This does not mean the road is easy, for it is certainly not. If there is one thing that can bring me to my knees, bring a lump to my throat, bring a feeling of helplessness, or bring my mama-bear instincts out, it is my son.
But I live and parent with hope because of Jesus Christ. And the hope of heaven's perfect redemption is my son's reality.
I've shared before about what makes me sad, about how God has walked this road with me when I've struggled, about how my son gave his life to Jesus, and about how God has given us gifts to remind us of His faithfulness.
Today, however, I share a secret with you: before I wrote The Church Planting Wife, I wrote an entire book about my son. It was meant to encourage moms facing an autism diagnosis, but it never found a publishing home. I've shared it privately with friends or friends of friends, but I want to quietly share it today in the hopes that it might actually be an encouragement to anyone who needs it, as it was purposed for. And I share it to honor my son, Will, and the God who made him.
Click either link for a digital version of the book*:
*The book is free. As a form of a payment, would you consider sharing on Facebook or tweeting about either this free resource or my book for church planting wives? Or both? I'd be so grateful, grateful enough to retweet you :)
Links to share: (feel free to write whatever you want...these are just suggestions)
A blog I like to read: www.gracecoversme.com (if you do actually like it.. ha!)
A book just for church planting wives! http://amzn.to/Wd1mXI
A free biblical resource for moms of children with autism: http://bit.ly/TTN5yg
Thanks, friends.
10 comments:
Christine, I found your blog a few months ago and have been SO BLESSED by your posts! Thank you for sharing this resource. I have found comfort, encouragment and chastisement in just the first four chapters! The point you make about 'the face' and sharing with others grief really hit home (among other points!). Though we haven't met, you have been a mentor to me. thank you for allowing God to use you in my life.
Hi Christine, I've just read your blog after being directed to it by a dear friend of mine. You story is so familiar! I'm a Christian wife & mother in the UK. I have 3 children, the eldest of whom has autism. He is now 9, but was diagnosed when he was just 3. I thought you might like to know that I have also written a book on parenting autism from a Christian perspective! After my son's diagnosis I found it so hard to find helpful parenting material relating to autism and I too wanted to help fellow mums & dads. I also had difficulty finding a publishing house to take on my work as it's aimed at such a specific audience, but in March this year I self published my book through lulu.com and copies are selling. My book is called Faithfully Parenting Autism and is available in paperback or as an ebook from lulu.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at the iBookstore. I'd love to connect with you as we seem to have so much in common. Thanks for writing about this. I can't wait to read your book. Nicky x (Nicola Maybury)
Christine--I'm so glad you shared your book about your journey with Will. What a tremendous way to honor him. I know it will be a huge resource for many moms--and grandparents. Love you.
Thanks for reading a bit of the book. I also appreciate your kind words.
Thanks, Mom!
In tears.....
Loving your blog, thanks for hitting the hot issues for women in ministry, and particularly unique positioning of pastors wives. Going through assessment with my eldest (of 3) boys for ASD next month (he has ADHD) and life and ministry has shrunk to accommodate him. But as you have so rightly said, I am beginning to see the opportunity to grow, and don't want to waste it. The lifeline is hearing about others who have walked through faithfully.
Praying for you this morning.
Christine, greetings from Singapore! it's been a great blessing for me to read about your life and ministry. I have 2 preschoolers with autism and I serve in my church's children ministry (we are looking into helping the special needs kids and their families better supported in church). Some of your perspectives, struggles and experiences really resonate with mine. Just like to encourage you to continue to write and to bless others with your story. May you embrace each season of life the Lord brings you through and see His purposes unfold for you and your family. --Dominique
Christine, greetings from Singapore! it's been a great blessing for me to read about your life and ministry. I have 2 preschoolers with autism and I serve in my church's children ministry (we are looking into helping the special needs kids and their families better supported in church). Some of your perspectives, struggles and experiences really resonate with mine. Just like to encourage you to continue to write and to bless others with your story. May you embrace each season of life the Lord brings you through and see His purposes unfold for you and your family. --Dominique
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