Dear Siestas,
Last week one of you alerted us to the fact that this special day was quickly approaching. Our minds immediately turned to a dear friend of Living Proof Ministries whose family has been touched by autism. This story is not about recommendations for treatments or medications. It’s a story about a miracle and we hope so much it will bless you today.
Love,
Beth
Today, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day. This is an unusual day to celebrate, but this is a day my family can rejoice in. I have a wonderful 18-year-old son who has autism and is blessed by God.
When my baby boy was born he was the most unusual baby I had ever seen. He had a cone-shaped head, ears rolled up like a newspaper, a big bruise on his face from the forceps, and he was blue and wrinkly. And he broke my tailbone! But he was just what my husband and I ordered—a baby. We had lost our last two babies in miscarriages. Our son was perfect in our eyes and we felt he could do no wrong
As our baby grew, he did things a little differently—like crawling backwards, for example. He spoke languages unheard of and thought the rest of us understood. He seemed to go off into his own world a lot. At times he seemed not to see or hear, but other times it seemed like he could. By the time he was two, I still had not heard the word “mama.” I was pregnant with his little sister and had extreme morning sickness that lasted the entire pregnancy. We had his hearing and vision tested and everything was normal. Finally, my mother talked us into taking him to the local school district for testing. So my very pregnant self, my husband, and our son went to the testing center. I watched as my two-and-half-year-old baby boy was taken by some sweet ladies to be evaluated. After two-and-half hours, our son was returned to us and we were told we would get the results in a couple of weeks. What! I have to wait longer?
Over the next two weeks we determined that he was fine. He simply learned at his own pace. We just needed to work with him more and everything would be fine. I hate denial!
We went to the meeting with the school district and were bombarded with words we weren’t familiar with. Once we heard the phrase “autistic symptoms,” we never heard another word. We had no clue where to turn or what to do. We were given a mountain of papers to review and read. None of them was in everyday English and they told us to call if we had any questions. What I needed was a translator!
I sent the reports to our wonderful pediatrician and asked what it all meant. A few days later I met with her and she explained that our son had many symptoms of autism. However, the education and medical communities did not like to label children that young. I asked what we should do or where we should go. She suggested that I look at local schools for special children or at the school district’s program. So I began researching everything I could in-between bouts of nausea. (Remember, this was before the internet was in every home.)
I became very angry with God. I could not believe He would allow this to happen to my child. I told God to leave us alone if this was the best He could do. But Jesus never left our side.
Based on what we could afford and what the school district offered, we decided to enroll him in the district’s Preschool for Special Needs when he turned three. Little did I know what a blessing this would be.
Mrs. Trainer was my son’s teacher for three years and Ms. Donna was her faithful assistant. His first class only had 4 students. With the specialists who frequented the classroom, it was often a one-to-one ratio. Mrs. Trainer and Ms. Donna worked with the students and the parents. She taught us how to teach our children, helped us keep dairies of our son’s progress, and encouraged us through hard times. They were sent to us by God, I believe.
Our son did not make much progress at first and it was very frustrating. We began sign language and flash cards to try to develop his language, only to become more frustrated. He was now four years old and had echolalia, which means he repeated everything we said. It was like living with a parrot that mimicked everything he heard. He was not potty trained. And he never called me mommy except when I said it first.
Then God blessed us again. Our son got the worst stomach virus you could ever imagine! It lasted a week and I will spare you the details. Let’s just say I had no furniture or any clothes that weren’t permanently marked. He was given a medication to stop the vomiting and it worked after a week, but little did I know what was about to happen.
We had enrolled our son in a Stay and Play program at a local church so he would be around “normal children.” The week after the virus, his Stay and Play teacher stopped by our house to ask me what medication we had put him on. I told her we had not put him on any medication. She said that he sat during story time! And followed instructions! I drove her crazy asking every detail. I began to watch and pay attention over the next couple of days and I did see improvement.
I called the neurologist and asked what could have caused the changes. He wasn’t sure, but he told me about a medication similar to the anti-nausea medication that we might want to consider. Unfortunately, he said it had long term side effects. I hate these types of decisions. We tried the medication and our son began to communicate at first in sign, and then verbally. He became potty trained! And all those flash cards I used for years? He knew those words and how to use them! He made great progress between four and five. God helped us find what we needed through a virus. Only God could turn something so bad into good. Amen?
