God made us as emotional beings and He displays emotions in the Scriptures too. Emotions seem to be windows into our souls. The challenge perhaps is not mistaking them for truth. They are real and denial about them does not one any good. But real and true are two different things. Personally, I try to be gut honest with God about my real emotions and then I work steadfastly to position them BEHIND truth. So, for example, I really feel discouraged AND I know that God is for me. I really feel afraid AND I know that nothing can separate me from the love of God.

Such a good question. Personally, I try to memorize a block of Scripture — like Matthew 5:1-10 — and when my mind wants to wander to unhealthy places, I recite that passage over and over.

We can love. We can believe. We can pray. We can hug. We can weep. We can stand. We can fight.

I stand as a surrendered mother, fully trusting God until my miracle comes. I ask for your prayers as I believe in His provision and stability for my daughter and me. We are stepping into a new season, transitioning back to St. Clair County, Illinois, the first week of April, and I know God is positioning me to be used for His glory.

Reading about your son’s successes and seeing Missouri mentioned made my heart leap—the same God who is Jehovah Rapha and Nissi in your child’s life is at work in mine too. My daughter’s journey has been filled with battles, from severe sleep apnea being overlooked to facing misdiagnoses and delays in receiving her autism diagnosis. Yet, God’s faithfulness never wavered!

Even in job loss, rescinded offers, and 12 months of joblessness, I came to know God deeper as Jireh. Through every storm, He has sustained me! And my daughter—once nonverbal—now stands tall as an articulate 9-year-old, a mini coach, a dancer for the San Antonio Spurs, and an electric guitar player. She has graduated from intensive therapies, and even something as simple as food therapy has been a breakthrough!

I no longer see challenges as setbacks—I see them as God’s setup for something greater. I thank Him for your testimony, Alicia, and for Pastor Sharpe at Fellowship Chicago, who led us to your book. I pray your faith remains strong, and I ask for your prayers as well.

Blessings to all the mothers here—I am praying for you and your children!

What a good thought. Thank you!

Several of our 7thyear alumni have enjoyed a spiritual direction training program called Sustainable Faith. That is the organization Barry received his spiritual direction certification from too!