Michael P. Farris, Esq.
Chairman &
General Counsel

How to handle an unexpected illness

Volume 57, Program 18 Airdate: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Originally Aired: March 25, 1998

Educating your children at home is a challenge in itself. What happens if an additional burden, like a serious illness, is added to your family? Today on Home School Heartbeat, Chairman and General Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association Michael Farris has some heartening words for homeschooling families facing hard times.

Michael Farris:
A dear friend in our own church was recently diagnosed with cancer. While she has a very good chance of recovery—especially with a miracle-working God—she may be facing several months of absence from home for medical treatments. What does this family in this situation do, especially with several young children in homeschool?


If you're facing a situation like this, make your needs known: first to God and then to your community of believers. I've known many families who were afraid to admit their needs or to burden others. God has commanded believers to bear one another's burdens, and we need to take that command very seriously!


If you have a homeschool community, there's probably someone who can step in as a substitute teacher. There may be a family with children of similar ages who can add your children to their homeschool program. Or there may be a homeschool graduate between high school and college who can assist with teaching and child care.


Most importantly, remember the eternal perspective of your situation. Romans 8:18 tells us, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (NIV). You may see the dark at present, but God has planned a glorious future. I'm Michael Farris.

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