Rise up and stand firm

I was telling a colleague at work this week my story of having my son Lachie with his spontaneous ‘genetic mutation’ which caused him to have dwarfism. Their response was ‘how unlucky’ which I countered was so far from the truth. As Christian women, we all know that life is full of ‘unlucky’ circumstances and unprecedented battles, but my life is a testament to how through these moments we can rise up and stand firm. Without Lachlan’s birth, I would not pursue a higher purpose of advocating for minorities and amplifying the voice of the voiceless through my academic work and research. Instead, I would have continued being naïve to the challenges of having a child with different needs who looks different to the majority. I would have continued on my smooth path of career building for my own selfish status. ‘Unlucky’ moments can be a reset and a recalibration moment with God to reflect on His purpose and plan for our life. Maybe our deepest suffering and time of confusion can reveal a clarity and focus where the only way forwards in battle is through all-consuming trust in God. Life is not easier after these ‘unlucky’ events, but is life radically different? Yes. Is life fuller? Yes. Is life more about serving others? Yes. For you cannot step in the same river twice - the current is always moving, just like the currents of our life. We don’t know where our river is flowing, but I trust Gods goodness and grace will lead ours somewhere awe-inspiring and wonderful. 

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we [everywoman] trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”‭‭ Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Simone Watkins - Everywoman Champion xx