Every child’s learning journey is unique—and faith-filled encouragement and targeted support can make a lasting difference.
Faith and hard work netting success
For several years, I worked at the school connected to my church. It was a genuine privilege. One particular year stands out to me even now—because of the students, the challenges they faced, and the lessons I witnessed firsthand.
That year, eleven fourth-grade students required learning support. That is an unusually large number of students with learning disabilities in a single grade. Each child brought a different set of needs.
- One student struggled primarily with autism spectrum challenges that created barriers to learning to read.
- Another had a significant visual–perceptual disability, far beyond what people usually mean when they casually refer to “dyslexia.”
- A third student had a very mild learning disability but an enormous motivational hurdle. He was watching his non-custodial father live on welfare and choose chronic inactivity, and he quietly concluded that effort was optional. Despite my best attempts, I was never able to help him academically—his motivation barrier was simply too great.
Most of this group were boys. But there was one girl, and she deserves her own story. I will call her Tina.
Tina: Diligence, Faith, and Quiet Courage
Tina was strikingly beautiful, but far more importantly, her character shone. I doubt her parents will ever read this, but it would bless them to know what a remarkable reflection of their parenting she was.
Tina:
- Completed her homework diligently
- Paid close attention in class
- Volunteered enthusiastically for worship leadership
- Attempted challenging reading for fun
- Was well-liked by the other girls because of her kindness and inclusive spirit
She was a joy.
And yet, she struggled deeply with reading. Tina didn’t like being the only girl in my reading support group and privately told me she wished she didn’t have to come. Still, she came every single time she was called—focused, willing, and giving every activity what she called “the college try.”
More than once, Tina told me quietly that she wished Jesus would just heal her so she could move forward without this “trip point.” We prayed together. She faithfully followed every recommended therapy. She made impressive progress—but her dyslexia still frustrated her.
A Night of Worship—and an Unexpected Turning Point
One evening, our church hosted a special worship service. A visiting worship team had traveled a long distance to join us, and to our students, they were celebrities.
During one song, my normally timid Tina ran to the front of the sanctuary, jumping and singing with unrestrained joy just below the stage. The lead singer noticed her, came down, and brought her up onto the stage. From that moment on, Tina was part of the worship team. Soon, other children joined her, and the stage was full of joyful young voices.
As I watched Tina worship, I silently prayed, “God, please heal her as she sings.” I believe she was praying the same prayer. Scripture tells us that prayer in agreement is powerful.
“I Think God Healed Me”
The very next day at school, Tina participated in our support group and did well. Then she asked if she could stay behind to speak with me privately.
She said, “I think God healed me. Will you test my reading?”
With her teacher’s permission, we scheduled formal testing.
Tina was right.
She no longer qualified for services. Her reading skills had jumped more than a full year—placing her squarely at grade level. There was no educational explanation for such a leap in such a short time. I monitored her progress carefully to rule out a placebo effect. By year’s end, standardized testing confirmed she was reading above grade level.
Tina finished fourth grade without further support. God had answered her prayer.
Brody: Faith Expressed Through Perseverance
Tina was open with the group about her healing. One very bright boy—whom I’ll call Brody—asked me if it was true. I told him it was.
He asked, “Do you think God might heal me too?”
I told him that God certainly could, though He doesn’t always work the same way twice. I encouraged Brody to pray and to listen for guidance.
Brody went home and did exactly that.
With his parents, he developed a structured, increasingly challenging reading plan. He read:
- At home
- At school
- In support sessions
- In class
- After school
He worked relentlessly. Slowly, reading became easier. Eventually, he asked to speak with me privately and told me he didn’t think he needed support anymore.
Testing confirmed it: Brody was reading above grade level.
Whether one calls it healing through perseverance or grace empowered by faith, Brody—and I—believe God restored his visual–perceptual skills. He went on to graduate at the top of his class academically and in character awards.
I am immensely proud of him. He did the work. He had the faith. God did the miracle. I simply coached, observed, and believed alongside him.
How I Can Help Your Family
I love witnessing stories like these. I also understand that every child’s journey is different—and that parents often need clarity, encouragement, and practical strategy along the way.
If your child is struggling with:
- Dyslexia or reading delays
- Visual or perceptual challenges
- Motivation or confidence issues
- Learning differences that don’t fit neatly into a diagnosis
I would be honored to come alongside your family.
I offer individualized consultation, assessment guidance, and practical learning strategies grounded in decades of experience, compassion, and deep respect for each child’s God-given design.
If you are ready for support—or simply want to talk through your child’s situation—I invite you to reach out. I would love to cheer you on as you walk this journey with your child.
Reach me at homeschoolspecialed.pm@gmail.com
Or call or text me at: 971-515-9760.
