Rays of Hope for Special Needs MomsNäide

Our children are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” I say that phrase often in reference to this verse in Psalms. And if we truly believe what the Bible says is true, then we have to believe that God made each one of us individually, distinctively, and wonderfully. That includes our children with disabilities.

I have two daughters on the autism spectrum. They are both extremely different and completely opposite. My oldest daughter is nonverbal, uses an AAC device to communicate, and struggles greatly in many areas. My youngest is verbal but struggles in social settings, with masking, and a variety of other struggles that some may not even notice. They are both beautifully, fearfully, and wonderfully made by our Creator.

I refuse to believe that God doesn’t have a plan for our children with disabilities. The plans He has for them may not be what we originally imagined, dreamed, or hoped for. But what if they’re better? God is an expert on using people the world deems “unworthy.” In fact, it’s his specialty.

I believe that Opal, Lucy, and all people were created by the Lord, fully and completely, despite their struggles and in spite of them. Do I believe that God purposely gives people disabilities? No. I know we live in an imperfect world, one that isn’t our home. But I believe God has a plan and a purpose for their lives. For all people with disabilities.

Prayer

Take this time to thank God for your children and how He made them to be exactly who they are. Thank Him for their smile, their strengths, and even their weaknesses. Let this time of thanks change the trajectory of the rest of your day and the attitude of your heart.