This weekend had it ups and downs, its good and bad, its highs and lows, as I'm sure yours did too. It's called LIFE, right? Friday evening, after a more than long enough week, our son, Nathan, called to tell us he had been sent home early from work because he had a headache and chills. Not good for two reasons: 1) this was only his 2nd week at his new full time job and 2) he has MANY bills to pay and needs the money. Later that night he called again and was heading into the ER where Paul met him. MANY hours later, after they reduced his fever, he was sent home with antibiotics. Saturday came with another day of work missed, but he was feeling better.
Madelyn was nervous and had an off day, but still managed to rock vault with a 9.9 and win 3rd place All Around! You may be wondering where I'm going with this and what is the point. Your thinking, "Your blog title says 'Broken and REAL?', now get with it." Here goes...
Half way to the meet, as Carlton, our almost 11 year old, was bouncing off the walls of the car, and talking non-stop, I realize I forgot to give him his ADHD meds for the day. So not good! I could have put my mask of the "perfect mother with perfect children" on, but I chose to be REAL. I got to the meet and told the other parents about forgetting Carlton's meds this morning and kinda laughed about what my day would be like with him. Yes, I made a mistake. Yes, my son is not perfect, and worse yet, he has ADHD! I choose to be real about Carlton's situation. It is hard being the parent of a boy with ADHD. Other parents need to know they are not alone.
After the meet we find out via text that Nathan returned to the ER and was admitted. His Crohn's Disease has flared up once again due to the fact that he chooses not to take his medication and stay well. Here I have spent hours upon hours trying to help him get his medical debt under control. He is already $30,0000 in debt from a year ago. His bills from his hospital stay in Oct. 2011 are just now starting to come in and now he is racking up more. It seems like the cycle will never end.
I dropped the kids off at school today and turned my CD player on planning to listen to the Kari Jobe song "I Find you on my Knees." But as soon as I turned the power on, volume much louder than expected, the song I needed to hear came blaring out of my car speakers. Mandisa's "What if we Were Real." If you're not familiar with Mandisa and you struggle with depression, girlfriend, you better download her two latest albums, "Freedom" and "What if we Were Real." I mean get your self to the local Christian bookstore TODAY!!
The encouragement I have for YOU because God encouraged ME, is to be REAL! Sometimes circumstances in our lives stink! Yes, I suffer from depression and anxiety. No, I am not super Mom (even though I try to be). Yes, I have a son with ADHD. Yes, I have a son who has Chron's Disease, and who was homeless less than a month ago. What REAL statements do YOU need to make today? Write them down. Say them out loud. Better yet, share them with a fellow believer. My even bigger challenge to you today? Share them with me. That's right. Post a comment and share your struggles. I've been REAL with you, now be real with me. Two promises I make to you if you will share your struggles with me.
1) You will feel better and God will bless you for being real.
2) I will say a prayer for you and your circumstances.
So, take a deep breath, watch this video of Mandisa's song, "What if we were Real", and BE REAL TODAY.
Until next time, hang in there and hold on to God!
Hang in there Jennifer!! Next to my computer I have James 1:2-3 posted : "Consider it pure joy, by brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Helps me through each day.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, it's so nice to have good Christian friends for your children and I am so thankful that Madelyn and Kayla have formed a good friendship this year.
Wow! Thank you for sharing that, Jennifer! I don't know if my son has ADHD or not, but often his behavior embarrasses me and makes me feel like a total failure as a parent. I want to raise a godly son, but I usually feel as though I lack the wisdom and fortitude to discipline him consistently. Thank you for being real; it helps to know that just because we are Christians does not mean that our lives and families will be perfect.
ReplyDeleteArlene - Thank you for sharing the verse. God is truly granting me perseverance through these various trials. I'm glad he is doing the same for you.
ReplyDeleteI am happy Madelyn and Kayla have gotten closer this year as well. I have always thought Kayla has such a sweet spirit. We must be doing something right as parents. :)
Jennifer - Boy can I understand where you are coming from about your son's behavior. Carlton can be so funny and so sweet, but he can also be mean and hurtful. I never really know what to expect from him. We have to trust that God knows our desires to raise godly sons and that He will take our efforts and somehow make that happen. Sometimes it is hard to trust him when we can't see the end of the road. Consistent discipline with difficult children is emotionally exhausting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. Hang in there and hold on to Jesus, as I know you will. So glad God brought us together through Patria!
Jennifer
Jennifer - Boy can I understand where you are coming from about your son's behavior. Carlton can be so funny and so sweet, but he can also be mean and hurtful. I never really know what to expect from him. We have to trust that God knows our desires to raise godly sons and that He will take our efforts and somehow make that happen. Sometimes it is hard to trust him when we can't see the end of the road. Consistent discipline with difficult children is emotionally exhausting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. Hang in there and hold on to Jesus, as I know you will. So glad God brought us together through Patria!
Jennifer