When my daughter was first struggling with reading and school work, I didn’t know what to think or do. I felt rather helpless that I couldn’t help her understand that cat rhymed with bat. The whirlwind of having six children, eight years apart, is that I didn’t act too quickly to help her. Every child needs some sort of attention all of the time, and this can leave moms and dads feeling overwhelmed, especially when something like a diagnosis of Dyslexia looms in the air.

Often, fear of the unknown is far worse than fear of what’s real. Once I started taking baby steps in this journey we are on, I started understanding Dyslexia, I started understanding my daughter, and I stated understanding what I needed to do as her mom and advocate. The more I understood, the more hopeful I felt within our situation.

How can I be hopeful when we feel constantly up against a wall? Here are three things that have helped me find hope in Dyslexia:

1) I have faith. I believe faith is a pure gift from God. I trust with all my heart that God is in control of all of this. He designed my daughter in the most wonderful way. He has given her unique gifts and talents, many that have not been uncovered yet. When I look at her, I see her as a butterfly still in her cocoon. Her brilliance is still hidden, but I can envision it. It’s like knowing the sun is shining above the gray clouds. You might not be able to see it, but with faith (not sight) you know it’s there.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“So we are always confident … we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)

2) I focus on the blessings. Dyslexia is one aspect of who my daughter is. It does not make up her entire being. My little girl is creative. She writes poetry and songs and comes up with her own words (like Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl). She loves to draw and paint. My daughter is sweet, caring, loyal, and hardworking. She is a prayer warrior; if you are struggling, she will pray for you daily.

“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Psalm 139:14)

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

3) I seek help. There is no way I can do something like this on my own. I had to seek outside help and expert advice. I am grateful to have friends and family who are walking a similar journey. We can share resources and bounce ideas off of each other. My daughter has been blessed with teachers who truly care and are open to learning how to best serve her and the 20 percent of kids with Dyslexia. We also found an amazing tutor who is a wealth of knowledge and so encouraging. Plus, there are books, websites, and other services that have been incredibly helpful. We are not doing this alone.

“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart …” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.” (Proverbs 19:20)

How do you find hope in the midst of difficulty?

For a complete list of topics and links, visit the landing page for 31 Days: One Mom’s Journey With Dyslexia or click the square image below.