(While the use of medication was a turning point in our son’s story, we believe his progress came from a combination of many things. There is certainly no magic pill to cure autism. Using medication is a personal choice and one that does not work for many autistic children. The side effects can often outweigh the results.)
Our son started going to kindergarten part-time at age five. He was our district’s first all-day-kindergartner the next year. Yes, he went through kindergarten three times—and twice in the same year. He progressed with teachers hand-picked by God and me for the next six years. Don’t get me wrong, I was still mad at God. But God never left my side. How else would I have known what to do?
When the school district told me he would not be able to do this or that, we would just work on it at home or during the summer. We always had tutors and worksheets and projects outside of school. We worked on social issues and developed friendships. My husband and I worked non-stop and our son worked very hard. He always proved everyone wrong. He would exceed what was expected. He had teachers who encouraged him and friends who supported him, but mostly he had a God who loved and watched over him.
When our son was nine, my mother talked me into letting him attend Vacation Bible School at her church. She promised me she would be in the room next to his and would hand-pick the teacher. So, I let him go against my better judgment. God was so sweet to put him in a class with his best friend from school. By the end of that week, his friend and the VBS had taught him all about Jesus. So on a Friday night in June, 2000, my son asked Jesus into his heart on his bunk bed. Then he asked if we could go to church on Sunday. I said we would see. My husband wanted to know what all of this was about. I said, “Don’t worry, he will forget about it by tomorrow.” On Sunday morning, early in the morning, my son insisted and insisted and insisted we go to my parents’ church so he could walk the aisle and make his profession of faith. We went (again, against my better judgment) and at the end of the service my son pulled—and I do mean pulled—me down the aisle. That day my husband was saved as well. I was so angry at God for coming back into my home, I was crying. Everyone thought I was crying for joy. No, I wanted nothing to do with this! I was mad!
We went home and my husband asked what we should do now. And I told him either we do it all the way or not at all. So we began doing it all the way the best way we knew how and I worked through my anger with God.
The way Jesus worked his way back into our home was so sweet. We still had hard times and many joyful times as well. But God never left our side. This year my son will graduate from high school and attend college in the fall. We consider him completely healed by God and believe God has a glorious plan for the rest of his life. We cannot wait for it to unfold. We believe God has a perfect plan for each person He created. I pray that you will seek out the path God has for you and follow Jesus no matter where it leads, because sometimes what seems like a bad thing might be a blessing in disguise.
I ask that you lift up prayers today for all families that have children with special needs, but please say a little extra prayer for those with autism. May God bless you.
Siestas, we would love to fill up our comments with prayers for these families today. Our friend has a very tender heart for the mothers who may read this who have worked so hard, remained faithful to God, and have seen little or no progress from their autistic children. She shared with me her heartache for these parents who have such a difficult life. Please help us encourage these sisters with your prayers. Thank you ladies!
As the grandmother of 2 down syndrome children and a grandchild in heaven, I know how tough it is to not have what we precieve ‘others’ have. Yet I have learned though my grandchildren that God’s ways are perfect and He blesses abundantly.
Thank you for your sharing and may our God and Father continue to give you strenght and peace.
Suzanne Elizabethtown, KY
Thank you for celebrating Autism Awareness Day with all of us… I am the mother of a 7 year old on the autism spectrum, and it has been both extremely difficult, and a huge blessing. God has been there every single step of the way, and the miracles are breathtaking.
I am praying for all the families of special needs children, that they are comforted by God and given inner peace, strength and wisdom as they walk through this intense journey.
I would appreciate prayers for my oldest son, he still struggles with his 7 year old sister’s challenges and personality, and can not bring himself to treat her with respect and love, and it breaks my heart every single day.
Thank you, Thank you, thank you for the prayers and this post acknowledging mom’s and families who deal with autism. It is only by God’s love and grace that I am able to deal with our precious daughter’s autism each day. She has taught me more about Jesus and his love than anything else in the world. Autism can be a very lonely thing because of the difficulty taking our kids different places, etc… and because of the lack of understanding of most people to know what a day in the life of autism looks like. But today, I don’t feel so lonely. I feel your prayers and your love. ~Susan in Chicagoland
Oh LPM…thank you, thank you, thank you for giving a post to the entire purpose of lifting up those families affected by autism.
As you may know based on previous entries, I am personally involved in the field of autism. I am a teacher for early intervention for these sweet children. They are very near and dear to my heart!
