Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’ve spent most of my career working with children from birth to age five. Many of these children have complex disabilities. These early years are a critical time in a child’s development, and for this specific group, it’s often the window in which parents first receive their child’s diagnosis.

At the start of my career, I was eager to make a difference and viewed my work much differently than I do now.

In my field, it’s standard to meet with families periodically to set new goals or check in on how things are going at home. These meetings give families a chance to share the challenges they’re facing with their child’s needs. As therapists, we gain insight into what daily life really looks like for each family.

At that time, I worked alongside a team of therapists since most of our children received services across all disciplines: speech, occupational, and physical therapy. When parents shared their struggles, our team offered support, usually in the form of strategies and suggestions to help address their child’s specific needs. It wasn’t unusual for parents to leave with a long list of ideas and information.

It seemed like a job well done. The therapists were informed, and the parents had new tools to try at home. As someone who had only been working for a few months, I truly believed the tips I gave were going to be life-changing.

But do you know what happened when we followed up a few months later?

Almost nothing.

Nearly every family had struggled to implement what we had recommended. In fact, many of them seemed even more overwhelmed than before.

As a brand-new therapist with no children of my own, this confused me deeply. These parents were clearly desperate for help and deeply loved their children, so why couldn’t they follow through?

Then one day, it finally clicked. It was the last meeting of the day during my second-quarter check-ins. I’d often seen tears or emotional moments in these meetings, but this one felt different. For the first time, I truly recognized that these people were parents first.

They were walking through a journey they never asked for.

They were grieving the ease that comes in the absence of a diagnosis.

They were watching their children struggle with things that shouldn’t be so hard.

They were scared.

They were unsure of the future.

And they often felt alone.

They didn’t need more suggestions.

They needed love and compassion.

Now, more than a decade into my work, one truth remains clear: families who feel seen, loved, and supported by their therapists as people first are the ones who become the most invested in the work. They are the ones who begin to feel capable of applying the tools and strategies we offer. They are the ones who move forward with hope.

In Proverbs 25:11-12, we’re reminded that words and wise correction are only effective when the timing is right. Connection and compassion are the foundation. They open the door for real change and life-giving moments.

As Christians, we often want to give the right answer. We’re quick to share our own experiences or quote a Bible verse. Maybe we even say, “God’s got this. Just pray about it.” While these responses aren’t necessarily wrong, they can cause us to overlook the real needs of the person right in front of us.

Proverbs 25:20 says, "Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda."

People are allowed to hurt.

They’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, angry, afraid, or unsure.

And in those moments, they don’t need solutions. They need connection. They need to know that someone truly sees them. They need someone to stop, be present, and maybe even speak prayers over their lives.

So, may we slow down.

May we listen closely.

And may we always lead with compassion.

Because more often than not, it’s not our answers but our presence that brings the healing people truly need.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.