When we are scared…He is there
When I first began teaching more than forty years ago, my assignment was an elementary physical education teacher. Fresh out of college, I had a lot to learn and I admit to being nervous. Probably the most important lesson I learned is…when we are scared He is there.
When we are scared…He is there.
Our Lord Jesus has a special love for children.
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked him. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:13-14, NIV*)
Jesus has a special love for those whose abilities and needs may be different from most of the population.
Healing of a blind man–John 9:1-33
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so the works of God may be displayed in him.” (John 9:3)
Jesus healed a man of leprosy–Matthew 8:1-4
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2)
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” (Matthew 8:3)
Our Lord heals a paralyzed man–John 5:1-15
Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie–the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5: 1-6)
When the man answered in the affirmative, Jesus healed him and the man stood and walked.
Jesus knows when we are scared. He knows when we are in need. Our Lord answers our call for help.
In those early years of my teaching career, I was not knowledgeable of appropriate instructional strategies to teach children with special needs. When a young girl entered kindergarten, whose genetic condition at birth necessitated the use of a wheel chair, I was scared.
What if I do something wrong? I’m afraid I might injure her through my ignorance.
But I didn’t. Our Lord answered my call for help. I studied. I attended workshops and conferences and learned how to create activities appropriate for her abilities.
From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed Through Down Syndrome
More than thirty years ago, Jeff and Annie Yorty were blessed with the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Alyssa was born with Down syndrome. As a new mother and a woman of faith, Annie called on Jesus to help her through this unexpected challenge. Jesus answered her call and joined her through the scary times and stayed with her on the often painful, but always rewarding, journey to joy and bliss.
This tender and poignant memoir will gift you with tears and laughter and guide you to a better understanding of the heartbreak and joy families with children of differing and special abilities experience.
Jesus loves each of us, His willingness to die on the cross for us proves that. But I believe Jesus loves our children and adults with special abilities even more. I hope you will read From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed Through Down Syndrome. Not only will you gain knowledge to better understand children and adults with special needs, you will receive a blessing of faith and love from this heartwarming book.
Amazon link to order From Ignorance to Bliss
Barnes ad Noble link for From Ignorance to Bliss
*All scripture is from the NIV
Katherine, you have touched me today. Thank you for your kind words. Even more, I love your heart. As a scared newbie teacher, you went the extra mile to advocate for the needs of the child with differences. That attitude is admirable. I bet you were one of those teachers kids remembered long after they left school. Blessings to you!
Thank you, Annie. I hope I was a good and lasting influence on my students. I pray for my college students as they are now out into the world impacting our children on a daily basis. As you and your family experienced, a teacher can change the lives of the students he/she teaches–both in positive and negative ways. I pray that all teachers will realize the impact they have on students and will strive to seek our Father’s guidance each day of their journey as they touch the lives of their students. I pray we can always be a good influence for our children and students. We all have a responsibility in participating in the growth and development of our children, whether we are parents or teachers. We all are part of the “village” that influences our children’s development.
Wonderful account of Annie’s book, Katherine. Thanks and God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. From Ignorance to Bliss is a wonderful book and I’m so glad I am able to share about it in this week’s blog. Thank you for stopping by. Wishing you a blessed week.
I can relate to your post in many ways. I often served as an inclusion classroom for special needs kids. Partnering with their compassionate and knowledgeable teachers taught me much.
I am enjoying Annie’s book so much.
We have so many dedicated and caring teachers that love their students. Like you, I was blessed to have many mentors and colleagues who helped me on the journey. Thank you for your dedication and commitment–I know you were a loving and compassionate teacher. Blessings!
Annie shares a beautiful story that can encourage all of us, not just parents of children with disabilities. Jesus loves the little children, and the big ones too!
I agree completely, Barbara. Annie reminds us that we all can make a difference in the lives of those with special abilities and Jesus is the perfect role model. Thank for adding the reminder of our Lord’s great love for us. Wishing you a blessed week.
Amen Ms. Katherine. I remember when I first started with Special Olympics those many years ago now. I was so afraid of hurting them while coaching, or hugging them too hard at the finish line, etc. Having had special-abilitied members of my own family helped to prepare me for those opportunities to love on those young people, but I’ll always remember the little lady with Down Syndrome who asked me to dance after the Spring Games in Tampa, FL. I proudly accepted, but when she grabbed hold and pulled me close to her, and HELD me there captive, I realized how strong and durable these kids were. LOL This ex-Army Ranger had to work to extricate himself from her grasp. We finished the dance at a more respectful distance, but I’ll always remember that smile. Not sure who’s was bigger.
You gifted me with a smile, J.D. I can just picture you dancing with the young lady and seeing sunshine and joy on your faces. Thank you for sharing that uplifting message and for helping with Special Olympics. It’s such a wonderful organization that does so much for our children and adults with special abilities. Wishing you and your Cross-Dubya family a wonderful week.
God has proven to me over and over again the he’s there when I’m scared. We never know what uncharted territory we will be forced to travel, but He’s doesn’t let us do it alone.
I’m with you, Terri–God has shown me over and over that He is faithful and trustworthy. He’s with us in the uncharted territory. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I hope your week is filled with joy and blessings.
It is such an amazing thing when I feel God comfort my fears and He doesn’t judge me for them. We are blessed and thanks for the encouraging story from Annie’s book Katherine
He is our Counselor, Comforter, our loving and forgiving Father. We are so blessed. Wishing you joy and blessings, Yvonne.
“Jesus knows when we are scared. He knows when we are in need. Our Lord answers our call for help.” This is so true! Katherine, I was also super scared when I began teaching. I shook like a leaf for the first few weeks of student teaching. Thankfully, in God’s grace, I found I loved teaching, and He put me with a partner teacher my first year, who mentored me with great patience. God knew just what I needed!
I was super scared as a beginning teacher, too. Even as a veteran teacher, I’d still get a set of tummy jitters at the start of a new year. Keeps us on our toes, I think, to be a little nervous and we make plans for good preparation. Like you, Kathy, I’m so grateful for those wonderful mentors. Such a blessing! You are right, God sends us what we need. Happy Easter!