The Bethany Paradox
There is no paradox in loving her-
only in understanding………..
I love her so much it hurts-
Embracing her vulnerable weakness
Dismayed her DNA is destructively damaged.
I cry, I laugh with joy, I worry & fret,
I ache with longing, yet rejoice in who she is
Her spirit- so pure and childlike- so loving and kind
Mind limited, stunted, grounded by an invisible force,
Slowing growth & knowledge & depth.
Only eternity will measure her worth
This world blind to treasure deposited;
The clarion gift she is,
Bringing insight and keen to hear the heartbeat of God
While wrapped in fragile flesh.
I ache to have her be like others
Yet would not trade her essence.
I do not ask “Why” for her and others like her
But cry in silent anguish, ” WHY “?
Why are we are so afraid of “their” brokenness?
So much fear of imperfection
We urge a test- hurry, quickly- we must know
So we can choose to keep them from our presence.
Yet Jesus bids them all to come
For such is the kingdom of heaven
Oh God, Open our eyes, our minds, our hearts!
Open our lives to your love all encompassing!
Grant us perfect sight that we might see!
If we would welcome Jesus,
We must welcome the least of one of these.
Beautiful post!
Thank you Jen! It’s from my heart…. hugs
wow mom! this is so beautiful! So sweet and the way you worded it just practically brought tears to my eyes. Love it!
I love you ALL so much it hurts- it just hurts with Bethany in a different way! You are so precious and God knew exactly what He was doing when He blessed Bethany with all of you siblings! love you
Beautiful post Cindy. I am with you all the way. Seems sort of an understatement to simply click on Facebook “Like”.
As I was dropping Bethany off at school today she prayed- “Lord, make me a Light, help me to Listen and Learn, and Love. Amen.”
As she bounded out of our car one of her teachers was coming out. Bethany hugged her and introduced her to me. “This is my dad. He is good man!”
Well, Bethany, you have played a big role in making me better. I love you so much! Daddy
She’s got you down- you are a good man! and you’ve got it right too- she’s played a big role in making us both better!
This is beautiful! I imagine she shines brightly…daily. thank you for sharing her with us.
{{HUGS}}
@spreadingJOY
You’re welcome Marie- she does indeed shine brightly! Blessings to you and your whole family! Everyone reading this should head over to Marie’s post- Facing the Impossible! Such an encouraging reminder!
She is such a blessing…Love that little girl and love you too so much!
You are such a treasure to me! I love that we share the same middle name- Joy- Joy- Joy- Joy!
I relish how you focus our attention on each subject you write, Cindy! We are all differently “imperfect,” but God knows the plans He has for each one of us, for good and not for evil. What a blessed comfort that is, that we can rest in for all our precious loved ones.
Thank you Edy- He is our comfort that we run to when the paradoxes of life loom large. I can just rest in His goodness and not try to “figure it all out”. l-o-v-e is he greatest covering of all!
🙂 It appears my post came through after all, even though I couldn’t see it at the time! <3
What a beautiful sharing of your heart for your daughter and all children born with a special need. I hope someday to meet Bethany. What a special little girl with a special Mommy. Love,
Sheryl
Thank you Sheryl- I know He has opened my eyes and heart exponentially to give and receive His love- all because of what some call “brokenness”.
This was so beautifully done, Cindy… straight from God’s heart through yours! I read but don’t always comment… Still, I’m blessed! (I just finished editing the Faeren Lands! Off to discover where God wants to take it 🙂
Thanks Mid- I’m excited your editing is finished- Can’t wait to see what God has created through you! Faeren Lands? Give me a hint what its about – (gleefully rubbing my hands in anticipation 🙂 )hugs my friend and thanks for the encouragement!
Wow! Exactly In My Heart, Just Didnt Know How To Speak The Words, Thank You!
Thank you so much Marianne- do you have a special one with downs syndrome or special needs? It’s been almost 13 years since we’ve begun this journey and the jumble of feelings that go with Bethany continually surprise me. Blessings to you and thank you so much for commenting 🙂 hugs