Never Lose Hope

Each one of us faces dark times. There have been times of both good and bad along our story, but as I look back, the times of discouragement stand out as moments where we saw God carrying us with great clarity. It's in these moments of discouragement when hope is most needed, but it's also these moments when the light of hope tends to be most noticeable and powerful.

EncouragementAndrew ThomasMarch 31, 2021When You Feel Discouraged, When You Need HopeComment

Why Can’t I Sleep? (Reflecting on Rest After A Child’s Diagnosis)

When you have a child with a diagnosis, it is natural for your mind to be reeling with uncertainty. Sometimes the most godly and hopeful thing you can do is relax every muscle, close down your Google search bar, and fall asleep. Letting go of these thoughts for the night is a spiritual practice, but the work is all Christ’s. He lovingly takes our burdens and gives us rest. What a sweet exchange!

EncouragementMary Brantley MeadeFebruary 3, 2021When You Feel Worried, When Storms Hit, When You Have Big QuestionsComment

Feeling Forgotten

Getting a diagnosis and managing treatments and appointments is already overwhelming, but in the midst of a pandemic, it’s easy to feel even more isolated. Take heart with this encouragement to both ask for help courageously and steady yourself in hope and truth.

EncouragementMary Brantley MeadeJanuary 19, 2021When You Feel Alone, When You Feel Discouraged, When You Need HopeComment

God Will Never Give You More Than He Can Handle

There have been times when our story with a diagnosis felt completely overwhelming. And the truth is, that’s okay. You may hear the phrase that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle, but God gives us a deeper hope to hold onto. These tend to be the times when God shows us how much he can handle and how much we can rely on him.

EncouragementMary Brantley MeadeSeptember 2, 2020When You Feel Discouraged, When You Feel Overwhelmed, When You Need HopeComment

A Light has Dawned (You are not Alone in the Dark)

Have you ever felt like your circumstances were too much to handle? Or like the weight of medical decisions or setbacks made it difficult to see hope in the moment? It’s okay if you feel like you’re in the dark of night or like your burden is too heavy or like you’re uncertain what the future holds. If you’re in a season where you’re struggling to find hope or you are ready for the Light to dawn on you, I believe Jesus is ready to embrace you.

EncouragementAndrew ThomasJune 2, 2020When You Feel Alone, When You Feel Discouraged, When You Need HopeComment

What to Read When You Are Overwhelmed with Medical Care

During medical appointments and therapy sessions, medical professionals usually call on the parent to rehearse the child’s medical history. The conversation centers on those things that are atypical or unhealthy. We major on the cannots since this is the jumping off point for treatment. This is where I get overwhelmed. Here is how I hold onto hope in these times.

You Can Be Sad and Still Have Hope

Have you ever experienced hurt or sadness or heaviness that made it difficult to find hope? I’ve been here with my experience as a mother of a child with special needs. In my journey I’ve learned that lament is one way — without ignoring the sadness — to reach hope that you can stand firm on.

Finding Hope When Your Heart is Troubled

Has your heart ever felt troubled? There are moments all along a medical journey that can cause worry to sneak into the forefront. From times when concerning symptoms first start to show up to medical tests to receiving a diagnosis to thoughts about what the future holds, worry is a common challenge.

What to Read When Darkness is Heavy

We have all experienced moments or even seasons of darkness. One thing that serves as a foundation of hope in these times is the Lord’s light in our darkness. In our rawest moments of pain and heartache, the Lord is there with His presence and peace, illuminating our life. Here are a few recommendations to read when darkness is heavy for you.

EncouragementMary Beth ThomasApril 2, 2020When You Feel OverwhelmedComment

Contemplating a Lifetime of Serving My Child with Special Needs

When you have a child with special needs and a seemingly profound diagnosis, panic can creep in. Each month of little progress can cause us to ask the question, “So, what if this lasts his whole life. What then?” We are so encouraged by the wisdom we gained from this courageous and hope-filled mother.

Take Heart: Courage and Faith for Today

The last ten days our world has turned upside down as sickness has swept the globe and impacted our own community. Andrew and I have friends and family overseas in Asia, and I was writing to one of them this morning about how wild it is to have this shared experience across nations and cultures. My voice here has been quiet as I have been processing it all, and if I am being honest, as I have been brokenhearted and mourning.

How Do I Cope While Watching My Child Suffer?

After two surgeries and three hospital stays, I sat with my one-month-old in absolute emotional distress. Every. Single. Breath was work for him. It grieved me to watch him suffer as his mother, his protector...his safe place. In this article I share ways that I found comfort, peace, and hope while watching my child suffer with his medical challenges.

God is Here: Where is God When I Receive an Unexpected Diagnosis?

Facing an unexpected diagnosis can be scary and isolating, and it can be easy to wonder, "Where is God?" But these are also times when we can find hope and comfort. Read about how hope is found during one of these moments and discover some truths you can firmly stand on.

Facing fears with hope and truth

How do you handle fears and stress when you're faced with the unknown for your family? This raw, but hope-filled story will inspire you to hope and recognize that you are truly not alone.