As a small child, I learned the song “Jesus loves the little children” and I learned that GOD loves each of us regardless of our color, our imperfections, our ethnic background and even our disabilities. Sometimes when I hear someone refer to someone as special needs. I smile…because I know that God thinks each and every one of us is SPECIAL and each and every one of us is a child of GOD.

During my childhood, I have several SPECIAL childhood friends; I remember growing up there was a young man down the street from us who was mentally challenged. He was kind and caring, a lot older than I was but he loved to play games with us. I remember him playing “MOTHER MAY I” or RED ROVER” on the front step of our home on Emporia.  He had as much fun as we did and we were young children and he was in his 20’s. As a child, I never thought of him as different or disabled, and I really never thought of him as special; he was just my friend down the street.

Years later when my husband and I had our first child, I thanked GOD for this beautiful and health little girl, not really giving any thought to what if she had been born with a disability. I tried to instill in her, through the years, the same values I had been taught. To treat others with love, respect and kindness, to live our lives as GOD would want us to live them , to walk in faith, and to remember to thank God for our blessings.  I think I did a pretty good job to instill those values. My daughter loved everyone. She loved helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. She had many children, some of them friends,  throughout her child hood that we might call special needs today.  I remember when she came home and with tears of pride when a young girl she had been helping learn to walk took her first steps. This little girl was almost 3 years old.  You would have thought she was the mom; she was so proud of this young girl’s accomplishment. 

Surprisingly I never, one time, heard her refer to those students as handicapped or disabled, and I never referred to those I encountered as anything other than my friend, or by their name.  She referred to them as challenged and when she spoke of their accomplishments it was always….their ability to overcome the challenge. So it should be no surprise that my grandson now 10…is always overcoming challenges, because his mother encourages and uplifts him.  During all these times, I was thanking GOD for giving us the blessing of caring, patience, and empathy.

Everyone of us has challenges (ie: disabilities)  but some of us encounter challenges that are in the hands of GOD.  It may be a physical challenge, a mental challenge, a child who has these challenges or a friend…but NO ONE walks through life without challenges. It is in the face of those challenges that we remember Mark 10:27 says “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with GOD.” 

 At a some point in our lives we may become very complacent in our walk with GOD. I know there was a point in my life where I did. GOD knew that I was adrift. Really the entire 3 months prior to my grandson’s birth my world was filled with fear, doubt, and struggles. I wasn’t trusting in GOD at that time. My faith was on very shaky ground. I was feeling so out of control. I had forgotten that I am NEVER in control….control belongs to GOD every day in every way. Challenges in life help us grow; especially grow closer to GOD.

Born with numerous physical challenges, our grandson was fighting for his life. I remember the doctor telling us that he would not live. Amazingly, God had a different plan. God knew the challenges ahead;  God was in control and he had a plan for that little guy. As clearly as if it was right now, I remember the day I turned back to GOD, the day I said I NEED YOU GOD and how instantly GOD recharged my body, mind and soul. GOD surrounded me with his presence and it was almost as if he was saying I’ve got this, trust me. God is always with us. God love each of us just the way we are.   No matter whom we are or where we are in our life. God is in control. HE HAS IT. He knows his plans for you as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. He knew exactly what he was doing when he made each of us an individual…no two the same. God wants our love to be unfailing and unconditional toward each other, because that is how he loves us, his children.  We are all different because only through those differences, can we learn patience, empathy, understanding and love. Love like GOD…unconditional and unfailing.

Almighty God,      Thank you…Thank you for your unfailing and unconditional love. We know that you see our actions, know our hearts, and desires. We ask that you help us; help us to be caring, to show empathy to others, to love as you love us. Lord, through your strength let the challenged be uplifted and encouraged. Surround each of us with your love and protection regardless of our difference, for we are all GOD’s children. Lord, we place our trust in you. We walk in faith, knowing that you are in control. You know the plans you have for us, plan for us to prosper and not be harmed, and plan to give us hope and a future. AMEN.