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Like all kids growing up I just wanted to fit in and be included. Most people only see my limitations not my capabilities. However, that isn’t always the case.
My freshman year in high school a couple teens from my church’s youth group invited me to participate in a rock-a-thon. I had never thought about attending youth group. I decided to try it and loved it! They did everything they could to make me feel welcome and included. Sometimes, those of us with disabilities just need to do things a little differently, they didn’t have a problem with that. Like when we would have Bible drills, normally who ever found the scripture first would stand up and start reading. I was told not to worry about standing up.
Sadly, shortly after this the youth leader and his wife decided to resign. But, not before turning it over to another awesome leader! At this point a lot of the youth were either too old for youth group or stopped coming for one reason or another. So I found myself the only one going on Wednesday nights. I also discovered the Lord had a reason for that. I was very insecure at this point in time and I think the new youth leader saw that and tried to encourage me in every way possible. One question he liked to ask me was “had I ever thought about college?” The answer was “No!” I still have never taken a college class. One thing he told me to do was write down my talents. I honestly didn’t think I had any. But I did my best and I think I still have that list somewhere. He also taught me it’s okay to ask questions, something I had always been afraid to do because I thought it would make me look dumb. Now I realize we learn by asking questions.
Another thing that happened that made me feel like a normal person was my cousin and his wife asked me to babysit their daughter. She was around 15-18 months old. I had never considered babysitting. Shortly after my neighbor asked me to watch her kids too. One thing I learned was I don’t want a career in child care.
The moral here is look beyond someone’s limitations, see what they can do and find a way to include and encourage them., sometimes you just have to think outside the box, so to speak.
By the way, I won “Most Original” for the Raggedy Ann costume in the picture above.
I love this statement in your post, “The moral here is look beyond someone’s limitations, see what they can do and find a way to include and encourage them., sometimes you just have to think outside the box, so to speak.” So encouraging, thank you!
Thanks Teresa!