August 13, 2019

Refining Stories: Allison, A Special Needs Mom

August 13, 2019/ Pamela Henkelman

As part of my Refining Series, I’ll be sharing Refining Stories; stories of people who have wrestled with anger and disappointment with God. People changed, rebuilt and rescued by God. Allison, is a special needs mom. I pray by reading her story you’ll be strengthened to continue your own refining season, with the confidence of how God works all the hard things together for good. I’m honored to have Allison share her story.

Allison’s Story

Sitting at the kitchen table, scrolling through Pinterest, I heard my husband Ben answer his phone. We’d been waiting on this call for a couple of weeks and my heart constricted tighter and faster listening to his end of the conversation. Though he was mostly nodding and scribbling notes, not saying much, I could tell the results showed something.

Hanging up the phone, he turned to tell me the results: a rare (1 in 100,000 boys) genetic disorder. Three extra chromosomes. A spectrum of possibilities but physical and intellectual difficulties guaranteed. Apraxia. Hypotonia. Possible heart issues. Anxiety. Recurring pneumonia. Of course, our pediatrician advised us not to Google the syndrome, and of course, I didn’t listen.

Trusting God Series: Hope Required

April 02, 2019/ Pamela Henkelman

Remarkable Hope

I had the privilege recently of helping a fellow Hope*Writer launch her second book, Remarkable Hope. I thought of you as I read her compelling book. She takes common Biblical stories and retells them as fiction then provides beautiful insights about hope. You’ll will find yourself breathless as you read her Biblical accounts, then so filled with hope by the wisdom she shares about people who’ve been disappointed, disillusioned, and running out of hope. I’ve been there, how about you? Welcome Shauna Lettellier to Be Encouraged!

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” -Hebrews 6:19

Thomas Chisholm was not a formally educated man. But in 1941 he wrote in a letter, “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness."*

Trusting God Series: When You're Disappointed in God

March 12, 2019/ Pamela Henkelman

Disappointment compounded

It was a beautiful September day, six years ago, as I was heading home from work for lunch. I was slowing down for an approaching stop light, and suddenly I was rear ended by a young, distracted drive and his passenger. They got out of their car laughing while I sat stunned. At impact, my head flew back and pain shot through my neck and upper shoulder and my arms grew tingly. I was a block from the hospital, and a quick trip in the ambulance brought me to the ER with my hubby close behind.

I had a Cat scan and x-rays. They put me in the neck brace and sent me on my way. I went home to rest and enjoy the benefits of pain killers and muscle relaxers. What I assumed would be a short recovery turned into years of pain and doctor’s appointments. I started with Physical Therapy, after 8 weeks of no change, I tried chiropractic, and massage and when that didn’t help, I was sent to an Orthopedic Specialist. I was reduced to tears at many of those appointments as the pain was excruciating. My usual cheerful, optimistic disposition was tested, as my life revolved around headaches and severe muscle pain in my upper back and trapezoid muscle. It hurt when I sat or when I lied down; I could never escape the pain, no matter what I tried. I tried to be upbeat and remain faithful. Eventually I didn’t talk about the pain, but it was my constant companion. Living with physical pain is exhausting. Pain killers and muscle relaxers made me feel sleepy and weird, so I quit taking them.

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