I won’t go into the details of why I haven’t been writing on the blog lately. The details are long, boring, and immersed in self-pity. But know this… I am back! As long as God gives me breath, I will share His faithfulness for His glory.

Remember…

Can a woman forget her nursing child

And have no compassion on the son of her womb?

Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.

Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;

Your walls are continually before Me (Isaiah 49:15-16).

This past week my son and I had an amazing, lifelong remembering, God-ordained, opportunity to attend a weeklong camp for children and adults with disabilities and their caretakers. I know it was God-ordained. Even though God provided a financial way for us to go, I almost didn’t go. Then, after the first day, I almost left. Satan tried his best to impede me from participating. He knew that my soul would be refreshed, that I would make many new godly friends who understand disabilities, and that God would encourage me to continue writing.

This was our first-ever experience at camp. Camps that we had applied to over the past four years had declined our applications because my son is older and needed one-on-one care.

People with disabilities, severe or not, long for acceptance. Sadly, not everyone accepts others unconditionally. That is why a couple started this camp. They had no experience with disability until the wife became disabled because of a medical issue. Then they learned the meaning of conditional acceptance.

At camp, while volunteers did activities with the disabled children and adults, the caretakers experienced times of worship, teachings, being loved on, and being pampered. The leaders and volunteers were the perfect examples of Jesus… they were servants to all who came tired and weary, and yes, a little hopeless.

Parents and caretakers of those with disabilities are constantly in battles. We fight for benefits, therapy services, devoted teachers with a passion, and quality medical care. The paperwork trail is endless. There are questionnaires, authorizations, interviews, and then the long waiting process for services to be given… always… the long waiting process. Then, after all of that, we still fight to get what our loved one needs because we know them better than anyone else.

As I meditated on the past week at camp the day before we left, it overwhelmed me with tears of what my son and I had experienced! There was an invisible shelter – bubble – covering – shroud over us. Nothing negative happened and everyone accepted everyone. There were smiles and encouragement and prayers for one another. I felt perfect peace and never once worried about anything happening outside of that cord of love that bonded us all together.

The first night when my son, overstimulated, acted out extremely aggressively… I wanted to coil up in embarrassment of what others would think, and discouragement and disappointment believing my son could not cope with this type of adventure. I wanted to escape to my room and then sneak out of the campground before anyone noticed. But God wouldn’t accept that escape. Instead, he sent those same loving servants to our room to support us, encourage us, and pray for us. Absolutely no condemnation! Throughout the week, others encouraged me that what had happened is common to everyone there in some form. It was okay.

As I drove away from the camp for the long journey home, that cord permanently attached as I cultivate the friendships, I knew I would be back in the present world, where I would continue to battle for my son’s services which he deserves, that I would walk into stores where people look at me strangely, and what has happened many times before, someone would ask,

Can’t you quiet him down any?!

Oh, trust me, we parents know the thoughts behind those looks.

But I remember… I don’t make eye contact with the ones whose faces look disfigured with disdain for my child. I remember to look for the angels.

• A cashier in a former state that always greeted my son when we entered the store. And if she missed seeing him, she would tell him at the register that she had heard him and was so glad that he came to see her.
• The customer that laughed when my son took the chips out of her grocery cart and shared how sad her son would be if she didn’t bring any home.
• The people who smile at my son and talk to him, knowing he cannot respond.
• The people who correct me when I’m trying to quiet my son stating they love his voice and his laughter.

There are many angels out there… keep looking for them.

I wonder… when you see someone with a disability, do you think about what happened?

Was a child born with a disability? Was there something genetic?

Did the child or adult become disabled because of a medical condition or accident?

Was the person abused or malnourished at birth?

Is it someone who went to another part of the world to fight for our freedom and came back with a missing limb? Or a mental struggle because of the atrocities they experienced?

We should never look down upon someone because they are differently abled.

The quizzical looks are exaggerated by many when some people find out that you adopted a child with a disability. Some adopt these precious children because they are professionals and know how to help the children that others may not be able to help. Some, like myself, adopt children with disabilities because no one wants them, and we know the amazing gift they will be to us from God. With our care these children will be able to use the gifts that God has given them.

The next time you meet a child with a disability, give them a smile and encourage them with your love. By doing that, you will empower the child and nourish the parent.

A couple visited a church. A disabled child was making noise. The pastor asked the child to leave. The couple left and never walked into a church again.

When I went to my sister’s funeral, my son was sitting beside me up front for the service. As the pastor spoke, my son became agitated, so I quietly helped him up to leave the room. The pastor stopped me, asked my son’s name, and told us to stay. He then spoke to everyone, “I am so happy that Josh is here with us today. If he wants to make noise, I will stop until he stops, then I will start again.” My son became amazingly quiet as tears streamed down my face.

See the difference? Remember… and do the same.

“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” – Robert M. Hensel

I will never forget the faithfulness of God in providing a way for me to take my son to camp. Or God’s hand on my son during that week, giving him peace and joy. I will never forget the founders of that camp, even through their own pain, bring joy to thousands of others. I will never forget the gracious, loving leaders and volunteers who sacrificed their time and resources to provide a sanctuary for children and adults with great needs, and the weary caretakers. I will always remember this faithful blessing from God

P.S. Wednesday’s Ripples will also return beginning July 27th.