A Mother’s Love
"I'm just not ready to let him go."
- Amy
Amy's son was born at 27 weeks and weighed 1lb 15oz. He spent his first 3 months in the NICU at Spectrum Health. She visited him every day, and one day the doctor told her that he had a bad night and didn't know how the next 24 hours would be.
At that point, Amy began to speak to the Lord but also felt like she lost her hearing to all the machines and noise around her. She prayed, “please don’t take him away, you’ve given me him for 2 months, and I’m just not ready to let go. If he stays, I will teach him about you, and I will show him your love.” Shortly after that prayer he squeezed her finger and started eating and gaining weight. Four weeks later she was able to bring him home.
At 18 months the doctors said he would have mental delays, and at age 3 she was told that he had cerebral palsy and would never walk. The news was hard for her to accept. After 8 surgeries, she was able to witness him walk across the stage to receive his diploma.
“Have faith in the Lord. He listens to our prayers, and He answers them.” – Amy
If you have a child with mental or physical challenges, here are some points to consider:
Acknowledge the pain
Amy acknowledged that hearing the news of her son’s diagnosis was devastating.
Bring it to the Lord
She chose to pray about it instead of taking it into her own hands. In the midst of a noisy room and dealing with intense feelings, God gave her hope, peace, and comfort.
Know that God cares
As she was praying her son squeezed her index finger. Shortly after he started getting better. It was evident that God was working in his life.
Leave everything in God’s hands
Even when it seems impossible to trust God, choose to leave it with Him.
Share your story
People who have a child with mental and/or physical struggles can experience anger, frustration, and loneliness. If you have experienced this as well, we encourage you to share your story. Please consider sharing your story with this website by clicking on the following link: Share Your Story. There is someone who needs to hear it!
Words to Live By:
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ ” Psalm 91:2 (NIV).
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” Nahum 1:7 (NIV).
Recommended Resources:
for King & Country – Shoulders
Grace Notes by Philip Yancey
“Because of the cross, I have hope. It is through the Servant’s wounds that we are healed, said Isaiah- not his miracles. If God can wrest such triumph out of the jaws of apparent defeat, can draw strength from a moment of ultimate weakness, what might God do with the apparent failures and hardships of my own life” (104)
