Value In All

I read the sweetest article yesterday. It was about an organization called Dream on 3 who made the dream of a young girl living with down syndrome a reality. Her dream was to meet the Alabama gymnastics team, and this organization made it possible. Then, taking a look at their website, I found numerous stories of people living with disabilities having their dreams come true by meeting famous sports players, being able to play with their favorite sports teams, traveling to different parts of the country. What a lovely and generous gift this organization is giving to people who could never be able to do these things on their own. It reminds me of the story of King David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9. After King David took his throne and was ruling Israel, he inquired if there were any family members left in the former King Saul’s family line. He discovered there was a grandson named Mephibosheth (son of his late best friend Jonathan), who was lame in his legs due to an accident he suffered when he was a child. King David sent for him, and because of David’s love for Mephibosheth’s late father, Jonathan, he proclaimed a blessing over him. “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 2 Samuel 9:7

This is a beautiful picture of how God demonstrates His kindness to those living with disabilities. Mephibosheth was given all his grandfather’s land and was invited to eat at the King’s table the rest of his life. The generosity of the King was fueled by the love for Mephibosheth’s father, extending into the outpouring of generosity onto Mephibosheth. Much like the work that Dream on 3 is doing. Being generous to those who could never pay it back. But that’s the whole point! Luke 14:12-14 explains it this way “Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”  

Those of us who have special needs family members were given them to us by God – as a gift to glorify Him and flourish under our care, just like all the children He’s given us, regardless of their physical or mental or intellectual abilities. All people have inherent dignity and worth in God’s Kingdom. Special needs people are no different in that respect. He has called them to live an unconventional life, just like he’s called some of us to live difficult lives in difficult parts of the world. It’s our lot in life. Remember that God is sovereign– He has made all things for His glory, and He has made all things to work together for good. He designed each of us and purposed each of us before He created the world. Exodus 4:11 reminds us of that. God said to Moses “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” The Lord could have gone on to say: Who gives him autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, down syndrome, fragile x, [insert any disability here]. It is the Lord Himself who fashions each person in their mother’s womb. And God calls us to demonstrate His kindness to those whom the world wants to discard as worthless. He works through our hearts to show His love and generosity to those who are the weaker and the lesser in the eyes of the world. But we know that God values them and loves them as much as anyone else. His blood extends to all people, not just the smart, intellectual, wealthy, or prestigious. Not just to those of us who can walk, or talk, or run, or do math, or write words, or speak clearly. His blood is for EVERYONE, and His love can only be extended through our acts of kindness and compassion. Thank you, Dream on 3, for showing the love of Christ to the least of these.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, every single one of us are Your workmanship, created in You to do good works. That includes people of all abilities. Help us to see the inherent value in every single person, regardless of any limitations You have called them to live with in this lifetime. We know that all disabilities are temporal, even if it’s lifelong on Earth. Thank You that one day we will all be made perfect in You. In Your holy name, amen.

Action: Think of a person in your family or close friend circle who is living with a disability. Spend some time with them and get to know them better. Do something with them that they will enjoy. It may just be having a conversation with them. If that’s the case, let them lead the conversation. Even if the conversation is basic and repetitive, go along with it. That’s what makes them happy! Maybe you could play a game with them, take them out for a sweet treat, or take a walk with them. Find something that they really enjoy doing and do that with them. Build that relationship and think about how unique God made them.