This rain coat was one of the first things I purchased for Maisy when I found out that she was going to be ours. I bought it at a thrift store..brand new with tags still on...a size 4. She was a tiny 12 month size at the time. But, I loved it..I loved the bright color..perfect for a rain coat. It reminded me of sunshine on a cloudy day...
And so today, I rolled up the sleeves because she hasn't quite grown into it all the way. She didn't know the significance of this coat to me...but she loves a wardrobe change. And she wore it proudly as she waited for the bus to head off to preschool. She has grown so much since the day I bought her that coat. And together, our family has weathered some big storms along the way. And through it all, Maisy has been a ray of sunshine in the storms. She has been our bright yellow rain coat. What a gift she is to our family...through it all.
It is true...we can't stop the storms that come our way, but we can promise to walk alongside each other in the rain. My heart aches when I think of so many people who are quietly struggling..who are hurting..who are fearful for the future and don't share their pain with others. If I can tell you one thing about raising complex children, it is that we must "get real." Share your struggles! We all have them...even though some work so hard to create an image that is hard not to envy. Don't waste any energy trying to create a facade that life is something it was never meant to be. Don't hide behind the pride that stops us from sharing the storms that are raging all around us. By sharing our struggles, we free others to share their own pain. And we can all walk together in the rain. We then can hold the umbrella for each other...while the tears flow and the storm rages. Then we begin living the way God intended us to live...in the truth.
God wants us to be real. And when we reveal our struggles, our joys will be multiplied. There is nothing like having the same friends alongside of you in the times of celebration after they have walked the journey with you. They get it. They understand.
Don't walk in the rain alone...share your struggles with someone today. By sharing your story, you can speak to someone else's heart. It isn't selfish, ungrateful, complaining or a lack of faith to share the struggles of your heart, it is getting real...and it is freeing. Let someone else pray for you, encourage you and point you to the cross..
So let some one walk alongside you today...the puddles are much more fun to play in with a friend!
I followed a link on one of Noel Piper's blog posts several months ago, and that's when I first found your blog. Amazing! I can't tell you how many of your posts I've read with tears streaming down my cheeks. You and your husband are being Jesus to these children. I am in awe of how you demonstrate His strength. I know how hard it is to parent ONE child with special needs...I am blown away by your example. Today's been a day where I've felt in need of encouragement, and I do feel encouraged reading your post. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord and generous with sharing your life, your love, your EVERYTHING with these little ones!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious post! You are so right. Sometimes it is hard to share because it leads to judgment or misunderstanding. Sometimes I feel like I just need to protect my children and how people see them. But, it also takes away our chance to give God glory through what He is accomplishing. And, as you said, it gives a false impression of a struggle free life which is just not reality. Thank you for these words of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I was just telling a group of Bible study leaders last night what a blessing you and other blog moms are to me on a daily basis. I learn so much from you, about being a better mom, a better daughter of the King, about looking for life's beauty no matter what the circumstances, about trusting God always, about the real meaning of long-suffering, and putting love into action. If you were not REAL here on your blog, you would not be such an example; I have nothing to learn from seemingly perfect women. In fact, there are several examples that come to mind of women bloggers who I was initially drawn to, but they have chosen to keep up the positive, glossy, everything is rosy facade, and so after a while there is nothing really of interest to read. You are so positive, but in light of real world situations that are painful, horrible, sad. etc. Your being real allows it all to be seen in relationship--and so beauty is seen to coexist with suffering, and contentment with strife, and worship with pain. . . . Your transparency allows us to see some of the ugly parts of your life--but those ugly parts only serve to make all of the beautiful parts all the more gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThat second pic is just too precious for words!!!
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Beautiful perfect post!
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