Thursday - Sustaining Hope

Dec 4, 2025

WEEK ONE - HOPE

Written by Nettie Hatcher, BREATHE

Sustaining Hope

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Romans 15:12–13

…in him will the Gentiles hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…

Advent is the season of waiting, but for families with special needs, navigating disabilities every day, waiting is not new. We wait for therapies to work, systems to change, hearts to understand. We wait for inclusion, for rest, for someone to say, “You belong.”

Advent reminds us that hope isn’t passive—it’s a promise. Living with disabilities means navigating systems that weren’t built for us, waiting for accommodations, therapies, and understanding. Yet Romans 15 speaks directly to the outsider, the overlooked, the ones who wonder if they are part of the story.

We are.

Jesus came not just for the expected, but for the excluded. The Gentiles hoped in Him, and so do we. Our children, with their unique needs and beautiful differences, are not afterthoughts in God’s plan. They are image-bearers, beloved, and central to the unfolding story of redemption.

This season, we light the candle of hope not because everything is fixed, but because God is faithful. We trust Him not because the path is smooth, but because His presence is steady. And in that trust, joy and peace abound—not just trickle

in, but overflow!

Abounding hope means we don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to rejoice. We can celebrate the small wins, the quiet moments, the sacred dignity of our children. We can rest in the truth that God’s promises include us—fully, joyfully, and eternally.

PRAYER:

God of hope, thank You for including our family in Your story. Fill us with joy and peace as we trust You this Advent. Help us see Your presence in the waiting, Your love in the struggle, and Your hope overflowing in our lives. Amen

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The Breathe Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of ability, is created in the image of God. We advocate for individuals with disabilities, serving as their voices in systems that often overlook them, and equipping families to navigate those systems with confidence and hope.

We offer hands-on training for parents and caregivers, helping them access resources, and become empowered advocates for their children. We also host support groups for mothers of children with special needs- safe, faith-filled spaces where women can share, pray, and grow together in strength and solidarity.

Through community events, workshops, and respite gatherings, we create opportunities for joy, dignity, and connection. Through thoughtfully designed events, we ensure that individuals with special needs are not just present—but celebrated.

At Breathe, inclusion isn’t optional. It’s the heartbeat of everything we do.