human and it’s okay to recharge our own batteries.

So, friend, I urge you to seek out those moments of peace, however short-lived they may be. Whether it’s a quiet moment alone, a walk in nature, or simply sitting on your bed, embrace it fully. Sometimes I find peace by stepping outside and feeling the breeze on my face, brewing a cup of tea, or opening my Bible to a favorite verse. The activity doesn’t have to be long or elaborate; it just has to be real. Allow yourself to let go of the worries and fears that weigh you down, and bask in the beauty of the present moment.

And when the chaos returns, as it always does, hold on to the memory of that peace. Let it be a guiding light that sustains you through the storms and reminds you of the immense love and strength that reside within you.

Affirmation: In the midst of chaos, I will seek God’s peace.


5

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
—Proverbs 4:23

I got a phone call from a member of my extended family a while ago. She called to tell me that I needed to be potty training my son, and she gave me firm directions on how to do it.

I reminded her that Maison is my fifth child and that I potty trained four children before him. I gave her a little education on autistic children and hung up. I was very annoyed. She apologized in a text right after, but the damage was done.

To any parent raising a special-needs child who is over the typical age of potty training and other milestones, don’t you dare hang your head or be embarrassed. People are often well meaning, but they don’t know what you’re experiencing. No one else knows your child’s specific needs as well as you do.

You have not failed to do your job as a parent just because your child doesn’t match the image of what someone else imagines to be “correct.” Every child moves at the pace that’s just right for them, and that pace is not a mistake. God knows your child intimately. He created them, He loves them, and He’s guiding their journey in His perfect timing. Trust that and stand confidently in the path He has for both of you.

Affirmation: I am proud of my child’s development and all God is doing in our lives.