God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't take a special family, it makes a special family.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Over the past week I've had two moments that reminded me why me, why Brenden. It seems like these moments come at precisely the right time. At a time when I was discouraged with the plateau we seem to have reached. A time when all I wanted to do was scream and shout at Spina Bifida and wish it would just disappear. Yes, I have those moments. But God sends something or someone my way to make me snap out of it and realize just why I'm here.
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Earlier last week, I received a message from a friend that she thought of me while reading a scripture during Bible study. I had read this scripture before, but it was in that moment that I needed to read it again. John 9: As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." I was reminded of the many ways God has used Brenden to touch others. The journey we are on has given hope to other families and I know without question that it is God's hand.
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Just a few days later, it was Brenden that brought this scripture to reality and made me realize once again that God will one day use Brenden and his testimony to reach so many. I was folding laundry, Madelynn sat on the potty (in the living room), and Brenden was tormenting her. And then he leaned over to her, and said, "Madelynn, can I tell you a story." "No thank you, Brenden" Not accepting no, "Well let me tell you a story. One day, when I was a baby in the hospital, you weren't born yet, the doctor told Mommy I wouldn't walk. But Jesus told me I would, and now I walk with my walker." Cue tears streaming down my face. I couldn't believe this had just come out of the mouth of a 3 year old. I don't think we've ever really said that to him. He knows that we pray for healing, so I don't know if he just made connections in his mind....I'm really not sure.
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But what I am sure about is our faith. I am sure that God is leading us on this journey for many reasons. My hope and prayer is that throughout his life, Brenden will continue to use his abilities to glorify God. I pray that God uses him to reach out to others and that he not be ashamed to give God the glory for how far he's come.

3 comments:

Melinda said...

Wow - what a touching story!! Way to go Brenden for having such a perfect outlook...and for reminding us about the truth. Thanks for sharing!

Uncle Larry/Aunt Barb said...

What a beautiful testimony. You are bringing your childen up in God's word. Moments like this one go in the memory bank for ever. Thank you for sharing this encouraging story !!! Love you all !!!!

Joanna said...

So so beautiful. Thank you for sharing! We all have those moments - and sometimes all it takes is reading a little encouraging blog post to make us feel strong again. :) Love to you and Brenden. xoxo.