Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Bitterness causes trouble for us and those around us, so allowing its roots to remain in our hearts leads to doubt and discontent.

Rather than fretting about the past or worrying about the future, receive the grace God has given to you today, and every day in the future.

Though we may sometimes find ourselves wandering away from God, He is always faithful to heal, lead and encourage us.

Jesus is the spring of Living Water, but again and again we offend God by searching for cisterns that do not hold water.

When under stress and difficulties, living outwardly demonstrates trust in the Lord, who may be working in you circumstances as a witness for other’s salvation.

When suffering seems meaningless, God gives us Himself. He is our wonderful counselor, comforter, and source of hope.

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I'm pretty excited that so many special needs parents and students, and those who are just looking for practical ways to include people with disabilities are subscribing to our Joni and Friends’ ministry Podcast right now. And if you are interested in caregiving or nursing, or if you are a Special-Ed student this podcast is for you, because this week we’re featuring Shauna Amick, my good friend, co-worker and mother of a teenager with Down syndrome. In fact, let’s tune in to the podcast right now. Let’s listen in… CRYSTAL: What are some practical ways of including people with disabilities, specifically someone with Down syndrome? SHAUNA: Well, I think that what we want to remember is that the way we include a person with a disability or a person with Down syndrome specifically is how we would include anybody. So, here’s an example: Every evening at dinner the five of us in our little family, we get together and we eat our meal together and what we’ll say every night is; who’s going to pray tonight? And sometimes it’s my husband; sometimes it’s me; sometimes it’s one of the older kids, but Sarah will often volunteer. And that’s a beautiful way of including her in the family, of letting her use her spiritual gift. And now I gotta tell you Crystal, Sarah’s pretty much nonverbal, so the only one who really understands everything she’s praying is God Himself. Every time we say “amen” I know Jesus is smiling and the whole family is smiling as well. CRYSTAL: I love that and God does know her heart. He knows exactly what’s she saying. How would you say Sarah’s been welcomed and included at church? SHAUNA: Well, I’m gonna continue and talk about prayer. If I can, if I can back up, I want to share there was one time when we went to a friend’s house for dinner and Sarah actually volunteered to pray. And although the host allowed it, at the end of the prayer he then felt like he had to pray again because surely, you know, Sarah’s prayer just wasn’t adequate. And we understood. You know, we weren’t offended, but one thing I want to share about church is a time when we were there in our small group study and I asked for someone who’d volunteer in prayer and it was a room full of adults and Sarah. And out of all the adults no one volunteered, at least not very quickly. I don’t know what the reason was, they needed more coffee, maybe they were afraid, they were intimidated—they didn’t know if their prayer was good enough. And Crystal, it was so funny because all of a sudden I saw my daughter’s face and I could tell she could not stand the silence any more. And she just hopped out of her chair; she walked to the front of that small group and she started praying. And this is kind of what it sounded like: Dear God (and then a whole slew of unintelligible words and at the very end (and passionate) “Amen.” And I looked around that little small group and everyone was so blessed. And one gentleman specifically, tears rolling down his checks, he said I’ve never heard a more beautiful prayer. And it just blessed my mother’s heart so much because not only was she included (right?) in the body of Christ, but the value of what she could bring to all the other believers was really seen through those heavenly eyes. CRYSTAL: What a beautiful testimony. Thank you so much for sharing that Shauna. JONI: Well I’m glad we could cup our ears and listen to that podcast featuring Shauna Amick given that it’s ‘World Down Syndrome Day’. I sure hope you enjoyed Shauna’s perspective as a mother. In fact, if you would like to hear more just go to joniradio.org to subscribe to our podcast. And while you’re on our radio page ask for Shauna’s booklet. Something you can give to a mother who might parent a child with Downs, or any disability. It’s all there for you at joniradio.org. By: Joni Eareckson Tada © Joni and Friends

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day! That’s right, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here with my friend and co-worker Shauna Amick, and we’re asking you to do something very fun and a little bit unusual in order to celebrate and support our friends with Down syndrome, aren’t we Shauna. SHAUNA: That’s right, Joni! Every March 21st it’s World Down Syndrome Day and we encourage people to wear brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, crazy looking pattern socks. JONI: Where does this idea come from? SHAUNA: Well, you know that the way this whole idea came up in the first place was that the folks from World Down Syndrome Day, they were looking at striped socks and they were holding them together in such a way that they actually looked like chromosome. JONI: Oh, my goodness! SHAUNA: And so when you put those pairs of socks together they were looking like the chromosomes and of course Down syndrome is caused by that one extra chromosome so they just made the connection between socks and that trisomy 21chromosome. JONI: I love it! What a great way to draw attention to Down syndrome. SHAUNA: That’s right. That’s right. And now our socks not only can draw attention to Down syndrome, but also to the gospel. JONI: It’s amazing! SHAUNA: When people ask about our socks it’s our opportunity to talk about the uniqueness of people with Down syndrome and then even to continue that conversation just the need to invite people with Down syndrome into our schools, our churches, our neighborhoods; really everywhere. So I know I’ll be wearing my silly socks to raise awareness and highlight the value and beauty of all people with Down syndrome and believe it or not – to also showcase one of my favorite Scriptures. JONI: And what’s that? SHAUNA: Well, Romans 10 verses 13 to 15 reminds us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. JONI: Oh, I love that one. SHAUNA: And it goes on to say: But how can they call on Him unless they believe in Him, and how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him; how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That’s why the Scriptures say, how beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring good news! JONI: Okay, now I get the connection between socks and the beautiful feet of people who bring good news. Very clever, Shauna. SHAUNA: Well, you know when we’re wearing those brightly colored socks, or those even mismatched socks, or how about only one sock. JONI: Extra long socks? SHAUNA: Yes, exactly! We’re gonna to attract attention, aren’t we? And people are going to start talking. They’ll be talking about Down syndrome, for sure, but also talking about Jesus and how He sees people with Down syndrome! So our fun socks then, well, they open the door to talk about the Gospel. And in that way, to anyone who’s rockin’ their crazy socks on World Down Syndrome Day, I say “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” JONI: Well, you know what? I think crazy colored socks, mismatched socks that seems to be the rage of the day anyway. So friend show off your crazy socks this World Down Syndrome Day – in support of people with Down syndrome and to tell everyone about Jesus. How about takin’a photo of you and your friends rocking your socks, (I like that, don’t you Shauna?), tagging Joni and Friends on your Facebook and Instagram posts; how about doin’ that? And we can’t wait to see your pictures and hear your stories of how the Lord used your silly socks to start a conversation about Jesus. So visit the Joni and Friends Facebook page to share today’s program. And while you’re at it, remember to visit joniradio.org and download Shauna’s story about her beautiful daughter Sarah, who has Downs. That booklet is called what, Shauna? SHAUNA: It’s called From Fear to Hope, and I’m excited for everyone to read it because I hope it encourages not only parents of children with Down syndrome, but parents of children with any disability. JONI: Okay, friends, so there you have it, be inspired, and get out your mismatched, colorful socks and rock ‘em for World Down Syndrome Day! Can’t wait to see your socks, Shauna. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends. By: Joni Eareckson Tada © Joni and Friends

