Thursday, May 2, 2013

Photo-heart connection, number 4


I don't know about you, but I love the movie, "Finding Nemo",
there are so many great lessons . . . and from a fish no less.

Dory says to Marlin (Nemo's father) . . .

"Do you know whatcha gotta do when life gets you down? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, Just keep swimming swimming swimming."




I took this photo last weekend at my favorite place, Maas Nursery. It's part of their new "blue room". But little did I know that this week I would feel a lot more like this little blue fish, going against the current being chased by something bigger.

Even more so, I'm sure my son feels like that fish too . . .going against the current, chased by some big mean fish and wondering why, why did it single him out.

You see, we got a call from the doctor yesterday that his inflammation marker has gone back up to 20 times what it should be. It means that this was not a one time thing that would eventually just go away, possibly caused by an infection as we had hoped. It now means a change of medication that comes along with a new set of risks, and more frequent visits to the doctor. And it now means we pray for a remission.

As a parent I feel somewhat helpless (okay a lot) . . . I can't change the direction of the current and I surely can't stop the big mean fish that is chasing him. All I can do is be there to support him, love and comfort him. But maybe more importantly be an example of perseverance and of not giving up and of having continued hope through faith in God.

Scripture tells me to find joy in my trials and to let it be an opportunity, James 1:3, "For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."  He doesn't want me to find joy in suffering, mine or my son's, or my family's but rather to rejoice because He is using life's difficulties to build our character. To help soften our hearts and to give us compassion towards others that find themselves in similar situations. Trials bring us humility and a bigger awareness of who is really in control.

I also know, that God does not cause suffering, but will use it to create something good from it.

I have a choice to see the glass half full or half empty, to stand on the ledge and wonder when I will fall off  or accept the peace and endurance that only comes by trusting in God. 

Today I choose to just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!

Love, Kim
XO







34 comments:

Silvina Soave said...

Mis deseos para que todo esté bien muy pronto.Y por supuesto, hay que seguir nadando.
Un abrazo grande.

Kim Cunningham said...

I'm so sorry to hear that the struggle persists. I was really hoping and praying for an upswing that lasts. I really love the faith you express here, and it is such truth that God wastes nothing that He allows into our lives. There is such purpose in everything, be it ever so hard sometimes. I will continue to pray. And just know that whenever you need the support and prayers, that you will have them here!

Adrienne said...

I love Dory. And I love your heart! Praying for an extra dose of mama strength....I'm getting teary as I type the words 'it's easier to go through something ourselves, than to watch our kids go through it.' We feel with you. We continue to pray with you! I also love that now that you've made this connection, you'll be reminded to lift your heart and eyes every time you're in the "blue room"!!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

So sorry to hear about your son's illness. You have a faith that will see you through. I've lifted you both up in prayer and ask for healing and peace. God bless.

A Garden of Threads said...

I am sorry things have not improved. My thoughts are with you.

leanne can blog said...

It's great isn't it that Pixar movies can remind us of spiritual truths?
Beautiful post.

Tamar SB said...

What a mantra. Hope your boy is feeling well again soon and you get it all worked out.

Jeanne said...

So glad that you are just going to keep swimming. The good part of this Kim, although I am sure it is a part that is not easy to see at the moment, is THAT THIS IS TREATABLE. It is not the perfect thing to have happen, and certainly not what you planned, but there are drugs ( yes they have some risks) that will help the symptoms and keep this disease in abeyance. There are so many illnesses that just have a terminal ending.... and this is not one of them. You will gain endurance and compassion that you would never be able to develop without this. Not your first choice either... but God is walking this road with you and your son, and you are not alone! Will keep you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I don't think God causes suffering. God loves us too much just like you wouldn't want this for your son. But maybe God does not interfere because of the lessons you will learn. Anyway, I said a prayer for you and your family & that you feel surrounded by love and support.

Unknown said...

I Love Dory, this photo, this post and your beautiful outlook on life both of yours and your sons. Our kids will learn how to react in life events by their silent watching and listening to our cues. Character training for sure bits just as moms-we would gladly take the pain of our children away. Kim-my thoughts and prayers are with you always. Xo kelly

seabluelee said...

