Marlo Schalesky
About the Author

Marlo Schalesky is an award-winning author of over 1,000 articles and 11 books, including her latest, Reaching for Wonder: Encountering Christ When Life Hurts (Abingdon Press). A mother of 6, she is also the founder and president of Wonder Wood Ranch, a California charitable organization for at-risk kids and youth.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. My heart goes out to any family who has to struggle with this awful disease, particularly when it rears its ugly head in a young child.

  2. This vigilance over a number that means life for your son must be completely exhausting, and my heart goes out to you, but I also honor your commitment to finding the spiritual parallels that make the journey transcendent. As a result, I am pushed toward that Bartimaeus prayer for the heavy places in my own walk where what I really need is a vision of Jesus.
    Thank you, Marlo, for this beautiful glimpse of your following life.

  3. Marlo

    Praying for you & your son. May God bring some calm & peace to you all. We will all have trials & tribulations in this sinful world. We can be thankful that God has overcome this world. This reminds me of the song by Mandisa “Overcomer.” Some lyrics include: “Whatever it is you may be going through I know he’s not gonna let it get the best of you You’re an overcomer Stay in the fight ’til the final round You’re not going under ‘Cause God is holding you right now You might be down for a moment Feeling like it’s hopeless That’s when he reminds you
    That you’re an overcomer You’re an overcomer” God has our back. He is there going through it with us.

    No this life isn’t fair! My question now to God is why did my 90 yr old FIL live through Stage III bladder cancer surgery, yet my elderly neighbor’s only living son died of spinal cancer leaving her alone in this world except for a granddaughter?

    Blessings 🙂

  4. I think your pain is unique. Yes, it is true that none of us get through life unscathed, but I cannot imagine the exhaustion and ongoing grief you live in every day.
    Your words have a lot of weight because they come from that place of perseverance through suffering. And I’m sure you have lots of moments of “God, why don’t you just heal him?” And, you keep knocking on His door because you know you have nowhere else to go.
    I just read about Bartimaeus this past week in Sheila Walsh’s book “In the Middle of the Mess.” I recommend the book, as she is another woman who has walked through darkness and is honest about her journey.
    Thank you. Grace and Peace to you and your family.

    • Thanks, Ashley. Bartimaeus is so inspiring to me! He’s the subject of the second-to-last chapter of my latest book, Reaching for Wonder, Encountering Christ When Life Hurts, because there’s just something about his determination to see that helps me get my mind right in Christ when things look grim. Thanks for sharing about Sheila Walsh’s book too!

      • Thanks, Marlo. I look forward to checking out your book. I think the tone of my first reply seems a lot less soft than how my heart felt.
        Please know your story and words really touched me today.

  5. Marlo, I am astounded at the path you are walking as it mirrors mine from a dozen years ago. My son, Braden, (can you believe our kids names even rhyme?!?) was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at six years old as well. At age eight, we had a very difficult year…thirteen months of checking his BS 4-5 times a night. Thirteen months straight with little sleep and so. much. stress. Will he wake up this morning? Will he be able to hold that glass of orange juice? Will he remember our names as he awakes like the one time he couldn’t when his number was too low ? I can poignantly recall all of this and the nervous breakdown that ensued for me. But…

    The most amazing thing happened in that breakdown. I found Jesus in a way that my traditional church upbringing never allowed. I had to lean so heavily into Him because I was too weak to stand on my own. And it ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me. We encountered angels and Jesus with skin on all along this path…more than we could have hoped or dreamed. What an eventual blessing.

    My prayer for you today is for more sleep. More self-care (I wish I had listened when people told me I needed to take a bit of time for myself). Great blood sugar numbers. And peace – like a balm – to spread itself over your spirit. It’s hard to imagine when you’re in the thick of it, but it will get better. Braden is 18 and just graduated HS…is in college…has a job…and totally takes care of his own medical needs. I’ll be praying big prayers for you that Jayden will be healthy and strong. Sending much love!

  6. Thanks for sharing this Marlo..
    You and Jayden are in my prayers…
    I pray that the Lord will heal him…
    I pray that Jehovah will give you peace that passeth all understanding, grace, and strength for the journey of life…
    Sending you love ❤️ and hugs
    God bless you…xxx
    Ada

  7. The right prayer is wonderful, the right answer is always God’s plan. So although we many times pray for the wrong thing and wait for OUR answer, there is always a right answer. Thanks for sharing, it is inspirational and very deep to know that you suffer through the same child that brings you such joy. I too pray that your answer is forthcoming and that is involves a healing like no other has ever seen. Our Father is in the business of showing up and showing out, for His glory to shine for all who “see”.

  8. Woe…what a challenge for you and your son. Prayers for him. Life’s not every easy. But God is there beside you both. His mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness Lord unto me.