Trusting God in the Unknown: A 5-Day Encouragement for Special Needs Momsნიმუში

Day 2: Navigating the Unknown Space

Dear Warrior Moms,

Navigating the unknown can be difficult. Even after extensive research, reading, or consulting healthcare professionals, you may still walk away without clear answers. I vividly recall this stage in my own life.

Six months after my daughter’s birth, her pediatrician informed us that she had delayed gross motor skills. She wasn't grasping objects, her body was floppy, and she had trouble holding her head up. She was not crawling, among other things. My husband and I felt unprepared, uncertain about what the diagnosis truly meant and what it would imply for her future.

During our daughter's first year, we were advised to see specialists such as an ophthalmologist, neurologist, orthopedist, and geneticist, which meant many medical appointments. We received diagnoses of gross motor delays and hypotonia (low muscle tone). Physical therapy was recommended three times a week, with each session lasting an hour.

I read extensively to understand her experiences and even blamed myself for past mistakes, believing they caused her condition. I searched for reasons behind her struggles and remember crying in the car after one appointment, praying and asking God, “Why my daughter?” Though I love God, I felt angry. The lack of clear answers from healthcare professionals left me feeling helpless, anxious, confused, and lost.

Her first year was challenging; I was learning to be a new mom while trying to understand medical terms and find supportive resources. Little did I know, God had been preparing me for this moment for the past decade, even before my daughter was born.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane… I was in my early 20s and started graduate school. During that time, I met a wonderful friend who has become like family — she’s the godmother of our daughter. Her name is Shanti.

Shanti was born with a physical disability; she has severe spina bifida and was born paralyzed. When I first met Shanti, I knew she had a disability, but that didn’t stop us from becoming great friends! We became best friends! I helped her transfer in and out of her wheelchair, assisted her in restrooms, and learned how to lift and position her wheelchair in the car.

I gained so much from Shanti’s friendship. It truly was a blessing from above. During that time, I believe God was watching over us. He saw the kindness in my heart and understood me better than I understood myself. He recognized the love I shared with someone who was labeled with a unique ability and sometimes faced different treatment from others.

I believe God chose me to be a loving parent to our daughter. As I write this devotional, I am crying. The story I am sharing with you reminds me that God is good. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Even though our lives will change, they will be filled with resilience, hard work, challenges, grit, hope, faith, and love. God will equip those He has chosen for great work.

My daughter will face challenges in society, but my role as her mother and a woman of faith is to allow God to lead me in helping her gain the strength she needs physically, mentally, and spiritually. I want both of my daughters to always know that their identity comes from Christ Jesus, not from this world.

My eldest daughter’s story serves as a testimony. I came across an anonymous quote online that read, “Your story can be someone else’s survival guide.” Turn your pain and journey into purpose. God will do the rest!

My quote: “When I read the word and rest, I am at my best.” The one thing I continued to do, even when faced with the unknown, and still do today, is turn to God, "for I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13, NLT.

I wouldn’t be able to do what I do daily without God’s strength within me. Love you, warrior mom! You got this, and God’s got you!