Family Uncaged

Letting go of the end of your rope

69 Comments 15 October 2012

So yeah it happened.

Tonight my sweet, dear daughter was hurting so bad. I hadn’t felt well for a day or so, but felt like I could power through. But when I felt sicker and sicker, and she realized it, we both started crying in her bed.

She turned on praise music. “Why is he trying to steal, kill, and destroy?” she asked, her voice small.

“I don’t know. I don’t know,” I said through tears.

“I love you,” she said.

“I love you too. Please don’t think about me. I’ll be fine,” I told her.

More crying. Then that helpless feeling that I had come to the end of myself. The rope that once felt strong, withered in my hands and I let go.

Thankfully my husband and son were there to pick me up from the fall. They came to the hospital, and Aidan drove me back home. I’m writing this post, then going to bed. I miss my husband. I miss my other kids. I miss Julia as carefree and painfree. I’m tired of fighting. I need your prayers (and I know I have them).

I feel drained and numb and old and scared and bewildered and angry and tired to my bones.

Jesus, please take note of our family. We need You now. We’re wearied.

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  • Cherri Jenkins

    I’m so sorry.

  • http://www.deidrariggs.com/ Deidra

    Remember how I told you you are “bright”? I meant it. You are bright…like the first star at night, the sun rising above the mountains in Haiti, the sparkle of light on ocean waves. You catch God’s attention, Mary. You’ve GOT His attention. I think, perhaps, He wanted you to know that.

    I love you.

  • Miriam @ a rearranged life

    This is my first time reading your blog, but oh my heart goes out to you! I pray that you feel Isaiah 43 in your bones! It’s resonated with me in the many times that we’ve found ourselves in the hospital and when our picket fences first fell. In these flames, and in this flood – HE is with you and He whispers “Do not fear, I am the Lord your God – The holy one of Israel.”

  • http://www.facebook.com/cindy.thomson Cindy Thomson

    Hang on, Mary. When I was going through a rough time with one of my kids, several people told me there was hope. It seemed to be a message as much as I heard that. Then I was sitting in a coffee shop/gift shop talking to my husband and looked past him to a little stuffed teddy bear ornament hanging on a Christmas tree. With one arm the bear was hanging from a star that said HOPE. And I just knew what the message meant. When you are at the end of your rope and you have nothing to hold on to, hold on to hope. There’s always hope. Hugs and prayers!

  • http://www.greatwords.net/ Leslie Rowe

    Lord, continue to send your Word! Living Word, Living God, send your healing! Rally for your daughters, O Captain of our Host! Send healing! Send peace! Send strength!

  • Lourdes Montes

    My heart goes out to you I am praying. “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”~Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV~

  • Nicole Ray

    The enemy chose his time pretty well, as your beautiful book launches. I will continue to lift up your family in prayer. Hang in there.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1102213400 Alyssa Kirk Woollard

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wftrD0udnWc&feature=related

    YOU ARE HELD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/pdhyers Pam Hyers

    Mary, God is just waiting for you and Julia to crawl up in His lap while you both rest and heal and if you are already there, don’t get down until you feel his strength renewed in you filling you with everything He has! I’ve lived in pain for almost 20 years and finally have been healed from it all! He hears you dear sister, he loves you so just stay up on his lap while he comforts you both. I am praying for Julia’s complete healing, your exhaustion and heartache to be taken away and the rest of the family’s understanding as well as their support to continue. Peace be with you Sister.

  • Jeanette

    Mary, I’m so sorry. I pray that God will send your family some relief from pain today.

  • GlynnisWhitwer

    Mary – I’m crying here in Phoenix with you and Julia today. My heart just aches for you and your precious family. I’ll be praying all day

    For some reason God has highlighted Psalm 119:49-50 for me personally. I hope it encourages you too: Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

    May You see God’s hand in miraculous ways today. In the name of Jesus I’m asking for Julia’s pain to be removed, for her energy to return and for His healing to be complete in her body … and yours.

