If we knew the real stories behind the misbehaviors of our students, nine times out of ten, instead of being angry, we’d be heartbroken. (Quote by Annette Breaux, author of Seven Simple Secrets. Cited in Boundless Hope for every child by Kim Botto- p.143)

I have been burdened by the church’s outreach to parents of and children who are special needs. By special needs I am referring to the whole gamut of children/adults-those classified as neurodivergent (anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, hearing impaired, PTSD), those labeled disabled. As I read a book by Kim Botto entitled Boundless Hope for every child I came across many good quotes and ideas-ideas that opened my eyes wide open. When we often come in contact with someone who is neuro we back away. But one of the things Kim says in her book is  

“Being neurodivergent is different, not bad or wrong.”

Or to put it differently: “Different, not less.” (Dr. Temple Grandin- Quoted on p. 50) I was always taught (thank you mom) that everyone is special. Make fun of no one just because they seem different than you.  I was never allowed to call someone, “Retarded” or to even use that word to refer to an idea. I was asking for a sharp lecture if I ever got caught. This was back in the 50s and 60s, long before people understood diversity in mental or physical development in children or adults. We didn’t know what Down’s Syndrome was. I had an older brother who died one day after he was born from an “open spine” is what they called it. It is diagnosed and called Spina Bifida today. Garry William was  born and died in 1951.  (I’m sorry. That is a little off track. “Focus Bill.” 🙂 )

So…why has this caught my interest. Two reasons. One is a quote that sums it up best for me

There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in. (Desmond Tutu- Quoted on p. 22)

Second, the church simply cannot stand by (the one I pastor included) and turn a blind eye, or at least turn the head, to children and adults AND caregivers who find themselves pigeonholed into this category. They can’t help it! Through birth, or maybe an accident, or maybe a sudden sickness lives are changed. Forever. We often talk about the church (Big “C” church) reaching all people and yet a significant part of the population is left behind. I know of a family who has 3 biological children and 7 adopted or foster children, many of them special needs. Can we leave them or the parents behind? Not on my watch. 

Go back to that first quote and think about your attitude and role toward special needs children. How about their parents? Don’t you think it is time we ALL took an interest in the lives of these precious people? Now…of course…the next step is, “What will I do about it?” And you say??