Blessed are you who hear the harsh words of pity from the crisp white coats, “I’m sorry…”
For the Creator marvels at the work of her hands, “This child is good. So very good.”
Blessed are you who untangle the web of wires and tubes to finally snuggle your precious gift.
For the very first Parent understands the longing to connect with his cherished children.
Blessed are you who whisper a shaky, “I love you,” as a team of scrubs wheels your child away down the hall.
For the nail-scarred hands hold the one who is worthy of healing and life.
Blessed are you who watch your children chart their own developmental map.
For the Good Shepherd journeys differently with her beloved sheep.
Blessed are you who daily dilute, flush, fill, empty, scoop, blend, and feed.
For the Bread of Life who multiplied loaves and fishes honors the sacred work of your hands.
Blessed are you who bathe and change and lift the child who has outgrown her crib, the drug store diapers, your lap.
For God our Father knows the familiar weight of carrying his children.
Blessed are you who utter The Lord’s Prayer while the flower covered coffin rests above the dirt.
For the Man of Sorrows sits in the ashes and weeps with you.
Blessed are you who endure the lingering looks, the second glances, the hurtful comments.
For the fingerprints of the Divine cover every inch of your child who bears the image of God.
Blessed are you who enter the IEP meetings fatigued, frustrated, and full of questions and despair.
For the Wisdom from above sits below and beside you at that table.
Blessed are you who spend hours on the phone, your throat raw with insistence that promises made to your child are promises kept.
For the still small Voice whispers, “I am the righteous Judge and I will help you fight.”
Blessed are you who feel the furrowed brow when thoughts of the future make your heart pound.
For the Giver of manna offers sufficient grace to quiet your soul in every sunrise.
Blessed are you who labor to create a world where all children can belong.
For the rejected One who flipped tables and systems bids his kingdom come below as it is above.
Blessed are you who feel isolated in communities where your child seems to be the only Other.
For the dusty feet of a Jewish carpenter will lead you to loyal confidants whose stories are both familiar and unique.
Blessed are you who find there are no seats at the table for the one you’re called to raise.
For the Man of no reputation always reserves a place for the Other.
You and your child are seen and loved by a fierce and faithful God whose Kingdom has always belonged to the Other.
![Fantastic read from the summer.
Posting just now because LIFE.
Anything by James McBride is worth reading.
Favorite character line:
"Every once in a while there's a glimmer of hope.
Just a blip on the horizon...something that said,
'Guess what, you so-and-so, I am God's child.
And I.Am.Still.Here.'"
You're still here.
I'm still here.
What will we do today
to live the truth that we're God's children
and we belong?
What will we do today
to ensure the belonging of others
who don't share our privileges?
[ID: A hardcover book with the outline of a man wearing a hat, and swirls of red, green, and orange on the front. The title 'Deacon King Kong a novel James McBride' is printed on the cover.]](https://i0.wp.com/www.katiecarper.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?ssl=1)
Katie this is so beautiful 😭
Hey Sarah,
Thanks for reading. Glad you’re here. 💛
This is beautiful, Katie. A treasure to read again and again. Does K. Potts follow your blog?
Thanks for reading, Val, and for your words of encouragement. I don’t think K. Potts follows me. That name isn’t familiar. Feel free to DM me with their contact info. I’d be happy to reach out. So grateful for you. 💛
This was so beautifully written and exactly what I needed to read this morning. ❤️
Hi Brey,
I’m so glad this met you where you needed. I’m grateful you’re here and I’m holding you in prayer today.💛
“For the Creator marvels at the work of her hands, ‘This child is good. So very good'”
To whom does the pronoun “her” refer?
“For the Good Shepherd journeys differently with her beloved sheep.”
Same question
Hi Heather,
Thanks for taking the time to read. I chose those different pronouns with intention–to remind readers that the Lord works in each of us with both masculine and feminine qualities. While there are several references in Scripture to God possessing both qualities, my favorite is from the book of Isaiah where God is described as a mother who cannot forget her children. What a wonderful truth to rest in, especially in this season where many of us are struggling.
You have been a faithful disciple obviously learning all that you can about and from the Master teacher and so graciously and patiently sharing those precious lessons with us.
I sit in a pool of tears after reading the “Blessing.” I struggle to understand the meanings of all those tears. I feel overwhelmed yet somehow my heart feels cleansed. Cleansed of so much that blurs my response to ALL of God’s children and those who daily care for the “others” among us. I am so grateful for Sam and all that he continues to teach us.
Thanks for taking the time to respond, Dad. Grateful for your love and support and for the ways you and Mom have modeled hospitality and inclusion for as long as I can remember. Wish the miles between us were fewer.