    Love – Glynnis

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Cindy-Windham-Jones/100000640663630 Cindy Windham Jones

    Mary,
    I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. Several years ago, both of my children broke their leg and splintered their knee caps within a month playing soccer. It was a horrible experience, for one it was the end of his dream. Both suffered, went through 18 months of rehabilitation, surgeries, injections, depression, anger, and bitterness at God.
    I was at a loss. I prayed, cried, begged and came to the end of my rope too. I got up one morning and said, “God, I can’t do this anymore.” That’s when I heard his sweet spirit say, “No, you can’t, and you never could.” I knew from that moment that I couldn’t do it, but Jesus could. So each time I felt that overwhelming pressure, I would say out loud, “I can’t do this Jesus, but you can, and you are enough.” I must’ve said it a 1000 times a day for a week or two.
    Eventually, both were healed, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It did something inside of them that is awesome. Both are very involved now with helping others. They are more aware of the pain people can carry and what not to say or do but how you can really help those in need. These two kids, which are now young adults, have more compassion than most people that have gone to church all their lives, and for that I’m truly grateful. It changed their course of life, opened up new doors, closed old ones for good and brought in new relationships they would’ve never had.
    I wouldn’t want to go through that experience again, but for what we’ve gained from it, I wouldn’t trade it either. Did I mention we were moving to another state in the middle of all that? We had to leave my son behind with friends to take care of so he could finish out his college semester. He couldn’t even drive and was in a straight leg cast for six months. We were so dependent on the help of others. It was quite the humbling experience because I was always the one helping everyone else.
    God is so good, but for a while all I could see was the bad. God will turn this into good, double for every bit of your trouble is what I pray.
    For those of us that want to do more than pray, please let us know how. Our pastor’s daughter went through a similar situation, read their story at the link below. She is doing great now, in her senior year, driving, doing all the stuff that other kids do, I hope it helps.
    http://www.cindymjones.com/2011/11/my-story-by-buddy-champion-journey-of.html

    With much love,
    Cindy

  • Morgan Busse

    Praying for you and your daughter and family.

  • Lynn Mosher

    Prayers are piled upon precious prayers surrounding you. We are all your Aaron and Hur. Please take care of yourself. If you are sick physically, you won’t be all you can be for your precious Julia. Praying for God’s hand to be evident, a diagnosis reached, and recovery to be quick. Blessings to you for all you need. The scarlet cord of my life: “Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 Amp

  • http://susanstilwell.com/ Susan Rinehart Stilwell

    May He cover you both with His peace, comfort and healing. May you have an extraordinary sense of His presence. You are not alone.

  • Robbie Iobst

    Sweet sister, I am praying. And as you let go off the rope, Jesus always catches you.

  • Patti

    Prayers for you and your family. Thankfully when we are weak and tired, He is still God. He will uphold you.

  • gretchen

    Following you via Tanya Dennis. Saying a prayer for your sweet family. xo

  • http://www.facebook.com/doug.spurling.33 Doug Spurling

    Mary, Julia and family,

    You don’t know me, but due to your writing, I know you, kind-of. Anyway, I’m praying for you. I’ve shared a little of what was on my heart. I hope you don’t mind.   

    1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

    13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

    John16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

    It’s the best players that get double teamed and the ones on the front lines who get shot at…and the answer is: 

    John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

    I pray for all of you to be saturated with the joy of the Lord that gives you strength and a peace that passes understanding. Amen.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Carla-Burke/1024456824 Carla Burke

    Continuing to pray for you…

  • Ro elliott

    So very sorry…I share this in hopes it brings comfort…I was up in the night…you,your daughter and your family came to mind…God laid you on my heart….I am sure I am one of many He is tapping on the shoulder to ask us to lift your weary arms. Grace and peace to you~

  • http://juliesunne.com/ Julie Sunne

    My heart breaks for you, Mary. Continuing to lift you and your family in prayer during this difficult time.

  • http://twitter.com/Missindeedy Missindeedy

    I’m praying that sleep came quickly and that you feel buoyed by all of the prayers being lifted on your family’s behalf.

  • James Watkins

    As you know, Tuesdays are special prayer days for me, and Julia (and her Mom) are at the top of my list! “Dear friend, I pray
    that you [and Julia] may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even
    as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2).

  • Jennifer

    Adding my voice to the chorus of prayer. I’m touched by all the faithful people pouring out their hearts to the Lord for you and yours. It is surely a beautiful choir, directed by the Holy Spirit. I hope you were able to rest last night. May God hide you and your precious family under the shadow of his wings.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Celeste-Martin-Vaughan/100001526411830 Celeste Martin Vaughan

    I’m aching with you Mary. Such a helpless feeling, I know. But when we are at our weakest, God’s strength can shine through. So letting go of that rope and relying on God is exactly where you need to be. He will not let you down. Praying for you and your family!

