that's what they said... links helpful to disability ministry {7-3-12}

Just a few gems I wanted to share before I leave for Taiwan later today...

Ooooh, You Said Sin by my dear friend and writing colleague Jennifer Bleakley

Once our children are aware of their sin they will begin to better understand the sacrifice Jesus made on their behalf. They will begin to recognize their need for a Savior. If our children are taught that they are basically good little people who occasionally make a bad choice, they may never come to see and appreciate their desperate need for the Savior.

Pleading With God in Prayer by Tim Challies

Take heart and to see that the Lord is accomplishing something through your prayers, something greater than if he were to give you what you desire apart from fervent, tear-filled prayers. He is creating within you a greater dependence on him, he is establishing greater communion with you, he is preparing you for the final answer to that prayer, and he is giving you the privilege of cooperating with him in this world. That he is forcing you to wrestle with him in prayer flows out of his goodness, not out of ambivalence or miserliness.

Dear Parents in Our Son's Class by Patrick's parents

You will not be told anything about our son by school staff. Federal law (HIPPA) prevents school personnel from divulging any diagnoses of any children that have been placed in your child’s classroom. So, because we realize you may hear your child speak about our son, or you might notice his differences yourself, in the spirit of inclusion and understanding, we want to tell you a little bit about him and his diagnosis of autism.

what I want you to know: being a Christian isn't a free pass to judge other by Mallory via Rage Against the Minivan

I want people to know that Christians aren't always nice. I, along with my family, was ostracized from my church at the age of 14 because kids in my youth group and the adults that led the group began spreading rumors about me, such as that I was faking my seizure disorder for attention. The fact that kids were cruel was expected; after all, I was in high school, but adults hurting me was something unknown.

Don't Lose the Quiet Ones by Jennelle on Lead Small

Checking into church is painfully awkward for him. When the greeter tries to give him a high-five or tease him by sticking his name tag to his forehead, I can visibly see him fighting his primal urge to run and hide in a bathroom stall or curl up in the back seat of our family van and hide.

a spark of bravery by Lisa Leonard

I remember a sunny Saturday when David was a baby. Steve and I {although we had no money} decided to splurge and go to Baja Fresh for lunch. I gathered diapers and food for David’s diaper bag while Steve strapped him into his car seat and off we went. When we arrived, Steve went up to order while I found a highchair for David and grabbed a table for us. While I was getting organized, I saw two boys, about 8 and 10 years old laughing and pointing to David. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I could tell they had noticed his small hand with only two fingers and they were making fun of him.

Seeing is believing by my dear friend Susan, the Carpool Queen

Where the world sees he can’t, I see He can. Where the world sees disability, I see His great ability to radiate grace and love and compassion and mercy and strength through the countenance of His children.

A New York Times columnist takes a look at our eugenic past and future by my friend John Knight

Finally, we have nothing to fear from the science behind those [genetic] tests [to diagnose disabilities in the womb], because they can also be used for a great deal of good. But in this culture until everyone understands the inherent dignity and value of unborn babies, those tests will be used to find and destroy children who would otherwise be born.

10 Ways to Reach Out to People with Disabilities in Your Community by Joni & Friends

People with disability often face a higher risk of being excluded in their churches and community, but you can make a difference! Here are 10 easy ways for you to start reaching out to people affected by disability in your community