Battle Weary
On March 26, 2023 by Elle R.Hello lovely readers. A dear friend of mine advised me to be forthright about why I haven’t written in a month. I’m drained, I’m heart sick, I’m battle weary.
I love writing, I love sharing about Jesus. However, things in my personal life have become a bit like a Hydra. In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a nine-headed monster, and when anyone attempted to cut off one of its heads, two more grew in its place. The only solution was to cauterize the wound before the heads could regrow.
If you know me or have followed the blog over the last three years ( has it really been three years??), then you know that our oldest daughter struggles with addiction. In late January she was arrested and incarcerated. I had to set up accounts to be able to communicate with her. Hydra head number one. I was tasked with cleaning out and closing up her apartment. Hydra head number two. Helping to obtain acceptance into rehab, chasing her lawyer. Hyrda head 3. I kept ticking the boxes, thinking I was succeeding in managing the monster.
But where those heads were cut off, new ones were quickly reforming. One of our adopted grandchildren was growing increasingly agitated and emotional. This wound of their birth mother’s incarceration was festering until their feelings exploded in a volcanic manner that required hospitalization.
The battle required to fight the Hydra is exhausting and like Heracles who required his nephew Iolaus’ help to defeat it, I need help as well. I was foolish to believe that I could manage this monster alone. I am surrounding my child with a support network so that they don’t feel isolated either.
Our family needs love, prayers, and support. And laughter!
One of my sons just walked behind me while writing and said, “Do you ever blog about anything happy? Don’t forget to tell them the silly joke that ( our 9-year-old daughter) told you.”
Here’s her joke.
A man goes to the doctor and says, ” Help me doc, my butt has a crack in it!”
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” A cheerful heart can include laughter.
Please send us prayers…. and jokes. =)
~ Much love ~
Elle, you have been on my mind so often. Thank you for taking time to write your blog. I am sending lots of positive thoughts and keeping you and your family in my prayers. As for jokes I’ll have to think of one. As
So sending lots of love and hugs.
I love you so much. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as always. =)
Your life burdens tend to follow because your heart follows them…
One of your life’s joys are the great kids you’ve managed to raise. They are your greatest gift to yourself… and God’s gift to you!!
Focus on them and their successes and achievements. Give THEM the recognition they’ve earned… and deserve. Measure your personal success by their standards.
God will have to take care of your “other”…. it’s truly out of your hands!!
Love you… and I love them.
Even if I paid zero attention to the eldest, there are three whose hearts are deeply impacted by her, which has been made very evident in heartbreaking fashion this week. But yes, I have lovely kids that are worthy of praise. I measure my personal success by God’s standards though. 😉 Love you too! Your prayers and jokes are very welcome!