  • http://twitter.com/AnitaFreshFaith Anita Agers-Brooks

    This morning as I read and meditated on God’s word, the promise in Matthew 10:1 jumped at me. We are disciples, and I claim this for your Julia, along with a dear friend with Stage 4 cancer. I’m in fervent trust for them both. Praying, and praising in advance for a breakthrough. You are not alone. Much love, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

  • Kerry

    Mary,
    I heard about your dear daughter Julia. Not sure what is going on, but some of the symptoms remind me of when my then 13 year old had an unexplained illness from Nov. to April. Final diagnosis: Pain Amplification Syndrome. This was a very difficult time for her, she missed a lot of school with pounding headaches, muscle pain in her legs, bladder issues and terrible menstrual cramping. Apparently, this happens especially among teenage girls. They are not making up this pain, but there is not a lot of explanation for its foundation. She did heal, praise God, and I pray the same for Julia! We received this diagnosis, by the way, out of Boston Children’s Hospital, and they were very helpful.

  • Jen Hatmaker

    Here. Praying still. Interceding. Crying. I love you, friend. Jesus, please be very near.

  • http://www.juliebarnhill.com Julie Barnhill

    Still here. Still praying.

  • Joy

    Mary I commented on Facebook as well, but not exactly certain the access you will have to the link I included there, I am leaving my message here as well. Only seeing Julia’s picture a couple of days ago appear on a FB link, my heart has been drawn into your lives with such passion to pray. I am including a link to a sermon that provided the net when I let go of my rope last year as I was fighting ovarian cancer and going through chemo treatments. I pray it will let you know without a doubt that God has not forgotten you. It’s at times like these when the faith we’ve grown, maybe by spoonfuls over the past many years, is needed to be poured forth in bucketfuls, but reaching into the well, it is there because of past accumulation, past trust, past believing.

    Surrounding your family in prayer.
    http://www.calvary.on.ca/10169/blogentry/entry_id/264729/Sept-18-AM-When-God-Looks-Weak

    Wish I could just give you a hug,
    Joy

  • http://obtainingmercy.typepad.com/ Alesha Kay

    Weeping with you, praying cor you.

  • Kellann Willie

    Mary, praying fo ryou and julia. I am lost for any other words except just to let you know I’mpryaing. My heart is breaking for you and your family….Praying!

  • http://twitter.com/theBossyMom Susan Hill

    So this morning I needed a lil’ sunshine and I posted the lyrics to one of my favorite songs on my FB page. Then I read your post and felt to post them here, for you. Hope it brings…a smile IN the struggle.

    “Today’s a new day, but there is no sunshine.

    Nothing but clouds, and it’s dark in my heart and it feels like a cold night.

    Today’s a new day, where are my blue skies,

    where is the love and the joy that you promised me you tell me it’s alright.

    I almost gave up, but a power that I can’t explain,

    fell from heaven like a shower now.

    (When I think how much better I’m gonna be when this is over)

    I smile, even though I hurt see I smile,

    I know God is working so I smile,

    Even though I’ve been here for a while (what you do?)

    I smile, smile..

    it’s so hard to look up when you’ve been down.

    Sure would hate to see you give up now

    You look so much better when you smile, so smile.” {Kirk Franklin}

    Praying for you and your family. Remember, God doesn’t have a rope to let go of…He’s ALWAYS in control.

  • http://www.facebook.com/pams.page18 Pam’s Page

    Psa 46:5 God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early (in the morning). Psa 46:11 The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. The G-d of Heaven’s armies is with you. God is your refuge, even the God of Jacob– who felt the same way when Esau was coming with hundred of men to kill him. He was wrestling too.. but God took care of him and revealed Himself even more to Jacob. Hugs and love and prayers this morning for you and Julia and your family.

  • Debbie

    Mary…I am right now praying for you…I’ve been in a similar place and it hurts — a lot. Its strange how numbness can do that. The weariness goes bone deep at time, seeming to steal every ounce of faith, hope, joy, peace and perspective. How I wish I could say in person…”rest dear one” and that it would make a difference. I wish there were a way to lift you, encourage you, bless you, in such a way that it was “all better”. How I pray that God would wrap you and your family in His arms in such a way that you FEEL it. May the healing and comfort of the Holy Spirit pour out like soothing oil over all of you and may the power of our Jesus, whose has authority over all things infuse you all with strength and comfort.

  • Glenda Childers

    Holding you up in prayer.

  • http://lauriewallin.com/ Laurie Wallin

    And… just in case it’s backlash…. Father, we come alongside Mary and her family right now in the powerful name of Jesus, her—their—everything, and say to the enemy who’d tear them down, “You have no place here. In the name of Jesus, back off.” Lord, you know this timing smacks of warfare. Be mighty on Mary and her daughter’s behalf. Show yourself strong and strengthen this family with fresh anointing by your Spirit. And would you extend the reach of this Everything book? Bring people to untainted love for you again? Oh how this world needs you to be its everything!!

