World Down Syndrome Day 2014!

     (Yikes--this is our first post at No Hands But Ours! Make sure to go check out their awesome site!!)


     Today, 3/21, is World Down Syndrome Day! (Get it? 3-21? Trisomy 21!) A day intentionally set aside to be aware of and to embrace the overwhelming BLESSING that is Down syndrome.

     Down syndrome is indeed a spectrum of special needs; some children & adults with Down syndrome are much more medically, developmentally & emotionally affected than others, but I believe DS has been wrongly labeled a disability. In fact, the more I learn about my son the more I realize that it is I that have the 'disability'.  Isaac's 'genetic aberation' allows him to see and feel and interact with people in a way that I will never be able to do; I have been crippled by selfishness, pride, ignorance & social morays. If he sees someone who is hurting, he simply hugs them. It doesn't matter if we are in the middle of Costco, that person needs a hug! And not just any person...THAT person.  Sadly, it wouldn't even cross my mind to minister to a stranger that way, especially while shopping for fifty pounds of hamburger. What crushes my ignorant heart is to see that stranger just melt in the short little arms of my sweet boy. They NEEDED that hug deeply. They were starving for the hands of my Lord to physically touch them and He did...through my child with Down syndrome. Isaac pats them on the back and looks them straight in the eyes as if to say, "it's going to be alright, you'll see. Me and Jesus love you!" It's true, Jesus does LOVE them and my son just loved on them. Do I love that stranger?  I mean, REALLY love them, like I know Jesus does...like I've been asked to by my Loving Creator? Like my son in his 'disability' seems to do so easily? The truth is no. I'm the one with the disability, and now with fifty pounds of hamburger.

      


World DS Day 2014
 

     Down syndrome is not a disease. It is not a health hazard. It is not a disability. It IS an extra chromosome of love placed PERFECTLY by our Heavenly Father with intention and purpose. Today is a day the entire world stops to acknowledge that very fact. What could we learn by letting go of our selfish, ignorant, crippled hearts  and really loved like our friends with Down syndrome do?  Would we love like Jesus? Would we be overwhelmed by the joy of the Lord like my son is? I can guarantee it'll make your trips to Costco more interesting!

 

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:35 msg

 

     For more information regarding World Down Syndrome Day events in your neighborhood, please visit: worlddownsyndromeday.org