A Journey that Birthed Her + The Healer: Creating a Christ-Centered Family Culture
As I sit down to write this, I’m filled with so much gratitude and love for my precious daughter, Adriya. Her neurodiversity has brought a depth and richness to our lives that I never could have imagined.
One of Adriya’s most remarkable gifts is her extraordinary ability to experience the world with an intense yet beautiful sensitivity. Her senses are heightened, and she takes in every detail of her environment with a profound sense of awareness. She’s the ultimate observer, noticing every little thing that might pass others by.
What’s striking about Adriya’s observation is its intensity. It’s not just that she’s watching me; it’s that she’s absorbing every detail, every action, and every word with an unwavering focus. This realization has been both humbling and convicting. I’ve come to understand that Adriya’s unique processing means that she’s taking in everything I do, say, and am – and she’s doing it with a potency that’s unmatched.
This awareness has led me to ask some hard questions about what I’m bringing to the table as a parent. Am I just talking the talk, or am I truly walking the walk? Am I living out my faith in a way that’s authentic and tangible? Adriya’s neurodiversity has taught me that it’s not enough to just model behavior; I need to be intentional about feeding her mind with as much Jesus and faith as possible. For her, and all of my children.
But here’s the thing: while Adriya can comprehend spoken words, she seems to absorb and process information more deeply through action, observation, and experience. For her, seeing faith in action is more impactful than just hearing about it. She needs to truly experience God through our daily lives.
That’s why walking the walk is so crucial. It’s a universal language that transcends our differences. When we live out our faith, we’re speaking a language that everyone can understand – regardless of their processing style, background, or personality.
Romans 8 has been a powerful reminder for me that it’s not enough to just read the laws or agree with them – we must live them out. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love and kindness to those around us. Always.
As I strive to live a Christ-centered life, I want Adriya (and all of my children) to see Jesus in every moment, every decision, and every action. I want her to take in the beauty of faith, not just through what I say, but through what I do. I want to be intentional about creating an environment that’s saturated with Jesus, so that Adriya can absorb Him in every way possible.
But this isn’t just about Adriya; it’s about all of my children. I want our home to be a place where Jesus is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, where faith is a living, breathing part of who we are. I want our kids to grow up with a deep understanding of their creator, and to be inspired to pass that on to their own families one day.
And when I mess up – which I inevitably will – I want them to see that God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness are just as real as His love. I want them to know that even when we stumble, God’s kindness and compassion are always available to us. I want our home to be a living, breathing example of God’s goodness, where Adriya and all of our children can experience the beauty of faith in every moment.
This passion has become a calling on my life, and I’m honored to be able to share it with others through Her + The Healer. I’m dedicated to helping families create a Christ-centered, Jesus-saturated home environment that points others to Him. I believe that when we intentionally weave faith into the fabric of our daily lives, we’re not just raising kids who know about God – we’re raising kids who know God, and who will go on to change the world for Him. My heart is to provide resources, support, and encouragement to families who are seeking to be intentional about creating a Christ-centered home, atmosphere, and family culture.
As I look at Adriya, I’m filled with wonder and awe at the way God has wired her. She’s a precious gift, and I’m so grateful to be her mother.
{Esther 4:14}
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