I “pride” (tsk, tsk 😉 ) myself being one of Bethany’s foremost advocates; insisting she can learn, expecting her to achieve, facilitating inclusion, reaching for the stars. The Middle School meltdown opened my eyes! My role is shifting gears! Did you hear the sputter as I went from 2nd gear to 3rd? LOL- I’ve been in 2nd gear for a long time!
~
I will still advocate for Bethany,
but I also need to start empowering her to speak
and advocate for herself!
(epiphany for me)
Mary- Bethany’s first incredible teacher that came to our home, sent me one of the most powerful video’s of self-advocacy I’ve ever seen. It made me realize I have to shift gears. Now is not the time to feel “afraid” of this transition in Beth’s life. It is truly the “butterfly” transformation moment God was trying to show me last week!
Oh, how I love when God starts connecting all the dots and showing us the “bigger picture” the grand plan! It’s so easy to work with our heads down, doing each day what needs to be done! And then God- steps in with His divine interruptions into our lives- unsettling us, causing us to look up and see the bigger, grander, wider plan! I know this isn’t just about self-empowerment- for our power is limited. This about receiving His power in our lives and rising to live in His light and love!
So- thank you – thank you- thank you- all for the prayers and encouragement last week. And especially, thank you Mary- for sending me the video yesterday! It has morphed my vision of what God wants to do for Bethany, in and through her life!
Surprising Treasure: There are no limits to what God can do through us, when we give our lives to Him.
New Living Translation (NLT) II Timothy 1:7
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Check out this incredible video shared- Megan is incredible!
Ah, that’s the spirit! And, what a spirit! Something important we nurses and other care givers have to learn is not to do too much for people. I know how shocking that concept was for me, who thought it my responsibility to do it all for my patient. Rather, we are facilitators, doing what does need to be done, but promoting and teaching others how to do for themselves what they are capable of doing. I’m so happy for you and your epiphany in shifting gears into empowerment for Bethany, and for your friend that found this video for you. All for Jesus! Big hugs for you all!
Thank you so much Edy! Isn’t God amazing? I can see that in nursing- I always want to nurture something to pieces- give me a baby to hold, cuddle, and nurture! Good thing I have some grandbabies to turn all this mushy stuff on! Truly- fear had its ugly grip on me last week- and then God began breaking its hold through encouragement through all of you, His Word, and finally that video sparked a fire in me. I was showing Bethany the video yesterday- and she was fascinated. About 3 minutes into the video- she said, “Wait! …. is that me?” I laughed and said- it’s going to be! Then last night- we were at Target and she said, Mom- you know we all need life skills. I really need a phone. (the life skills part is a direct quote from the video and the phone part is her little brain making her case! lol- I’m worried for her?)
wow… that had me in tears!! I thought it was Bethy at first, too… just for a second… And then realized it WILL be her in the very near future (should the Lord tarry of course 🙂 ) ! The Lord leads us in steps… some small, some giant, but always at the speed that is right for us. His ways are past our finding out, something we” find out” as He surprises us along “our way” with treasures like this!!
♥♥♥ Mid
Sweet Mid- thank you- you are sooooo right! “The Lord leads us in steps- some small- some giant but always at the speed that is right for us!” Isn’t He amazing? and patient? and merciful? and surprising? 🙂 thanks for your encouragement along the way. hugs
I’m so glad God sent you the video to blow the doors right off your fears! He has such remarkable timing, doesn’t He? Motherhood makes us masters at gear-switching—from low to high to reverse to neutral, we do it all during the many stages of mothering. I’m so glad He’s there to help us when we get to grinding those gears and resisting the shifts we have to make.
Grind away, girlfriend! He’s got your back!
Hugs♥
You said it fellow mother! “God sent me the video to blow the doors right off my fears” You’re so right- He’s got our backs! thank you for the encouragement and understanding Susan!
Bethany thought that was her!
I’m so proud to say that Megan is my daughter. We’ve had an incredible journey with more to come! Thank you so much for your kind words. Kris Bomgaars
WOW! all I can say is WOW! Megan is such an inspiration! Our Bethany has watched this video countless times and has even memorized parts of it! Blessings to you and your whole family! Megan is a LIGHT and a great ambassador!
Hi Kris…You are an amazing mother, woman for loving and dedicating your life to Meghan. Of course she’s amazing just like her mom. It is evident that Meghan is very high functioning. I’m sure she will succeed in whatever she goes after. As Meghan makes decisions that will make her less and less dependent on you, it is time for you Kris to start to adding things and people to your life so you can also have a wonderful fulfilling life, and not be alone. My prayers are with you and Meghan.