“If you get caught sitting around tormenting yourself about how I could’ve done it better. I could be better. I’m doing it wrong. I feel guilty. Then you are not in the moment. So what you do is you gather up all of that guilt that you have, and you go, ‘I give this to you too, God, because you bore my guilt. You bore my shame. You don’t want me to wear it every day because it’s a barrier to what I need to do with my children and how I need to love them.’ So just brush it aside, just be in the moment and be present, knowing that God is your strength. He will help you. He will show you, and he can even take the mistakes that you made and turn them into blessings.” -Linda Evans Shepherd.
Linda Evans Shepherd, the mother of a gifted child as well as a special needs child who was in a year-long coma, is a prayer author who mentors 1000 Christian authors.
During this episode, Linda shares her story, which can resonate with parents who may be navigating the complexities of raising children, particularly those with special needs or facing multiple demands. Linda opens up about her personal journey as a mother to a gifted child and a special needs child who experienced a year-long coma, shedding light on the power of prayer and finding joy in the midst of adversity. Linda discusses how faith and prayer can play a crucial role in overcoming and dealing with challenging experiences. She offers valuable insights and encouragement for those who may be struggling in their own parenting journey. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the Lord through prayer, especially during tough times.
Key Takeaways:
- Lean on the power of prayer: Embrace the practice of prayer as a source of strength and comfort during challenging times. Remind ourselves that prayer can help us find joy and peace amidst the pain, suffering, and daily challenges of caring for our children.
- Release feelings of guilt: When we dwell on guilt, it can be a distraction from our vital role as caregivers. We can release guilt through prayer and focus on being present and attentive to our children’s needs and well-being.
- Turn challenges into blessings: Seek opportunities for growth in difficult situations, knowing that God can bring positive outcomes from adversity.
- Seek support and community: Connect with supportive communities such as the Association of Christian Women Authors and Right to the Heart Ministries. Being part of a supportive network can provide us with encouragement, mentorship, and a sense of belonging during our parenting journey.
- Foster a relationship with God: Practice being aware of God’s presence in our lives and have open, heartfelt conversations with God. The practice of talking to God about our concerns, needs, and joys can provide a strong foundation.
Check out Linda’s prayer books here!
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