What a powerful photo-heart connection this is, Kim. Your image is perfect. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son.

Zena said...

Love this post, the photo, your words and your attitude... it´s good when we choose to learn, to improve our mood, cultivate positive thinking and we "keep swimming".

Gorgeous photo-heart connection

Zena said...

Hope your son will fell better soon

Unknown said...

My heart and prayers go out to you and your son. I just love the positive thinking. It has to help both of you. Keep on swimming my friend.

Hugs~

Sherri B. said...

Kim, I'm so sorry that the symptoms continue for your son. I hope this new medication can finally help solve his issues and that his life (and yours) can get back to some sense of normalcy soon. I continue to send good thoughts and prayers your way...{{{hugs}}}. <3

P.S. I love Dory...and the Nemo movie!

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

So sorry for the medical flare up... Thinking of you.. Have a peaceful weekend...

Anita Johnson said...

Dear Kim, I am saddened for your family that the inflammation has returned. While I don't quite understand how God works in these matters, I trust His words and you explained them so well in your post...He loves us, and we are to find joy in the closeness we develop with God when these trials occur. God does not cause suffering.
Prayers for you and your family are being said right now. Keep swimming.

tiarastantrums said...

great movie and good connection! Just keep swimming!

Katherines Corner said...

pinned to my cottage by the beach b board ♥ Thank you for sharing at the hop my sweet bloggy friend xo

Serendipityissweet said...

Oh Kim, I am so sorry that you have hit another bump in the road. I know it is so difficult to watch our children struggle and to want to take away their pain, but feel helpless. I will keep you all in my prayers.

I often tell myself: "just keep swimming." You are so right about the great lessons in that movie. :)

Hugs and prayers going out for you!

Hang in there,

Melissa

Michele Matucheski said...

My thoughts are with you, Kim. Keep swimming ... Keep swimming ... Keep taking pictures, too.

Miriam said...

Hello Kim, so glad to have caught up with you but I am sorry that your journey continues in such a difficult way. Your PHC is very special. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.

Inspired By June said...

I use that quote a lot, Kim and people usually look at me like I'm nuts! I'm sorry for what your son is going through. I'm thankful that you can rejoice in the midst of trial, and that God is using this experience to bring you closer to Him.

Sarah Huizenga said...

Wonderful wise words Kim! Praying for you and your son.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your tough times. It is hard to see your kids suffer and God not intervene, and to ask why and not get answers. Sometimes all we can do is keep on swimming, and swimming as you say and know that even when you are going against the flow, we are not alone. Holding you in prayer.

Anonymous said...

Kim, I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.your words of faith touched me deeply. As I face the next round of tests and treatments towards the end of this month, I will remember you and your sons story and pray for the best of all of us.

Comfypjs said...

Very well said, Kim. Life does have it's hard times but nothing happens to us unless it first passes through the hands of God. God knows and sees what is happening with your son and he also hears the prayers lifted up on his behalf. You are so right when you said, "Trials bring us humility and a bigger awareness of who is really in control." I will continue to ask the one who is in control to have mercy on your son and also for his healing power on your son's body.

Buckeroomama said...

I love your faith. I will keep your family in my prayers. *hugs*

Carol said...

So sorry Kim, to hear your son is so unwell. Keep swimming and keep that glass half full. Thinking of you all.

Kat Sloma said...

Sometimes that's all we can do, keep swimming. We don't know where we are going or what we are swimming toward, all we know is that's all we can do at the moment. My heart is with you and your son. I'll swim along beside you, if that helps. Thank you for sharing in the Photo-Heart Connection, Kim.

Connie Smiley said...

Oh, Kim, what a wonderful post, straight from your heart. Praying with you for your son, and moved by your example of faith in the trial.

Paula said...

Just keep swimming...these words say it all. You and yours are in my prayers. Beautiful shot, but more so, beautifully written.

Elsie said...

My first tought was, what a fun photo, I like that fishes. Such fun colors but then I read your text and I know they must help ill kids to give them more comfort and feeling better. I hope they do for your kid too. Sending a big hug for you and your kids and the rest of your family from the Netherlands.

Cathy H. said...

Kim, this is one of the most touching PHC I've read. I still have you and your son on my prayer list.

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