When Mom was diagnosed with ALS, we were devastated. We knew she'd been given a death sentence, and I was grasping for something to hold onto as it felt like I was sinking into a black hole. The day after her diagnosis, I started looking up verses in the Bible that might help us through this difficult time. As I found them, I wrote them on oval-shaped note pad papers and began taping them all over the house to remind us that we didn't face this disease alone.
Mom told me those verses helped her more than anything else, so I wanted to share them:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [or though ALS visits our household]. Psalm 46:1-2
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed. Isaiah 54:10
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Jesus said, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Perfect love drives out fear. I John 4:18b
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night. Psalm 91:1-5a
The Lord said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' For when I am weak, then I am strong. [The Apostle Paul speaking] II Corinthians 12:9-10b
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, if anything is excellent or praise-worthy, think about such things. Put in practice what you learned in scripture, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:3-10
'Because she loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges my name. She will call upon me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her and honor her. With long life will I satisfy her and show her my salvation.' Psalm 91:14-16
And I added a few verses of my own:
We love you more than words can say, Momma, and we're with you every step of the way. I Family 1:1
We want to help you in any way we can, but remember, we're not good at reading minds, and sometimes we're downright dense, so please tell us what we can do for you; talk to us; let us be strong for you once (and a thousand times). I Family 1:2-3
We prayed for healing, but God chose not to miraculously heal Momma in her earthly body. After she lost her ability to speak, I would dream about Mom talking and wondered if God was still going to do something amazing like restore her speech or make her walk again. But He chose not to. So my prayers shifted to ask for strength and wisdom for Dad and me to help Mom with each new challenge the disease presented, and God did answer those prayers. And He gave us a peace within the midst of the storm.
The next few posts will share some of the ways and resources we used to help meet Mom's needs along the way.
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