If you would have told me a year ago or more that I was going to be a spiritual mentor I would have questioned you! That is indeed what happened this last month with a great group right here in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The group is called Snappin Ministries. This is a very unique group which offers support for families with special needs children. They offer support in the means of resources, respite events and now mentor program. I have been a support parent with Parent 2 Parent for over decade so when this opportunity lend itself to me I thought about it. I didn't act on it when I was exposed though. I had learned about Snappin Ministries about 3 years ago at a bible study in our church. I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to support someone else! I could barely support myself. Am I ready now? I don't think this is ever something you are really ready for but I am pushing myself to that next tier of support spiritual! I don't say this out of haste but really have no idea how people survive if they don't believe. I mean believe that Jesus saved them and that they have hope in the future. I know those early years when I struggled physically when my daughter was suffering and so was I. I didn't pray as often as should have and still struggle with this. But the difference is that I can see how God is working in my life and others for good. You see Meghan and Lindsay both got confirmed last year. I can say I wasn't sure until last year that Meghan would get confirmed. God showed us that she was capable, her medical status improved, we found a new treatment and we found people to help us along the way.
Back to being a spiritual mentor. I embarked on this new endeavor with 2 other mentors and our fearless leader Barb Dittrich-from Snappin ministries. We read 2 amazing books. Books that rocked me to my core wishing I had had those books 13 years ago when Meghan was first diagnosed. Now others have them, they have mentors and they have information, support to have God direct them how to parent their special needs child, how to improve their faith, how to connect with others and more. So do you have faith? Do you have the tools do parent your child with special needs spiritually?
You may want to consider requesting a mentor! They are immensely helpful not only for resources but also for your spiritual growth.
What was even more amazing is that I found my own mentoree. She lived about 3 miles from my house and she found me. She had picked up my card that she found in our small community in Hartland, Wisconsin and called me. It was a match from the start. As I began sharing some things about treatments, therapy etc. I had mentioned Snappin Ministries in our conversation. She started to tear up. She needed affirmation about something there I was. So as we talked a few more times I told her about the mentoring group and would she want to hook us with me. She said Yes. So our journey is embarking on new experiences, growth and human connection. I am so looking forward to what God has in store for me as a mentor and what blessings he will provide for all of us involved.
Resources:
Jolene Philo: A different dream for my child. Different Dream Parenting
Snappin Ministries Snappin.org
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