Father God,
I thank you that you love all of us the same! I thank you for my involvement in the lives of these children who are special in so many ways. I ask you today Lord to touch all the families affected by autism and give them strength to make it through each day. Not just to make it but to thrive and find joy each day. It gets hard Lord so we turn to you in our struggle.
I pray now for my specific families. You know who they are Lord. I thank you for each of them!
Amen
Beth,
I can’t thank you enough for this post! It is true there are many among us with this behavioral issue living normal lives in normal families. It takes your breath away to experience it, but God blesses you in the midst of it! My nephew is 14 this year. My family believes immunizations were a contributing factor to his autism….long story and genetic inheritance to back it up.
Saturday, in Huntsville, AL, there is an autism walk to raise money for treatments, research and most importantly support for family and friends.
It is not something you wish for or even really appreciate when it lands in your lap, but it is truly a blessing to experience these precious autistic children/adults.
Years ago my mom decided that she wanted my sister (her daughter) not to miss church with her family. Many churches do not offer services for these “special friends”. My mom also wanted her grandson to want to go to church and learn about Jesus, so she started a “special friends” ministry at church. It has gotten special attention to the point that many that do not attend church on a regular basis did for this service alone. She puts together Vacation Bible School for these autistic children and a sensory camp every summer during summer break. She is also the POC for the autism walk.
It is truly an incredible blessing in disguise for many families. You never know what God will allow you to endure or what he will expect of you until the time comes.
Thanks again for this post!!
Another precious family with autism!
http://myfivemen.blogspot.com/
Having the absolute priviledge and blessing of working with children with autism over the years, I can say that they truly are angels created and loved by our Heavenly Father. I have such admiration and respect for their parents and siblings, for the trials are many. I pray that you will find comfort and peace in knowing that your sisters are lifting you up in prayer and sending love to each one of you. I pray that you will feel the strong and tender arms of our Heavenly Father, each and every day, as you face hardship and heartbreak. And finally, I beg our Father to fill you with a joy that surpasses all understanding!
Dearest Jesus,
I praise You for Your wonderful creativity! Thank you for making each of us different and I pray that You will teach us how to rejoice in diversity. Thank you for allowing some children to see the world through a different lens and teach us so many things. Lord, I pray that You will continue to use the autistic children in our lives to refine us and help us become more like You. You are good and we love you. Amen.
Lord, how I thank you for this testimony that You never leave our side even when we are trying to push you away or angry at our circumstances. I’m SO thankful that You stay by our side in the midst of the struggle. For those who are coming to terms with autism and how it will/has affected their lives, I pray for You to strengthen their hearts. Oh Lord, may the most beautiful trust bloom as You carry each family member through. Lord, for those who are feeling that life is so unfair, hold them. See them through, day-by-day. Comfort their hearts and give them peace in the pain and in the storm. Strengthen their faith in You and keep them so close. I pray for those little ones with autism, oh Lord, keep them safe and bring just the right teachers and helpers into their lives. Sow Your love into their hearts; may they come to know You as Savior and Healer. Heal them according to Your will. In Your name, Lord Jesus.
Our retired pastor has a daughter with Down’s Syndrome and a grandson who is autistic. The dad of the little boy is without work. I would be honored to pray for these two families.
Father, please love on, and encourage these sweet families. You have blessed these children with the greatest people. And I know there must be rough times, discouraging times and sad times, but I have never seen it from these families and I pray you would bless them for their steadfastness and faithfulness and love. And Lord, if you could send a job to Chaz’s daddy, I know he and all of us who know him, would be forever grateful and will rejoice in your continued faithfulness to this family. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Can’t tell you how much God has spoken to me just now through this mama’s testimony of how God cares for our kids. My two-year-old daughter has been through all the developmental screenings and has “autistic symptoms”. I am still waiting to hear “mama” from her sweet lips. I have been struggling with where she should have preschool and how to find the right people to teach her. I needed the reminder that God has a plan and will continue to faithfully take care of Sarah. Beth, please let your friend know that God’s has used her to speak mightily to me!
Dearest Abba – what a needed reminder for all of us that You are in control – if we seek You, we will find You and “all things work together for good for those who are called” —– Father, today, pour out a special blessing on those who have the “gift of autism” in their families. I can’t even begin to understand, but You do – I ask for extra grace to flood over them and a peace “that passes understanding”. Give them needed rest and respite. Send caregivers that are called to minister to their families in unique ways. Shine down Abba – be real and tangible in their lives.
