Triumph Over Tears

by Yvonne Strachan

Every perceived failure I carried as a mother and teacher washed over me like a tidal wave. Collapsing onto my daughter’s bedroom floor, I buried my face in trembling hands. Moments before, I had kissed her goodnight. Her soft, innocent voice stirred memories of all that she had already endured: her fragile start in my womb, life-saving heart surgery as a newborn, and eye surgery at age four.

Now, as I tried to help her through her struggles with processing, math, and fine motor skills, I felt the weight of my inadequacy. I was not trained for this, but the thought of enrolling her in a special program at a school was unbearable.

Was I enough? Could I continue to teach my little girl?

1. A Conviction of Purpose: Trust God’s Plan

That night, I realized that my fear was not truly about failing; instead, it was the weight of what might happen if I placed my daughter in an environment where she might feel labeled or devalued. I recalled Psalm 139:14: “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.”

I realized that homeschooling was not about my own abilities but my obedience to God’s Holy invitation to walk in faith and pour His love into my children’s hearts.

This realization became the foundation of our homeschool journey, leading us to choose educational materials interwoven with biblical truths that would reassure our children of their incalculable value.

2. A Conviction of Perseverance: Overcome Fear of Inadequacy

Fear of inadequacy or making mistakes is a constant companion for homeschool parents, yet God does not call us to a task because we are well-qualified; He equips us with all we need to do His will (Hebrews 13:21).

Like Moses, I doubted my ability, but God made ample provision for us through supportive friends, therapists, and a community of homeschoolers who humbly shared their own struggles and solutions.

My husband and I poured our love, time, and energy into helping our daughter with her every need while preparing her for the future God planned for her. We adjusted her education plan to prioritize growth over societal expectations, even if it meant that she would graduate at age 21 instead of age 18. When God revealed our daughter’s love for reading and writing, we began to direct her toward that passion every time we saw her pacing and wondering what to do next. Instead of dwelling on her limitations, we embraced her gifts and made them a focal point of her learning.

3. A Conviction of Impact: Shape Lives for Eternity

Stand firm in the conviction that you are exactly what your child needs, and that his or her needs are not the same as your other children, your friends’ children, or your neighbors’ children. Each child is uniquely and perfectly made for a purpose no other person can fulfill.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).

Homeschooling allowed us time to walk alongside our daughter, hold her hand through struggles, and celebrate her unique God-designed talents. As our daughter grew, we saw the fruit of our journey in ways that brought us to tears. By age 19, our daughter wrote her first novel and is now using her God-given gifts to glorify Him. She edits my books and articles and continues to write new works, including a Christian play she wants to present to our church for a potential ministry in drama. Her achievements are not just milestones, but testimonies of a life that has been grounded in faith, nurtured by love, and shaped by biblical truth.

Your Most Important Calling

If you are doubting your ability to homeschool, remember this: God has chosen you – not because you are perfect, but because you are willing. Your love, presence, and prayers are enough because “His grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV).

There will be seasons of joy as your children discover passions, master skills, and grow in their love for Jesus. Yet there will also be seasons when the burden feels heavy, and you are tending to wounds unseen, doubts unspoken, or faith that flickers faintly in your children’s hearts. In those moments, remember that you are not alone. God sees your tears, hears your prayers, and equips you with the strength to endure. Trust in His promises and lean on His unchanging Word, for your labor is not in vain.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31 ESV). 

Homeschooling is not about qualifications or comparing achievements. It is about helping your children view the world through Scripture, be confident in their identity in Christ, and utilize their knowledge, gifts, and compassion to make a godly impact in the lives of others.

The seeds you sow today, watered with faith and love, will bring forth a harvest for the Lord’s glory in due time.

Your homeschooling friend,

Yvonne Strachan

P.S. How has God’s conviction shaped your homeschooling journey and strengthened your purpose? We would love to hear how you have found clarity and direction through His guidance – share your testimony in the comments below!

About the Author: Yvonne Strachan

Refined alongside her husband, Jim, while homeschooling their five children — including their child with special needs — and navigating chronic illness, Yvonne has embraced opportunities to support and encourage others. She spent a decade running a homeschool art co-op, taught art at a Christian school, and served for seven years as a professional homeschool consultant. Yvonne’s love for the homeschooling community led her to author Inspirational Homeschooling, write for homeschool magazines, host a radio show, and speak at homeschool groups, churches, and conventions. She co-founded a homeschool group and serves with the youth ministry at her church. She works in the CHEC marketing department and can be reached at Yvonne@CHEC.org.