I am just filled with such love for my sweet baby girl today. I look at her picture, and see such beauty in her eyes. Today, we had our huge yard sale ( pictures and update to come), on the way to the yard sale Malika said we were going to make money to bring her sister home. Then she said with such passion " she is going to be BEAUTIFUL". Oh the innocence of a child! I wish that I could protect all of my children from the many ugly words, stares and questions that are sure to come. If only people would see life as a little child does.
Jesus told us we needed to humble ourselves like a child, and if we didn't we would not enter the kingdom of heaven.(matthew 18:3). Children don't see color,race, or disabilities, they see the person that is before them. Why do adults see the imperfection before they see anything else?
"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
When I think of a child with down syndrome, I think "child". I don't think "disability". I have had so many people question my ability to care for a child with a special need. Not because I am not capable, but because they see a hard life before me. I don't see it that way. Sure, there will be hard days and hard moments. But, I see a life filled with love. I do not want to get to the end of my life and wish that I had traded in my "easy" life for one that was what God wanted. I want to give every ounce of energy, love, sweat and tears to be ALL that God wants, Now!
God never promised us an easy life, he didn't promise us a life without hardship, he didn't promise us a life filled with only happy days, just read the psalms. But, one thing we are promised is that God will walk right beside us every step of the way. I don't know about you, but it is the hard times in my life that draw me to the foot of the cross.
It's so funny that you posted this...because to be honest, the first time you sent me an email saying you were going to adopt I was reading it on my cell phone and was busy with the girls and i quickly skimmed your article...went to the page and saw her and thought SHE IS GORGEOUS!! They are getting such a beautiful little girl...it wasn't until a few hours later that I was able to get on my PC and see that she had down syndrome...i didn't even notice. All i could think was this beautiful little child is going to be coming into a great home, but then when I went and re-read about her having down syndrome, all I could think was WOW! Crystal and Josh are amazing!! Ever since I have known you, you have told me you wanted 5 kids! LOL...I think you guys ARE THE PERFECT example of what loving children really is. You're right when you say days will be hard, but honestly having children is HARD, children with a disabilities or not!! But you know that I will be here to help you! :) You KNOW that! I can't wait, I don't look at it as a "challenge" but I look at it as FUN! I think it's going to be great to teach her new things!! I hope I can be a part of maybe teaching her a new word or helping her stand, or just loving her too! :) I can't wait till she gets here!....I think she is absolutely perfect, just as I did the first time I saw her! :) We love you guys!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah. You are a great friend. I love it that you have already accepted her, that makes me very happy. And I love it that you never once questioned us about adopting a child with special needs. Thank you. I agree completely that having children is hard, even if they don't have a disability :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeletemy heart is melted-thank you Jesus. how He is the one to open our eyes if we humble ourselves. and yes, I think she is BEAUTIFUL too and Malika's heart is precious. they are blessed to call her sissy. miss you.
ReplyDeletecourt