I taught children with autism for 12 years. They are some of the most amazing kids I’ve ever met and have taught me so much.
Thank you for sharing this story.
I have a special friend who has also experienced healing for two children with learning and emotional differences- It appears Jesus himself has provided healing through his Kindgom coming into their lives through the prayers of their parents -when all would say that this is impossible-As parents it seems we do have a special authority to pray for our children, biological or adopted- let us claim this authority and God Help Us!
Bless this family. Thank you for the mother’s honest confession of her anger at God. Thank you for their perserverance in continuing to teach their son. Continue to stand by their sides as they end this chapter of life and start a new one with college. Be with them always.
I am a speech therapist who works with special needs preschoolers in a school district. Every morning before I even turn a light on in my therapy room, I get down on my knees and put my face on the floor and ask God for special wisdom on how I can help these very special children communicate. Each child is so very different from the next and what “clicks” for one child does not work for another. What “clicks” one day doesn’t guarantee that it will “click” the next. I want so badly to open up the world for them, to do what’s right and to not waste a minute of learning time. I pray that “this will be the day” for a major breakthrough and the families will be blessed beyond measure.
Lord, I ask that they all feel your loving arms around them and they know that it is you Father.
Blessed I am, Father, to be able to lift up these parents of autistic children before your throne. Blessed. May you hold each family in your loving hand and minister to them tenderly. Lord Jesus, I pray that you would grant each of them fellow sojourners who can walk this long and hard road with them. And, thank you for these precious children who bring life and love and laughter to their homes. May the smiles far outweight the tears. In the precious name of Jesus I ask these things on behalf of these wonderful parents, Amen.
I, too, am the mother of a precious, wonderful, perfectly made little boy with autism. I blamed God for a long time, until I realized that there was no way that I could make this difficult journey alone. My son is such a blessing, and God is walking us through it. He’s making progress everyday – we have good days…and we have REALLY bad ones. Please continue to pray for families like ours who are living with autism. You may not know anyone with autism, but with 1 in 150 children being diagnosed…you soon will.
Oh Heavenly Father! Praise You for the work You’ve done in this precious family we just read about! And I just want to join Beth and the Siestas in lifting families all over the world who have children with autisim or other special needs. In Your eyes each one is precious and You have a purpose and plan for each one. Bless them and do a special work in their lives. In Your Mighty Name, Amen.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf – I have tears reading the prayers and just imagining all you beautiful women petitioning the Father for this specific reason. I have leaned on the Lord every day for strength, patience, and wisdom in all the details involved in the moment to moment care – I have an autistic foster girl – she has been with us since she is 5 and is now 30 – I thank the Lord for choosing her for us – it has indeed been a priviledge and honour to care for her and to serve Him in this way. I was also priviledged for 18 years to care for a severally handicapped child with extreme health issues -the Lord knew the 2 special kids that would fit into our home and heart and I cared for them “as unto the Lord” as I had memorized that verse in Colossians 3:17 as young girl – it has allowed me to focus all of my lifes work to honour Him. Thanks again for your powerful prayers.
What a sweet story – thank you for sharing.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for every child, every blessing that you so graciously bestow upon us. I want to lift up today the mothers and fathers of children with special needs, especially autism. I ask you Lord that you give them all of the love and patience that they need to minister to their children. Please help them all to find the cure that works for them. I know there are many different cures that have worked for many different families. How frustrating and discouraging it must be to try to different cures with no progress. I cant imagine how difficult it would be to have a child that did not show you affection. Please Lord fill any emptiness in their hearts with your love. Please help them to be longsuffering and perservere. You are the Great Physician and I ask that you would place your healing hand upon these children and their families. Thank you Father, In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Dear Lord,
I thank You for all that You do for us. I ask that You wrap Your mighty arms around these precious families and give them Your peace. I ask that You continue to enlighten people in the education system, church and all those surrounding these families. I thank You for making us aware. Lord, I ask that You will continue to give these families hope, love and perseverance. Lord, I thank You so much that You do understand our sufferings better than anyone and You are always there. Only You know the true extent of all the pain, private battles and struggles. Please make Your presence extra-strong for these families and guide them every day, one day at a time. Lord, please comfort these precious, precious children. Please keep us humbled, grateful and aware every day. Thank you Jesus.
