Special Children
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalm 127:3
When I was in a public speaking class in college, a fellow classmate did a speech on abortion. During this speech, he said, "I want you to close your eyes and imagine that you have a pregnant friend. This friend has been told by doctors that because her husband is disabled, there is a high probability their child will be disabled and possibly end up confined to a wheelchair. How many of you would suggest to your friend that she get an abortion? To those who suggested she get an abortion, you just killed your classmate Jason Mitchener."
People often ask expecting parents if they want a boy or a girl. An answer commonly heard is, "I don't care, as long as the baby is healthy." But what if the baby isn't healthy? What if little Amber is physically disabled or little Joshua is mentally disabled? Are these children any less a blessing from God? Many people would think so. Disabled babies are often given up for adoption and many of these babies never get adopted because people are looking for the perfect child.
None of us are perfect. We each have flaws or disabilities that set us apart from others. And yet God loves each of us despite our imperfections. He looks past our weaknesses and sees special children needing His love.
All around us, people have never felt the love that all of us so desperately need. They may be children with obvious disabilities or adults with hidden wounds. They are hurting and yearning for a smile, a hug, someone to talk to. Will you love those God loves?
(Note: This devotional was inspired by a subscriber to this devotional who has raised twenty-six children, most of which she adopted. Many of her children have had severe disabilities, including ten with profound retardation. You can visit her web site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/caressa/index.html )
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