August 22, 2006 12:59 PM
Fan Mail
Received this encouraging word with a book order:
I just want to thank you for the time you devote to your blog. Is is a great encouragment to me. I have two little girls (ages 26 mo and 6mo) and I have to say, with each one we've had the number I would like has gone up. Like many young moms I have gone through times of being afraid of my children being born with a disability. But through your writing and the life of a good friend in church (their first girl was born with Downs and they just adopting a little boy who also has Downs) I've realized just how wrong and misplaced that fear is. Everything about what you share about your boys just speaks to the goodness of children and the joy they are in your life and shatters so many of my pre-conceived notions. Thank you so much. I am really looking forward to reading your books! love in Christ, Tiffany N____
Not tooting my own horn, but sharing this for a couple of reasons:
First, I loved what Tiffany said about her ideal number of children increasing with each child she had. Isn't that so cool? I think how it must please the Lord, when he has told us in his Word that children are a blessing and a gift. Who ever says, "Oh, no thank you, I don't want any more blessings" - and yet many of us do when we decide how many children we "can handle." Tiffany's attitude just seems so right.
And then I loved what she said about losing her fear of having a child with a disability. Our culture - with its emphasis on appearance and intelligence and its narrow view of what a successful life is - has created this atmosphere of fear in women of childbearing age. This blog has been a wonderful way for me to communicate through my own experience that having a child with a disability is not a terrible thing. Yes, parents of kids with disabilities have more challenges to face - but then again, having raised kids to adulthood, I'll tell you that the so-called normal kids can present their share of challenges too. For me, and for my family, I'd say that having kids with disabilities has tenderized our hearts, given us a glimpse of our own hidden disabilities as well as a glimpse of God's infinite patience and love for us.
Thanks, Tiffany, for writing. I know we're all busy, but I really treasure the encouragement I receive from all of you.
Posted in Big families, Disabilities, Pro-Life Issues | Permalink
Comments
I am so encouraged to see someone with the same attitude - when I got married, I did not intend to have any children. Maybe one or two after 10-15 years of 'living the good life'. I've been married 9 years, and we are working on #7 now. Every time I meet someone, the total stranger always comments, "Well, your done now, right?" I hope not! I tell them I leave God in charge of the family planning, as He can see the future, and He is so much wiser than I am.
My oldest, age 8, was finally diagnosed with a disability last year. He currently has the mental development of a 5 year old (a 5 yr old with a big vocabulary!); and it is a blessing to have so many siblings. There is always someone at his level for him to play with. When he is at home, he can relax mentally; he is not being held up to a false standard of "should be".
And it is so true that each child is "special" in their own way; my son just has a label for his "specialness".
God made him this way intentionally, for His own purpose; and someday I'll know what that purpose is and rejoice in His wisdom.
Posted by: Lisa S. | August 23, 2006 1:47 PM
Our last child will be 2 in October. Before we had her my husband and I were talking about whether or not I should have my tubes tied or whether he should get fixed. Neither of us were really sure. He said he was going to get it done and he ended up putting it off because he wasn't sure whether or not he wanted more children. After we had her things were busy. He was saying that he definitely did not want to have more children. Although when he sees babies it really gets him feeling like mabye we should have more. I thought that I didn't really want anymore but I'm starting to wonder if that is what God has planned for me. This has really got me thinking. Before I had my first child I always said I'm never having kids because as a child I was always stuck watching my nieces and nephews. Then after I had my first daughter I said I am not having anymore children. Now I have 2 more and can't imagine life without them. It is truly a blessing from God to have children and I thank you for this blog it really gets me thinking about leaving this in Gods hands and not trying to control it myself.
Posted by: Julie | August 24, 2006 12:00 PM
