Beautifully Broken- A Study For Special Needs ParentsSample

In the Image of God

What exactly does it mean to be made in God's image? Do we really  understand the special privilege humans have been bestowed? In all of the amazingly creative things God made, only people carry the image of Him. Only humans carry his imprint. That means no matter what disabilities children suffer, no matter how they arrived at their needs, no matter what they look like or what they can do, they have been chosen to carry the image of God just like everyone else.

There is much more to being an image of God than what the human body is designed to do. Bodily functions cannot possibly equate with worth. How do we know this to be true? First of all, God said so when He spoke to Moses and said He makes man deaf and blind because he created mouths and eyes Himself. We also know that an embryo doesn't contain the skill sets of a fully grown adult, it only contains the potential to have those abilities. It's the same with a new born baby; the baby only has the potential to become a skilled, functioning adult. The idea that the image of God is based entirely on skills or function means the embryo or the baby wouldn't quite make the cut because they only have the potential to bear God's image. That can't be right because we know a severely brain damaged adult or even a comatose person still bears the unique image of God. So we know that the embryo and the baby must carry that image as well. Humanity is made in God's image. This image can't be uniquely defined in what the human body can do because we know that not all skills or abilities are present at all times across all ages in all human beings and God Himself even creates people with disabilities. If that were the case, theoretically, we could lose our ability to bear God's image and that is found nowhere in the Bible.

After God filled the earth with all of his amazing creativity, he decided he wanted creatures in his image. People get stuck with "image" as an adjective but think of it also like a verb.  Humans were created to represent God on Earth. We are His  representatives. We know God wasn't alone when he created humans. He already had intelligent spiritual members of his family with Him. Yet God wanted something else. He wanted something more. He desired a human family that would take on His role in managing all of His beautiful creation and would be a representative of Him while doing so.

As representatives, humans have profound purpose. No matter ability or disability, embryo or aged, weak or strong, life has purpose because we are created in God's image. How we choose to live our life as a representative of God matters. We can choose whether we will be a blessing to others, to live our life for good. We may never see the impact we make as an image bearer because most of the time it comes in small and uneventful ways, like the holy calling of caring for your special needs child day in and day out. But trust me when I tell you this: you are seen and known and you are impacting others whether you know it or not.

God equips humans with abilities in order for us to share his image. Our bodies are designed by Him for a reason. We have only two hands, two ears, one mouth, etc. on purpose.  But our physical skills are not the only way we showcase the image of God. Some skills might be inactive or missing in our children. Some may never exhibit freedom, wisdom, or free will. Some may never get the chance (premature death) or have the ability to make a statement of faith. They are no less an image bearer than anyone else. So what does that mean? We can be assured that our worth in the Kingdom is not ever dependent on what we can offer God or others. Period. Our special needs children carry the same mark of God that all of us do. They are little missionaries in their own way; they help point people toward Jesus. We don't look at our children and immediately see the disabilities. We see a precious blessing. Their lives carry hope and purpose and the promise that God loves every single one of us. With their challenges they remind us that we are all broken and in need of saving. Each human being has intrinsic value, from conception to elderly, that goes beyond what the body is physically able to do.

Reflection:

Have you ever pictured your child as a missionary for God, sharing His goodness even though they have special needs?

What attributes does your special needs child have that can point people towards God?