Recently I was talking to one of my family members and was telling them what all was going on in my “Blog World”. Often I send links about certain bloggers that I follow that are struggling and need some extra prayers. After my last batch of links I sent out, I was questioned on if all I read is “heartbreaking stories” and “why would I want to do that to myself.” It may seem rather “high and mighty” of me, but I believe that “they” need me and my prayers.

As young children when we encountered someone with an affliction we were told “not to stare”. Often times as we grow up we continue this behavior much like horses with blinders on. We tackle only what comes in our path, oblivious to the horrors and the beauty that we are being protected from with our blinders on.

As a member of a family that has both parental units and healthy children, we have many blessings. It wasn’t always this way. As most of you know, Belly was born with a larger than normal hole in her heart, VSD. We went to the cardiologist month after month, discussed surgery and then RAPTURE, she was healed. During this time, I was blogging. I was incredibly touched by those people who would reach out and offer comforting words, suggestions and prayers on our behalf. Not just family members but people who had chosen to step out of their comfort zone and read our story. It was then that I began to take my own blinders off and look around at my fellow blogger parents. Those that had a critically ill child. I no longer felt good about just “not looking” and focusing on the road in front of only me. I felt like I needed to reach out and pay those prayers forward.

This week, this month, this year, this lifetime I urge you to shed your blinders and see what is lying around you. I know that sometimes it isn’t always pretty, sometimes it rips your heart out and brings you to your knees as you hold your family a little tighter. Reach out to these families lying to the side who are struggling and holding onto hopes, miracles and sometimes the prayers of a stranger.

I simply ask that you step into something a little more “un”comfortable.

Categories: children