In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
Barbara S.
Katy, TX.
One of the greatest comforts is knowing that you’re not alone in discovering autism. It’s also one of the most difficult realizations, knowing that you can relate with another mother with an autistic child. I could hardly go to a classroom function or birthday party without crying for YEARS.
Thank you for sharing your story. Knowing your heart helps heal my own.
A quick comment before my prayer: Our granddaughter was evaluated and did have several “red flag” aspects of autism. We were devastated because it seemed that all our hopes and dreams for her brilliant future had been squashed. Well-meaning people in our church family said things to us like “it could be worse”. Yes, it could be worse if you consider life-threatening diseases, but our beautiful Lily was going to face many challenges just the same, and she was so young! Praise be to God, with just the right therapists and just the right pre-school, she has now made tremendous progress in the last year. Don’t ever let us down-play ANYONE’S suffering, just because we can think of “something worse”.
Dear Precious Heavenly Father, place your loving hands on the children in our world who have special needs and special challenges. Give them and their families comfort, strength and peace in their particular situation. Place just the right helpers in their lives at just the right time to bring the best results. We know that you suffer whenever any of your precious children suffer and we thank you that you love us so much and are mindful of every single one of us. Praise your Holy Name for each and every darling child and for the ones who care for them. Thank you for every victory. May the glory be Yours forever! AMEN
Lord, I lift up Ryan and his mother, Wanda. I ask you to bless them! I pray that you will use Ryan’s life in a powerful way for your glory and bless his momma, Wanda for setting a great example to all mothers of how to love and ADORE your children unconditionally!!!!! What an example of Jesus! In the precious name of my Savior I pray, amen.
Thank you so much for posting this story. I have a 7 year old son with autism. I won’t go into all the detail, of course, but could completely relate to what this mother went through. The first 3 years were the toughest years I have ever had in my life- exhausting, lonely, despairing, frustrating, fearful. I remember constantly praying but feeling like God was not near to me. It was just a time when God was not choosing to answer my prayers at that moment. But I never doubted that He was working. I could see Him taking care of our family, taking care of our needs, and working miracles in my little boy. God is so faithful, even when we don’t “feel” like He’s near.
My son is in a typical first grade class now, and is only a shadow of what he was then. For whatever reason, God chose to work in him to the point that many people don’t even know there is any thing different about him! PTL He is SUCH a blessing and joy to be around! Not only to us, but people who meet him say he brings such joy to them, too. And God has taught me SO much through this experience.
I am so humbled and thankful for all the dear ladies who read this blog who are praying for all of us today. Thank you dear sisters.
Lord, We ask for blessings to flow on these special families that you have chosen to care for your children. May they have patience when needed and a giggle when times are especially tough. May they have teachers that love their children just as they do and see all the special characteristics as they do. May they always know how your love rains down on them all day, every day – even if they don’t feel it. In Jesus, we pray.
Just reading the posts here has uplifted my heart! My oldest daughter is Autistic and 18. When she entered school they thought she was ADHD, and they told me she was M.R….I told them even then, all they had to do was find the key to unlock her mind. During the first few years in shcool she proved to be smarter than they thought, but they had decided they had taken her as far as they were willing.. I knew she was capable of more than they gave her credit for and when they wouldn’t work with her, I pulled her from public school and put her in a private school, from which she will graduate this May and go to college in the fall. We do not know how all of this will turn out, but we plan to focus on God and allow Him to work in her life.. It is hard to think about letting her grow up, because she is just so trusting.
My Prayer is that God will grant the parents of special needs children the strenght to let them grow up. It is a struggle not to want to baby her, but she has to grow up and I have to lean on God’s promises of taking care of her.
Holy Father, please help us parents, to know how to let our kids grow up and try new things and help us to have the words if at any point they fall. Thank you for all these wonderful posts and bless all of the Siestas for their love.
Thank you for everything. In Your Name. Amen
Delilah
Dear Lord I just lift up All these children and their parents and families to you. Guide them, love them. protect them, bless their socks off, Teach us as well Lord how we can be a blessing to any family that has needs we can meet. Put them in our path and give us the vision what we can do. We love you Lord and thank you in advance for All the we ask in Jesus name.
