By Shannon Earl

When my oldest son was about 2 years old he began having regular, weekly fevers, with no obvious cause. I took him to our pediatrician to find some answers. The doctor, after zero testing and only a brief exam, told me that my son had Unexplained Fever Syndrome and there was nothing to be done about it. Ummm, Unexplained Fever Syndrome??? I’m pretty sure I laughed out loud and said, “Dude, are you kidding me?”

As you might guess, I left that appointment feeling deflated and a bit hopeless. My son was suffering. And the doctor was decidedly less than helpful. What a disappointment.

Is Unexplained Fever Syndrome a real thing? Probably. At least to someone. To be honest, I was so annoyed that I never really even looked into it past a cursory internet search. But what that appointment did was prompt me to look further for answers to my son’s health issues. “Unexplained”, my foot. If there was an explanation I was going to find it, by golly. I had always been interested in natural health and medicine and had studied various modalities, but now I had a small child who needed my support in a very important, real, and intentional way.

And so I began to study. I studied. And then I studied some more. And I’m still studying.

Over the years I have read countless books and articles, listened to countless podcasts, watched countless documentaries and interviews, and discussed countless topics with countless people, all on natural heath, wellness and healing. Am I an expert now? Hardly. Far from it. But I still do it. Why? Because I love my kids. And my husband. And my family and friends. And I want them all to be well. REALLY well. I have researched and studied essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, developmental delays, nutrition, allergies, electromagnetic fields, skin care, sunlight, exercise, parenting, brain training, education, and too many therapies to count. You name it, there’s a good chance I’ve read, at the very least, something trivial about it.

I have spent my time, my money and my energy to support my people. It’s just who I am. A mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend. A girl who will fight through all the challenges so that I can love, encourage and provide the best support possible for my guys.

Maybe you’re a mom like me – with bright, amazing kids who pick their noses, fight about THE most ridiculous things, and think that singing loudly for all to hear (IN THE LIBRARY) is the best thing ever. Or maybe you’re an overly generous grandparent who’s favorite phrase is “Sure, baby, whatever you want”. Maybe you’ve won the “Auntie of the Year” award for three years running. Maybe your “kids” actually belong to the neighbors two doors down and you chat with them, laugh at their silly stories, and buy their lemonade. Or maybe the only kids you get to see are the ones grinning (or scowling, ha) at you from the cart in front of you in line at the grocery store.

No matter where you find them, the fact is, we all have kids we can support no matter where the Lord has placed us. In today’s increasingly fast-paced, stressful and fallen world isn’t that an amazing opportunity? Supporting our kids can come in all shapes and sizes. It can be physical — hugs and snuggles, a favorite meal, or summertime sprinkler days. It can be mental or emotional — playing uplifting music, reading books aloud, being present, or just listening. Or it can be spiritual — praying with and for your kids, studying the Bible together, or simply talking or singing about God and his goodness.

I love what the apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”. I mean, isn’t this the very essence of supporting others?? Encourage. Build each other up. Whether it’s spiritual, mental, emotional or physical – supporting each other, building each other up is what we are called to do.

So let’s do it. Go find a kid, a friend, a stranger in need today and speak the love of Jesus into their life. Build them up. Encourage them. Be the light of Jesus that they need right now, in this moment.

It has been nearly 8 years since that day at the doctor’s office. While the struggle has been real, I can honestly say that the path that God led me to take with our son’s health and wellbeing was the best decision for him, for me, and for our family. It not only has helped him to heal in ways I never expected, but this ongoing journey has taught me what it means to really support someone where they are and how they need it the most.

And to God be all the glory.

May He bless you and keep you always,

Shannon

Shannon resides in the beautiful state of Colorado, with her husband and two sons. She serves as our resident graphic design artist for all of our products and publications and is the primary recipe developer for our home remedies. If you would like to connect with Shannon you can reach out to her at Shannon@sorelledesigns.com 

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.