Are you sure you're ready for this?

 “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

These words were spoken over and over as we walked through the weeks following Ethan’s diagnosis. Each specialist delicately outlined the severity of his condition. They did their best to help us envision what it could look like to bring him home, if he survived. Many medical needs. Developmental concerns. The possibility of completely dependence on us for the rest of his life.
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My gut reaction was always “No, but yes.” 100 times yes, over and over.
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Are any of us ever ready to watch our children struggle? Are any of us ever ready to be thrust into the world of becoming honorary medical “experts”, schooled by hospital stays, sickness, and advocating for our loved ones? Really, are any of us ever truly ready to even become parents, even when the longing is strong?
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On my own strength, it’s a no. I’m not ready. I’m not equipped. I’m not strong.
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Yet, the answer was always a YES. No hesitation. No question. Yes to fighting for my child. Yes to becoming as knowledgeable as I could of his condition. Yes to loving him—ALL of him—unconditionally.
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And most importantly YES to relying on Jesus to be our strength. To lean on Him in our weakness and unpreparedness. To trust Him. To follow Him. To rest in Him.
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“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9

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