My husband and I would both agree that a new chapter started in our life when our first born son entered the world in July of 2008. No longer were we just us. We became parents who immediately fell in love with our gift sent from God and instantly our hearts lit up with love. Our hearts still beat wildly for Justin and his little sister today. I have a feeling that this love for them can only roar like a fearless river that has no end.
Our four day hospital stay with our first born was spent almost every minute holding our happy infant that filled our time with peace and we were so content to just rest together. We were glad to go home of course, but on the way out the door we both became aware that we were alone without the support of caring nurses.
As we buckled our tiny newborn in his car seat, fear came crashing down. Emotions swept over me as I realized that I was taking home my little one who is dependent on me. That first drive with our precious gift was indeed painfully scary.
Our first few weeks home with Justin was filled with tears, anxieties, and exhaustion. This was one of my weakest moments in my whole life. It was a time where I was unable to carry on in my own strength. I had my amazing and supportive husband. But when he went back to work I had to find strength to beat the depression that was knocking at my door. I had to lean on the one who I always believed in and that would be God.
I have struggled with depression off and on throughout my life. I have had weak moments where I needed someone to pull me out of my pit. We all have been there from time to time haven’t we, all our stories and reasons why vary.
Maybe you are there today.
I have learned that in my weakest moments, I have been blessed with caring friends and family who love me. Rest always helps. I listen to worship and praise music. I put God’s word before me. I love prayer and homemade cookies from those who understand. It always helps me when I go out with a girlfriend for some tea or coffee, to hear her say, “Me Too”. I feel strong when Jesus meets me in prayer. I feel hopeful when I put all my fears before God and leave them there.
In my weakest moments God will not abandon me. I am His and He so carefully crafted me inside of my mother’s womb, making me to be brave in Him today and every day!!!!
We can be brave in Him.
Hi Lisa! I remember those first weeks at home with the first newborn too. Crazy, tumultuous! And Post partem depression. I never dealt with depression much until about 8 years go, but as I near menopause, my hormones get REALLY CRAZY. And boy, do I have to lean into Jesus.
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Thanks Betsy for stopping by. Crazy hormones are not going to get us down with Jesus on our side.
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I was right with you except my depression came immediately after adopting our two girls. Who knew THAT could happen right? But we learned that unless we reached out for help and were real about what was going on, most of the time people didn’t even know! Now our friends are aware and have been so supportive, even after the depression thankfully lifted.
-Ginny from Joy from Grace and the awesome MOPS Facebook group!
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Ginny thanks so much for stopping by. Thank you so very much for sharing part of your story with us. Depression is tricky and does show up when we least expect it. I like that we can talk about it. Depression can be scary and it is not always easy to talk about. Shame can deceive the one in pain from asking for help. I know. Once I found out that depression can be managed, I started to feel safe. Ginny it is so important for us to share our experience so we can help others overcome and shine. So once again, thanks for being open and commenting. It is great to have supportive friends. I’m glad to hear that you have support. Adoption is a stressful time and a glorious time. Congrats on your adoption. I look forward to reading more about your story. I see you have a blog. I will be over shortly to have a visit.
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I love your advice about resting, reading scripture, and listening to praise music. You are making a time and a space to hear and respond to God’s presence. I needed to be reminded of that today!
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Thanks Beth for coming by!!!! We all need to be reminded of this from time to time.
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Reblogged this on God'sCharacter.
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