Redeeming Kisses & Wiping Tears

November 29, 2020 | belief, Faith, healing, Hope, Miracle, perspective

Some of the most cherished blessings of motherhood were stolen through sensory processing issues in my child: giving tender kisses and wiping tears. 

I was shocked the very first time my son told me, "No mommy, don't wipe my tears," as he squeezed his eyes shut and touched his fingertips to his thumbs on both hands, holding them an inch from his face. He couldn't even wipe his own tears. It was heartbreaking and I was devastated as a mom to be stripped of this beautiful privilege to comfort my child. 

I have run across people who justify the fact that their child has sensory issues, stating it's just a part of their life and should be accepted by all and accommodations made accordingly. Recently, I even heard it said these children are simply "neuro-diverse". Furthermore, moms who don't know our story have told me healing is impossible and we must receive these children for who they are, right where they are. They argue that acceptance is required of us, especially as mothers and parents, in order to offer and provide a safe place for the kids at home, so when they go into the bigger world, they are more prepared. 

I don't argue that a safe place must be provided for these children. And mothers must grow their ability (with Jesus) to become capable to provide it, with patience and love. However, and I realize that for some this may be difficult to hear or take in, but I completely refuse to "accept" or "receive" the sensory symptoms that are stealing the life and personality of these children, not to mention torturing and agonizing the essence of motherhood. Though for some, this statement could be viewed as extreme, for others, I invite you to rejoice in it! Rejoice in the truth that God did NOT intend for your child to be inhibited in life. God does not set out to deny mothers the tender kisses they were, in fact, designed to give to their children. Our loving Father in Heaven did not design your child to find it painful for tears to be wiped from their face by the soft, compassionate touch of a mother.

I understand that for some, it can seem necessary to convince themselves (or hear the convincing arguments of others) that this is just the way it is, so don't set your heart on anything different. Don't hope, just cope and accept. Give in and deal with your child. This can seem like a "safe" place for your tender heart and hoping for anything else can feel too risky or fearful. Afterall, you may think, what if nothing changes? 

On the contrary, mothers, I boldly say take heart! Lamentations 3:22 states: "The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail." The Lord is just waiting for you to recognize His goodness and the power of the cross! Jesus took on every sickness, every disease, every ailment, everything that hinders a child from experiencing an abundant life, here and now, not just in heaven. See John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Matthew 8:16-17.

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.

He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy."   

Psalm 107:19-22

No one can convince me to "accept" the less-than-what-God-intended life and health for my children and others. His miraculous healing power in my son's body and in my mother's heart was His promise kept! Kissing those soft cheaks and wiping little boy tears are once again my joy restored! 

I hope that you, too, will reconsider "acceptance" and step into a place of radical faith, believing in the goodness of God over your son or daughter, understanding that this sensory reactive life is not all there is. There's much, much more! A glorious goodness that only the Lord can restore! And in Jesus, he has done it! Reach and receive.