  • http://lauriewallin.com/ Laurie Wallin

    Mary, I know what it is to ache and weep for your child who’s hurting with some unexplained brokenness, and so I ache and pray alongside you. Wishing I could just be there, even though we aren’t well acquainted in “real life” – as a mom who gets it. Praying for you, friend. Praying surprising joy and energy for the trek. You are a blessing. Grateful to see so many blessing back in this season for your family. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to tangibly support you.

  • http://twitter.com/Sherrey_Meyer Sherrey Meyer

    I don’t know what to say for I’ve never been where you are. But I promise I’m praying for Jesus to envelop your family, especially Julia in His arms, Mary.

  • http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/ Barbie

    Oh Mary, I cannot imagine. I am asking Jesus to hold you close tonight, to breathe His strength into you. Praying for your sweet girl!

  • pastordt

    In dark and dangerous places like this one, sometimes an imprecatory psalm provides the words we need, the emotions we stumble to name, the fear that rises like bile in our throats. You stand in very good company when you pray these words – Jesus prayed a lament and millions of others have beseeched God for mercy and protection. Try these from Psalm 69 – pray them aloud, if you can:
    “Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
    Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
    I can’t find a foothold.
    I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.
    I am exhausted from crying for help;
    my throat is parched.
    My eyes are swollen with weeping,
    waiting for my God to help me. . . .
    But I keep praying to you, LORD,
    hoping this time you will show me favor.
    In your unfailing love, O God,
    answer my prayer with your sure salvation.
    Rescue me from the mud;
    don’t let me sink any deeper!
    Save me from those who hate me,
    and pull me from these deep waters.
    Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,
    or the deep waters swallow me,
    or the pit of death devour me.
    Answer my prayers, O LORD,
    for your unfailing love is wonderful.
    Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.
    Don’t hide from your servant;
    answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!
    Come and redeem me; free me from my enemies.”
    WE ARE PRAYING WITH YOU AND FOR YOU as you battle this out.
    May your lovely daughter be surrounded with the love of God and Light of God’s countenance. And may you find the rest and healing you need in the midst of it all.

  • Carol J. Garvin

    Sending more prayers, Mary… especially for peace and comfort. On the days when we feel like Job, it’s hard to remember that God doesn’t expect us to hold on indefinitely. These are the rough times when he’s prepared to carry us. He’ll carry you through this to the other side.

  • http://twitter.com/jacobvanhorn Jacob Vanhorn

    Sweet Mary, while clumsily trying to encourage you in Haiti and share my admiration, ‘strength’ is one of the adjectives I had in my mind for you. But then and today, not a strength of your own, but a strength on loan from a deep reservoir of trust built up by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit. Will be praying that you are able to drink deeply again from that reservoir of strength. Spirit, carry my new friend and her family.

  • http://www.facebook.com/shannon.burtbrandon Shannon Burt Brandon

    Stopped by on my way to bed. prayed you up for the night, even though I know our Father is holding you close. I know His goodness will win through it all.

  • http://www.allisonjohnston.org/ Allison Johnston

    Praying BOLD prayers of total and complete healing for you and Julia.

  • Debbie

    Mary, prayers continue… Holding, hugging, loving your Julia, your precious family and you through the awesome love of a God who holds all the details in His hands. Lord, tonight this family needs relief from pain, a good nights rest and a sense of your presence. Thank you in advance for all that you are going to do through this. Give them Your Word tonight! When, I am afraid I will trust in You. ~ Psalm 56:3 Hugs in Him…

  • Krissi

    Oh Mary! I haven’t had this experience, but have watched a loved one suffer & am experiencing some difficulties myself. I am praying now!

  • http://sandraheskaking.com/ Sandra Heska King

    Moment by moment, Mary. I’m aching with you. Praying for you. Trusting with you. Rest, my friend. We are storming the gates.

  • http://www.facebook.com/cindee.sniderre Cindee Snider Re

    Oh. Oh. Oh. Mary. I know this dry and dusty place where it’s hot and hard to breathe and the words clot like ash in your throat. My heart aches for you, because it’s hard there and there is no easy way through, no quick solution. But dear, sweet soul, I can tell you what a beautiful soul told me: Just look five minutes ahead. Any farther and I crumple. Just five minutes. Or just the next breath. Because sometimes all you have to do is breathe. Just breathe. And somehow five minutes turns into an hour and an hour into a day and a day into a week, into a month, into a year and you look back and realize you’ve emerged on the other side. And the climb was exhausting, but you made it. And the view from the summit is breath-taking.

