John 14:16 (NRSV) “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.”
Since having K, I’ve discovered that I have to learn how to assertively advocate for my son. In the hospital, I had to make choices concerning supplementing him with formula. With family, I’ve had to advocate for continuing to breastfeed. Regarding my personal health, I’ve had to advocate for medication that is safe for me to take while breastfeeding. As I think back, it started during the pregnancy. I had to find the right OB/GYN, which I did by the way! And I had to take certain specialists’ advice with a grain of salt and ultimately make the right decision for me and my son. I am learning how to be an advocate.
In learning how to advocate for my personal health and for my son, I’ve discovered that I have to be just as informed as the specialists. I have to do my research. I have to pay attention to all of the details and I have to closely watch my son. I have to learn him. I have to learn the way he communicates, behaves, learns, etc. I have to stay on the “cutting edge.” I remember my husband telling me how his mother had to aggressively advocate for him in school because he retained knowledge differently. He is an auditory learner and the teaching methods at the time did not work for him. Knowing this helps prepare me to advocate for K when he goes to the doctor or the babysitter and ultimately, when he goes to school. I have to be his number 1 advocate.
Reflecting on all of this has made me think about how the Holy Spirit advocates for us. John 14:26 (NRSV) says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” It amazes me to think that the Holy Spirit testifies to us about Jesus and brings his loving kindness to our remembrance with a greater passion than I have for my son. The Holy Spirit comforts us and teaches us those things about God that will enable us to keep pressing towards the mark. I’m so excited that we have an Advocate. It speaks to the love that God has for us. He didn’t leave us without one, but sent His Spirit to lead us in all truth.