Extract from The Gift
Ann Nunn’s book (assisted by Liz Leach Murphy), The Gift, takes a refreshing approach to painting an honest picture of the raw realities of being a Family Carer based on my first-hand experience, and explores how my Christian faith has been my lifeline and supported me through challenging times, whilst featuring practical teaching methods that can unlock the potential of a child living with learning difficulties. We have researched the market and have not found any other publication that features the range of issues that we overcame as a family; a son with a rare disability, a husband with significant mental health issues, home teaching, poverty and homelessness.
Here is an extract from her book:
A Threefold Cord: A story of faith and triumph
I have faced many challenges in my life with surprising twists and turns, always with interesting outcomes. My faith is really important to me and my family, and God has been the provider of the strength I have needed at difficult times. The Lord has always been there for me. I know that Simon’s future is in His safe hands. This is not easy, but I know (beyond all doubt) that GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Support
I attend a church fellowship on Tuesday evenings (bible class) and we are “family”. We pray for each other and our concerns. This mutual support means a great deal to me.
I have also found great strength in loud singing, “songs of deliverance”. These provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times.
In my times of desperation, I discovered for real that ‘God is my refuge, strength and a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1), a constant support and companion. I am repeatedly helped, strengthened and comforted when I call on the name of the Lord to help.
Through believing in the Lord and believing in His promises I have felt comforted about Simon, what he can achieve and his future.
The hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus” states: ‘Take it to the Lord in prayer.’ (Hymnal.net, 2019a) and that is the best thing to do because we cannot cope on our own – but ‘What a privilege’! (Hymnal.net, 2019a).
This has given me a strength that has been invaluable, especially during times that have been very challenging when I have not been able to take the sorrows and burdens of the world upon me, but I have known who can.
By Ann Nunn
