The Value Of Special Children

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Christopher Reeves

Brody born 3 months early weighing 2 lbs. 4oz.

I have always had a passion for children with special needs.  I think there is great strength found in disabilities.  I guess it was no surprise God chose us to be parents of a child with special needs.   He knew Brody would be loved just the way he is.  There have been days where it was so hard to take care of Brody, and God would gently remind me that He created Brody with a purpose.  I pray someone finds this blog today who needs encouragement in this area.  

Physical and mental disabilities are forever a part of this fallen world.  Most families have been affected by disabilities in one way or another.  We can have a child with special needs,  a relative with a handicap,  maybe the option of adopting a child with a disability is available, or there could be another kid in your child's class who is just different.   At some point, we will all be faced with the decision of how we will value special children.  There is an opportunity to turn to the Lord in a fresh way, realizing that though God allowed the special needs to occur, He would in some way work it to the good of all involved (Romans 8:28).

So here is a little encouragement of some lessons we can learn through a child with a disability.  

*Gratitude- being thankful for any small gain made 
     Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Eph. 5:20
*Patience- waiting to see God's final work
     And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thess. 5:14
*Faith- learning to depend absolutely upon God and His Word whatever the circumstances
     But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9

*Kindness toward others- accepting them and responding to them in lovingkindness

     Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Heb. 12:2

Loving those with special needs teaches us lessons that could never be learned in any other way.  God also blesses us in the process for in Matthew 25:40 it says, "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."  One of the most important things I've learned is through weakness found in disabilities, the Lord's strength is made perfect.  Hebrews 11:34 says "quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight."  Those who lovingly serve children with special needs are made strong in the love of God.  Learning to love those who are different will cause us Christians to be drawn close to our Savior who Himself set THE EXAMPLE for us. 

I've watched a family give up their child in NICU one time because they did not want a child who would not be normal.  My heart broke at the blessing they gave up.  Their special needs child had great value.  It would have been difficult to raise the baby, but they would have received so much more in life had they decided to take that journey.  God gives the strength to those who ask Him for it!  So if this is an area where you find yourself struggling, then pray and seek God to help you find find HIS VALUE of special children.