    Holding you and your family close tonight, Mary, and praying for peace, strength, healing, and love that wraps you in the arms of community where you can hear the heartbeat of God unmistakably as He whispers, “I am here.”

  • Sharon Brobst

    Just about ready to call it a night…so glad I stopped here first. Will pray for you all tonight… I know you know…but He holds Julia, you and your family in the palm of His hand. Rest in that knowledge tonight sweet Mary. Praying His peace, His strength, His heal power over you.

    Blessings Dear Sister

  • Deana O’Hara

    Praying Mary, for comfort, protection, healing and answers.

  • http://www.facebook.com/AliDentTX Ali Dent

    Dear Jesus, hold Mary and Julia close tonight and strengthen them with your grace, care and love. Please heal Julia. Amen.

  • http://profiles.google.com/martipieper Marti Pieper

    Prayers again and still. Wishing we could take your pain. Knowing He can.

  • leebirdmerrill

    Lord, You hear our prayers. You see the deep needs the DeMuth’s hold. You hold the power, the peace, and the provision. Please, Lord, may morning light bring healing new mercies. Give the whole family rest soaked in hope. May tomorrow be the day of breakthrough. For Your glory and their good I pray in faith, AMEN

  • http://twitter.com/RachelWojo Rachel Wojnarowski

    Praying, praying.

  • Alexandra Kuykendall

    So crying and praying with you. I know what it’s like to have a child in the hospital and the family split. I wish this weren’t so and I believe there has to be a connection to the power your new book is going to have on the world. We have an enemy that wants to destroy all that is good and right. Your words are going to encourage and the enemy feels threatened. I am praying against him. I am praying for Julia’s recovery and your family’s victory.

  • http://www.OurStoriesGodsGlory.blogspot.com/ Elise Daly Parker

    Yes dear Lord we do lift Mary up to you. We know that you are her healer, the lifter of her head, her help in time of need. You hear her cries. Oh Lord may she feel your presence as you carry her through to complete restoration. Lord you are the Victor. Please tonight let Julia and Mary know your very real presence. In Jesus’ strong and powerful name, Amen.

  • Tami Terreson

    Oh Mary – I am so praying for you and your sweet family. Tami Terreson

  • Julie Fidler

    My husband was in dire pain for 2 weeks with acute pancreatitis that nearly killed him in ’11. It was the first time I really understood the concept of the Holy Spirit praying on our behalf when the words just won’t come. One night I came home very late, exhausted, and said, “You know what I need, Holy Spirit. Speak for me.” And I had indescribable, inexplicable peace. I’m praying the same for you, sweet Mary.

  • http://youaremygirls.com/ Jennifer Camp

    Oh, Mary, this community stands in the gap for you, for your family, lifting you up. You are not alone. You are carried. He floods that room where Julia lies, where you sleep now. Oh, Father, Healer, Comforter, we wait on you to come.

  • http://www.WhimsySmitten.com/ Cara Sexton

    Words are failing me and I can’t make it sound eloquent enough, but these simple lips are whispering pleas to Jesus for you all, Mary.

  • Juanita

    Mary- I’ve beenn praying since before Haiti and now thru all of this with Julia. I totally knowhat you mean about letting go of the rope. A year into our freefall and we’ve just learned that all we have is all we need and that’s simply Jesus. So I whisper and I shout his name for you…….Jesus.

  • Julie

    Your words brought tears to my eyes. I too am at that letting go place at the very of my rope…Old and tired…and scared…I am feeling all of those things…It has been that kind of year. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

  • http://scribingthejourney.com/ Duane Scott

    Prayers again.

    I’m starting to have a hard time understanding this, but I am going to trust.

    Loving you… Get some sleep.

  • Gay Idle

    praying…remembering…tears…and praying more.

  • http://alwaysalleluia.com/ Kris Camealy

    Praying you’d all rest fully in his hands, Mary. Only clinging to the very hen of his robe, to the very whisper of truth that promises His presence in all the trembling fretful moments of this life. He is with you holding you close and working in ways unseen. Praying protection and strength for your family, sweet healing for Julia and the blessed assurance that He hears your hearts cry and will not fail you all. Let go of that rope. Just cling to Him! I know He holds you now. Love to you, Sweet friend.

  • http://www.facebook.com/shannon.mccolaughwaterman Shannon McColaugh Waterman

    Jesus is the one who is holding on to you ALL. He’s not going to let go. He’s not leaving you. He will not forsake you. He’s got you. When all is feeling lost, He’s got you. Praying, dear one.

  • Tia

    Praying….praying…praying….

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