Thank you for this post. We just recently found out that our little 3 year old boy has autism. We have many emotions and a long road to travel. Thank you for the encouragement of the story and all of the prayers. It was truly touching.
Thank you Lord for every life, for You have declared each of us fearfully and wonderfully made. We are each made in your image. Forgive us for not understanding all that means! Thank you for being glorified in the healing of this woman’s son. May you be glorified in all our lives and lifted up so that all men will be drawn to you.
Heavenly Father, I lift up all those Moms-really Supermoms-who parent an autistic child. Please let each one of them know you hold them in the palm of your hand and that you have a plan for their precious children. Let them know that all the blood, sweat, and tears through good times and difficult times does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your love and faithfulness.
Father God,
Thank you for showing Your loving kindness to all of Your children.
I especially lift up to You today Your children who struggle with mental and physical challenges here on this Earth.
Father God, You always show us how Faithful You are in giving such a loving and caring spirit to teach us as all of your children to live out Your words in: 1 Samuel 16:7-Man looks at the Outward Appearance, God Looks at the Heart.
Eventhough children may struggle for a while physically and mentally here on ths Earth, they have a special place in Your heart and in Your Kingdom in Heaven. Let us do our best to care for “Your children” while they are here on this Earth. Thank you for Your loving Grace to all of your children.
In Your Name I Pray,
Amen
Lord, You are so faithful and Your mercy brings us fresh, new hope every morning. You knew us before we were formed in our mother’s wombs. Your creation is perfect. Bless these families who have the monumental task of raising a child with disabilities. Open the hearts of those around them and make them a blessing of help and comfort. You work all things together for our good when we follow You. Amen
Father,
I thank You for your perfection in creation and in the way that You knit us together in the womb. You have a plan for each and every child you bring into this world! Thank YOU! I pray that each family that is blessed with an autistic child would rise to the occasion and bring YOU the glory through their experience.
I pray that as they go through the emotions and trials and autistic child can bring, that they would be blessed by Your love and grace and that they would keep their eyes on You, their Creator and Father.
In the precious name of Jesus,
Amen
Father, I bring before You families with autistic children. I pray that You guide them and lead them in caring for that precious child that You have given them. I pray that they cry out to You for help in caring and raising them. Each child is special in Your sight and You know what they need to live. Help their parents not to get discouraged but to be on their knees daily for that precious one. Guide them and lead them every step of the way. You, Father are faithful! Thank you for these families and the work that You are doing in their lives.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Precious Lord, thank you for your miraculous healing for this sweet sister’s son. Her story is eerily similar in detail to my own except our son hasn’t received his miracle or breakthrough yet and he’s coming up on 17. If you choose to heal mine too, PRAISE YOU! If you choose not to for whatever reason, PRAISE YOU! I TRUST YOU AND REST KNOWING THAT ONE DAY HE WILL BE IN YOUR ARMS TOTALLY HEALED!!!!!
I LOVE YOU MY PRECIOUS FATHER!
This blog post hit me head-on. About 7 or 8 years ago while volunteering at LPM, I had a similar problem and this precious friend of LPM talked with me and gave advice to me for my daughter who had my first grandson. This grandson was displaying some “symtoms” and we did not know what to do. LPM prayed down the house for my daughter and my grandson. Now he is about to turn 10 and is in a wonderful school called “The Parish School”. My grandson has said many, many times that Parish saved his life. God was right beside my daughter and son-in-law the whole time. My grandson also at the age of 9, asked his mother to pray with him to have Jesus come into his heart. Oh what a glorious day that was. Thank you for sharing this magnificent story with us.
Wow, now that I’m crying after reading that story, I will most definitely be adding my own prayer for all the amazing mothers of autistic, and any special needs children. I work as a rehabilitation counselor and specialize in those with autism, so this story is so near to my heart.
My Sweet Jesus,
This woman’s story reminds me so much of the lives of women I hear about every day at work…the only difference is, the women I work with haven’t come to know You and see purpose in all this yet. I beg You for the souls of these precious mother’s who I feel so blessed to be able to counsel every day. I pray You would use my feeble attempts to help their child to show off You and all Your glory. Call them to Your side, let them bask in your presence long enough to see You and all You long to do in their lives through their children. I love You so much. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of working with these autistic children each day. They light up my life and show me You in ways I never thought possible. I love You more than words can say. Amen.
