Refresh

Book excerpt: More than one-fifth of US households with children have at least one child with special needs. Raising a child with special needs is spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically challenging. Parents of these children have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and divorce. They need encouragement to restore hope and a passion for God in their lives—-but the realities of having to be parent, nurse, therapist, and caregiver make it difficult to find the time or initiative to seek encouragement. Written by two moms who understand this complicated balancing act, Refresh is designed to provide just what these parents need. The 90-day devotional guides parents to spiritual truths that can be applied to the demands they face every day. It offers perspective and hope through the varying stages and phases families experience, from diagnosis to loss and grief. Each day's devotional includes a reading from Scripture, as well as stories and testimonies from parents who intimately know the struggle readers face. Their children represent a wide range of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, genetic disorders, chronic illness, and more. Drew and Green show how the truths of God's Word are relevant, regardless of the diagnosis. Their devotional illuminates the unique lessons and perspectives to be gained as a result of raising a child with special needs. Insightful and powerful, Refresh will help weary parents grow spiritual roots and reach the water of life once more.