“As I connect with Christian families impacted by disabilities, I’ve heard the same stories repeated over and over again. Stories of hurt and frustration over words spoken and looks given within the walls of our churches. Stories of the desire to be a part of a church family, but seeing hurdles that just seem too big to overcome.” Cortney Jenkins gives five tips to talk to your church about accessibility.
Moms: When Do We Get to Celebrate? Celebration for moms is scheduled in May; but I’m wondering when does it really happen? Cindi Ferrini writes about Mother’s Day and how to celebrate moms to kids with special needs.
Evana Sandusky writes about her experience receiving correction as a special needs mother, and explains why gentle correction may be more important than we think.
Joel Sheagren writes on the intersection of his 30-year career in film-making and his parenting journey, as he parents a son with FASD.
What DO you do when a child works harder to escape a room than he does work the puzzles at the table? How can you possibly know where the boundaries should be with a child who inherently has none? Where is the line between nurturing and structure? While there aren’t clear answers to these questions, there IS clear theology about our family’s place in the Body of Christ. Sherri Wirt writes a short devotional for special needs parents that feel they don’t fit at church.
Even though our celebration of Valentine’s Day has passed, there are things we can do every day to show we love each other and care for one another. It is a choice, but it takes work. Being a caregiver for our loved ones with special needs can put a lot of pressure on our marriage. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share 10 tips to strengthen your marriage.
As we reflect on our love for each other and God’s love for us this February, here are five verses and prayers to lift up over you and your husband or wife!
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope," Romans 5:2-4
God, our marriage doesn't look like what I thought it would when we were dating. But You knew the path we would walk together. Thank You for being there for us even when we didn't know how to be there for each other. Thank you for the lessons we learned in times of suffering. Help us hold on to the endurance, character, and hope we've grown in over the years. In Jesus's name, amen.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph. 4:1-3
God, there are times I don't walk worthy of Your calling on my life. That is most apparent in my home, where those I love the most often get the worst of me. Please work in my heart today and help me be more humble, gentle, patient, and loving. Help us set a time to talk about our personal triggers and what we can do to help each other. Thank you for equipping us to do Your will. In Jesus’s name, amen.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col. 3:14
God, thank you for the partnership of our marriage. When we put on love and everything comes together in perfect harmony, we know that honors You. We ask for Your love and encouragement in the times we aren't in harmony. When we disagree or can't see things from the other's perspective, help us put on love and keep working toward that harmony. In Jesus' name, amen.
By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures. Prov. 24:3-4
God, You inspired James to write, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." We admit we lack wisdom. We are asking You to give it to us generously. Use Your Word, books, and counseling to help us learn and grow. Guide us to true and helpful resources. Fill our minds with understanding and knowledge so we can fill the rooms of our homes with precious and pleasant riches. In Jesus' name, amen.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
God, you are good, generous, and full of grace. You pour out love on us every minute of every day. We can grow so accustomed to Your love that we sometimes forget what a blessing it is. Today we come together to exalt Your name! To magnify You! To bring Your love and blessings into focus in our lives so we don't miss them. Thank you for another week to love You and love each other! In Jesus's name, amen.
Sandra Peoples (M Div) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She is also the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. She’s the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family and cohost of the podcast, Self Care and Soul Care for the Caregiver. You can connect with her at sandrapeoples.com.
