Finding a church home is hard these days and it's getting even harder. Many churches do not offer anything for the special needs child and the ones that offer a ministry may not work for your child. Most of the families I know with a special needs child do not attend church or have long spans of time where they do not attend.
Of all the places to find acceptance, the church should be number one on the list. Clearly in the Bible Jesus paid special attention to the children and took great notice of those suffering. He did not blame, look down on or cast away those considered insignificant at that time.
I was telling a friend that when I attend his church, no one speaks to us. His answer to me was, "that is not their fault." Then whose is it? Shame on us when we do not welcome people who walk through those church doors no matter how they are dressed, what they look like or how uncomfortable they might make us feel. We should welcome them the way Jesus welcomes each sinner that turns from their own path to follow Him. Hallelujah, praise God, nothing else matters anymore but that you are here now!
It's not easy loving people who are different. Some people with special needs are loud and embarrassing and some drool. But, other people lie and gossip. Which is worse?
I am so sad that has been your experience, Patti. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for all of you.
ReplyDeleteYour friend is so wrong. I don't know why people get that idea about church. Even without the challenges you face with a special needs child, we experienced something similar. When Emily was younger, none of the other girls her age would speak to her. I talked to one of the youth workers about it and I was told that Emily was the one that needed to move out of her comfort zone. *sigh*
Thank you for this, Patti. We all need this reminder.