Although society is coming around and has become more aware of people, both children and adults with special needs, the sad truth is that they are still uncomfortable. So families learn to blend in, to mask and compensate for the sake of others. Awareness does not always mean acceptance. So, what can families do? How do they navigate their journey?
Many times they feel underappreciated and invisible. It is helpful to remember that God sees us and is seeking us out. Just as David searched for Jonathan's son Mephibosheth in II Samuel 9. Mephibosheth had suffered a physical injury and was hidden away with his disability. David sought him out to sit at the king's table despite his disability! You belong at the King's table, and there is a place for you! Just like Mephibosheth we deal with so many difficult thoughts and feelings, how do we navigate them?
Show yourself grace. We are all growing and learning. Ask the Lord to help you love and accept yourself. You matter and you are important!
Advocate and Educate. So many people don't understand our world. Educate them when you can and when you can't, go back to step one!
Join a support group. Finding others who understand is a blessing in itself. ABLE Ministry has a great presence on Facebook media and a wonderful virtual moms group that meets twice a year. We would love to have you join us!
Angela Marquez and her husband, Alex, pastor in Mexico. They are veteran missionaries and church planters. Together they have been fostering for 10 years and have adopted three wonderful special needs sons. Angela is a trauma-informed facilitator for foster parents and is very passionate about ABLE's Virtual Moms Groups and spreading hope!