Purpose In The Pain

We are all hard-wired for connection and relationships. We were created to walk alongside others in spiritual family.

Mandy, having children with special needs, felt a burden to reach out to other moms and provide a safe place where other parents could find support and friendship. So she stepped out in faith and invited others to join her.

In her own words, Mandy shares her story today.

My husband and I have four children, two of whom have special needs, and I have felt God working in my heart to turn our pain into purpose. I had no idea how this would all begin, but I knew God wanted me to step out. It’s really hard, because I have never felt more alone in my life as I did after each diagnosis given to my children and the storm it brought with it. That loneliness and isolation affected my family and it shook my faith in ways I never imagined.  

What I discovered in my pain was that God began to give me a passion to draw others together as they walk this journey of parenting a child with special needs. I wanted to create a place where moms could share the special joys and successes, and be encouraged in their greatest struggles, because we all have them!

I experienced breakthrough and growth in my pain, and I want other moms to grow in their faith and be reminded of God’s love and purpose for them and their children.

In the process, I also realized that my children needed spiritual family too. My mother’s heart has always been to love them deeply and to demonstrate that they are so much more than just the quirky behaviors, medications, appointments, IEP’s, and therapy sessions. They are fearfully and wonderfully made, accepted, wanted, and precious to Christ! All the hopes and dreams I had for them are nothing in comparison to the plans God has for my boys and the lives they’ll touch in His name.

So…I started a small group. And now, every time we meet, I see God doing in others what He did in me.