Photo Credit: Stuart Miles at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Today, I feel inadequate.

Not at all qualified to encourage parents to fight the isolation that threatens to engulf them.
Not at all worthy to remind them they are not alone.
Not at all an example of how to ask for help from others.
Because when events in my life took a difficult turn recently, I ignored my own advice.

I rationalized my decision to isolate in numerous ways.

It’s no big deal.
It’s not that bad.
My family has enough going on.
My friends are dealing with much harder things.
I don’t want to be a bother.

But the Holy Spirit gently opened my eyes to this self-deception.

It was a big deal.
It wasn’t so bad to begin with, but it rapidly got worse.
My family had a lot going on, but they needed to know.
My friends, even those dealing with hard things, still want to help.
Asking people for guidance and prayer is not a bother.

Slowly, hesitantly, I attacked the wall of isolation.

I sent a text to my little brother,
Called my big sister,
Emailed friends,
and asked them to pray.

And do you know what they said?

I love you, big sister.
I’m here for you, little sister.
Dear friend, you always ask how to pray for me,
Now I’m honored to pray for you.

Their words sent walls of isolation crashing down.

I understood in a new way the truth I have so often used to reassure others.
You are not alone.
God is with you.
He sends His people to encourage you.
Because you reached out to them, you are surrounded by their prayers.
You are surrounded by their love and encouragement and practical help.

The rest of this post is online at Not Alone’s Special Needs Parenting website.

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