Oh Father, I ask that you show these families and children your unfailing love and uphold them with your everlasting arms. Give them strength,patience and wisdom from day to day.
My son Corban who just turned 4 was diagnosed last year with Autism. Reading the post sounds like the same path I have been traveling. Thanks for calling attention to Autism in this blog.
Who am I, O Sovreign Lord, that you would bless me and my family, that You would bring us SO far? How gracious You are, O Lord….how merciful! Father God, You chose to bless me with 3 healthy wonderful children….I never even had to question serious health issues in regards to them. Father, I ask Your tender mercies on all moms who spend every waking moment worried about the precious souls you have entrusted to them. Father, I ask You to reassure them of Your loving kindness, I ask You to remind us that You have each of us – especially our children – right in Your palm. You are Sovreign, Lord. You are mighty and exalted. I thank you for the blessing of life. In Jesus Christ Name I pray..Amen
Judie
West Texas Girl
I so appreciate this chance to prayerfully support parents and children with special needs. Our adult son has finally found his niche in life and is able to shine in who God made him to be. Every heart knows its own sorrow but I’ve thought many times if he’d had a physical disability, he would have received more understanding from others. As it is, he’s attractive and bright and it’s hard for people to understand why “simple” things are difficult for him. It’s been a long painful journey but God has faithfully provided what – and who – he needed to grow and become the person He designed him to be. His challenges have strained our family but in the end, God is making all of us more like Him through this. God has made His word to be life and health to me through this. Some of my favorites have been:
Exodus 2:1-2 “..and she (Moses’ mother)gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months” KJV says “and when she saw he was no ordinary child”
I can identify with the heart break of the father in Mark 9:17-29. For his son’s healing he prayed, “Lord, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!”
John 11:3-5 “Lord, the one you love is sick” When He heard this, Jesus said “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
Is. 42:3 “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. In faithfulness He will bring forth justice.”
And of course – what needed to be my theme verse in dealing with him, Nehemiah 9:17 “…But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”
It can be so encouraging as a parent when others love on your child and don’t ostracize them because they’re different. Also, to encourage us as parents to pray big prayers for these special children and not see us as naive when we are trusting God to do for them what seems at times to be impossible.
Thank you again.
My Father, You know the needs, You set this all in motion, nothing is too great for You, the Almighty. I humbly come to You, on Your Son’s authority, being wash in His blood, the blood of the Lamb, JESUS. In His name i ask You to encourage, lift up, and show out in each of these lives. Be undeniable to the world, Lord, that You are the Great I AM!
amen
On a personal note: As one who has a Learning Disability (though not as intrusive as Autism) the best thing you can do for those you know who “learn differently” is to not expect them to see things the way you do, to keep an open mind, and to do as this family has done and does…try any possibility, cause you(we) never know what will make it click for them (us).
Father,
I pray for my family, specifically John, my nephew. Fill him up with the knowledge of Christ. Let his life be a wonderful testimony. Supernaturally strengthen his parents and give them peace and wisdom and joy. I lift John up to you and I pray yuou will perfect that which concerns him. Be magnified, be glorified.
In Jesus’ Precious Name –
Amen
Father, life can be so hard. Please give these moms strength and energy to deal with all the details of having a special needs child. Wrap Your arms around them, carry them through. Open their eyes to Your presence and Your intervention in their lives. Let this bring them closer to You. Thank you that You provide great wisdom. In Your Son’s precious name, Amen
Precious Lord, I lift up these sweet families dealing with this difficult issue to You today. Thank You for hand-picking them to take care of and raise these blessings You have created. No one else could care for them the way these parents can – You knew that. I pray You give them guidance, strength and endurance in their God ordained roles. Give them joy, oh God. I pray they see glimpses of You through their child(ren). You have given them the blessing to experience what no other parent can – I pray they see that. I thank You that each of your autistic children have a plan and purpose – a destiny in life, just as we all do. May Your glory, Your power, Your mercy, be shown through their lives.
Praying!
God bless you for posting this. It very closely resembles my own story and that of my totally amazing and blessed son. He is now 15 and I cannot praise God enough for the healing that has happened. I believe my son doesn’t have to be “cured” from his autism. He is exactly who God planned for him to be. This past year, he entered 8th grade, is on the honor roll at his school, and is loved by everyone who knows him. God has truly blessed me and never left us no matter how mad, frustrated or defeated we felt.