A Special Needs-Mom’s Prayer
by admin on June 2, 2009
in autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, motherhood, special needs
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the blessing of my children. I love them with all my heart, but I think you picked the wrong person.
There’s not enough hours in a day to take care of them, to give them the therapy they need, keep them clean and filled with activities and healthy snacks, do housework, spend time with my husband, work full time and find fulfillment.
What am I missing?
Everyone says, “You have your hands full!” when a tantrum breaks out or clothes are peed on.
No one gets that I feel like this is my fault.
I never expected to have the children with the perfectly coiffed hair, or the most well-behaved at home, or never have to discipline for a random smack or push.
I just never expected to feel so completely like a failure when I’m trying my very best all the time.
My prayer today, Lord, is the same as every night:
Give me the tools, the wisdom, the patience to be the best parent I can be, and give my children the mental skills they require to learn the proper behavior. Give me peace and rest and serenity, and give them tenacity, willingness, and respect. Give me a time out when I need it, as I do for them. Give me the trust and the hope that “this too shall pass” and give them the possibility that they will grow into strong, good, honest and faithful women through my and my husband’s parenting.
Give me the confidence to see this through so that I can raise confident girls as well.
This is lovely, Gina. Thanks for giving voice to all of us mothers doing our very best to raise children with special needs.
And let me assure you — I worry just as much or more that my typical (but easily bored) son will embarrass me at those kinds of events. He usually does, and my Girly Girl never does.
This is lovely, Gina. Thanks for giving voice to all of us mothers doing our very best to raise children with special needs.
And let me assure you — I worry just as much or more that my typical (but easily bored) son will embarrass me at those kinds of events. He usually does, and my Girly Girl never does.
Hi Katrina! Well, no, my girls have never embarrassed me actually. Nothing they do makes me feel weird, it’s only other people’s reactions that make me feel weird. So if I feel embarrassed, I try to remember to be embarrassed for those judgmental critics who think they get it. And maybe say a prayer for them too, because karma is a bitch! LOL…
Well, boys do embarrassing things more easily than girls, maybe that our sense of shame is higher, once we develop it, that is. Dealing with nudist 3 year old at present, lol..
Hi there, I also have 2 girls. I’m also raising a special needs child…she’s blind….so I was just browsing blogs and came across yours! Check mine out too!
Hi Jennifer, welcome! You have a great blog. I’ll link it here when I get a chance.
Wow! I love this prayer. It expresses exactly what I feel like many days…
Thank you Amalia! Hope to have more for you…
This just goes to show that sometimes what we write can be meaningful to others long after it’s been written.
Today I had a child study for my daughter (initial IEP meeting) and I have been crying off and on ever since. Everyone keeps telling me what a good advocate I am for my child, but what my thoughts always come back to is…this is ALL my fault.
Today I raised my voice at these people more than once and even cussed once. I just keep saying this shouldn’t be SO HARD. And the thought of having to deal with the system for another 10 years is about enough to crush my spirit…
But, quitting isn’t an option…
Lori, I just want to give you a hug.
{{{{hug}}}}
Cry it out if you have to. This too shall pass. One day at a time, one day at a time. I’ll pray that you may find rest and strength, even as you battle. (And, I know a little something about that cussing feeling.)
Hi, I have been working with special needs for several years. I see how hard it is for the parents. Just know that its not a punishment from God. He wants to help and heal your children. I pray for special needs children daily. It is on my heart to see them healed. Please remember that our words have power. What we say over these children defines them.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 If everyones declaring their children have problems then they will. “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.”Ephesians 4:29 Christ died so that they can be free from pain and bondage. Let’s walk in faith knowing God is our healer.Be on guard. “Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Instead of praying the same prayer daily let’s thank the Lord by faith for already accomplishing it on the cross.”The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 13
Father God I thank you and praise you for healing these children and parents. That you died for them. I ask that you would reveal your glory to the parents, family members, and care providers. Give them your wisdom. For the “Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”Proverbs 2:6
Soften there hearts and pour out your truth. Reveal the roots. Comfort them Father. Let them see that they are not alone that you have never abandoned them. We bless your name Lord. Send your ministering angels. In Jesus’ name I pray by faith. Amen!! Let it be done.
Be encouraged that God loves you. He has not given you a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind.
Hi, I have been working with special needs for several years. I see how hard it is for the parents. Just know that its not a punishment from God. He wants to help and heal your children. I pray for special needs children daily. It is on my heart to see them healed. Please remember that our words have power. What we say over these children defines them.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 If everyones declaring their children have problems then they will. “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.”Ephesians 4:29 Christ died so that they can be free from pain and bondage. Let’s walk in faith knowing God is our healer.Be on guard. “Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Instead of praying the same prayer daily let’s thank the Lord by faith for already accomplishing it on the cross.”The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 13 You have authority over the enemy and all his plots to steal kill and destroy. Everything he has stolen from you he has to pay back ten fold.
Father God I thank you and praise you for healing these children and parents. That you died for them. I ask that you would reveal your glory to the parents, family members, and care providers. Give them your wisdom. For the “Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”Proverbs 2:6 Show them the authority you have given them.
Pour out your truth. Reveal the roots. Comfort them Father. Let them see that they are not alone that you have never abandoned them. We bless your name Lord. Send your ministering angels. In Jesus’ name I pray by faith. Amen!! Let it be done.
Be encouraged that God loves you. He has not given you a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind.
Hi,
Thanks for posting this wonderful poem. It helped me calm down right now and not start blaming god again (at least today).
A mother of a 4 year old with special needs.
JVG, I’m glad to help. Email me if you need – been there, wrote the book on blaming God myself… Peace & love to you,
g