Our Special Gift

Tomorrow is a day to celebrate mothers! We ALL have our mothers to thank for giving us the gift of life. As a mom, I was given a very special, unexpected gift over 9 years ago--a beautiful baby girl named Grace, who just happens to have Down syndrome. I don't understand why she was given this little something "extra", but I do know that our family received an "extra" blessing when God granted her to us. God continues using Grace mold our characters to be more like his son Jesus.

However, most people would not agree that Down syndrome could be a blessing. In fact, over 90% of parents who find out in utero that their baby has Down syndrome will go on to terminate their pregnancy.

This makes me so sad. I wish all people could know Grace, and others like her, to see how valuable and loved she is! Why are we such a 'throwaway society'? If someone does not look perfect, is too old, or their bodies don't work, we think they are of no value. However, God our Father loves and cherishes each precious life He has created.



The verses most often used to demonstrate God's value of life comes from Psalm 139:13-16. Please allow me to share them with one small change; I will insert "Grace's" name into the verses instead of "you" to show how God's Word is alive and personal:

"I praise you because Grace is fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Grace's frame was not hidden from you when she was made in the secret place. When Grace was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw her unformed body. All the days ordained for Grace were written in your book before one of them came to be."

These verses are such a comfort to a parent of a child with special needs. They can be a comfort to all of us when we are questioning our value and purpose in life. God values all life and has a plan for each and every one of us--even if we are blessed with a little "extra"....