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and Spring is right around the corner. And I know you’re looking forward to a change of seasons and so is my friend Shauna Amick. Shauna is the mother of a child with disabilities. Shauna, you must love Spring, a chance for the kids to get out of the house. SHAUNA: Oh, I sure do Joni, and get rid of the cabin fever and just love Spring and everything it represents – just new beginnings, new hope, new life. And as Sarah’s mother, with Down syndrome, her heart defect, and the behavioral challenges that comes with her disability, they just keep me running to Jesus and looking out for those new Spring-like perspectives. So Spring, it makes me think of the playground, and getting my spunky little girl out of the house more often and the playground actually makes me think of the love and compassion that Sarah receives from her big brother, Gideon. JONI: Okay, wait a minute. I can understand that Spring makes you think about going to the playground, but what does Gideon, a teenager, how does he fit in on the playground of all places? SHAUNA: Well, I am proud to say that Gideon embraces Sarah for who she is with a great deal of compassion. Last Spring when we all went to the playground together Gideon and I were sitting on the bench, we were just watching Sarah do her thing out on the playground, and as she made her way through the slides and the swings, just we were relaxing and enjoying the day. Well, Sarah, she started running toward a group of other kids who were there, and of course she’s running with her awkward gait and her unique style, she just wanted to engage with the other kids on the playground, but they didn’t want anything to do with her. JONI: Oh, my goodness. SHAUNA: And while they didn’t say anything hurtful, they did, they turned their backs on her and they just ran in the other direction. It was another painful reminder that living with disability can be very lonely. JONI: Well, you sittin’ there on the playground park bench lookin’ at that scene it must have broken your heart. SHAUNA: Oh, it sure did, Joni. But you know what? Before I could even do anything about it, Gideon, he stepped in, just like the Lone Ranger or Superman. He just walked right up to his little sister; he put his arm around her. He physically turned her body in the other direction and he said, “Hey, Sarah, can I push you on the swings?” Well, Sarah forgot all about those other kids and she just took off running to the swing set. And when it was time to leave the playground and head for home, Sarah put her arms around her big brother and she said, “I love you Gideon.” JONI: Wow! SHAUNA: It was the longest and clearest sentence that my little girl had ever said in her 13 years. JONI: Stop. Wait a minute. What did that do for your heart? SHAUNA: Oh, my goodness. Well, my broken heart just turned into a heart that was overflowing with joy. Sarah, in her own way, she understood the poignancy of that whole situation: the rejection of the other kids, the compassion of her big brother; the joy of being part of a family. And you know I felt like I was watching a living example of Romans 12:10 right before my eyes. JONI: Which says? SHAUNA: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” JONI: What did Gideon have to say about that whole scene? SHAUNA: What he told me is that no matter what kind of difficulties we go through as a family affected by disabilities or what kind of challenges he and Sarah go through as siblings, ‘cause let’s face it, they still have their challenges, he always wants her to know he loves her. JONI: Well, that is a demonstration of true love what happened there on the playground. And friend, that’s the kind of love Jesus has for you. No matter what kind of difficulties you’re going through, right now Jesus sees you, He loves you, He is interceding on your behalf not only in the Springtime, but at all times. And given that it’s ‘World Down Syndrome Day’ this coming Thursday, contact joniradio.org would you, and ask for Shauna’s booklet called “From Fear to Hope”. Finally, when you are on my radio page check out a great photo and Gideon and Sarah and find a way to share your own brotherly or sisterly love with someone else in need today. Right, Shauna? Shauna: Amen By: Joni Eareckson Tada © Joni and Friends

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with an interesting observation. Because every expectant parent hopes that their child will grow up to become a happy person. We dream of children who will do well in school and eventually become lawyers, doctors, responsible citizens in society, children who will join Little League or play tennis. We want kids to eventually marry and have sons and daughters of their own. And for many (and I would venture to say, for most people), the idea of a happy child also means a healthy child. But think about it: it’s pretty common to ask an expectant mother or father if, let’s say they want a boy or a girl. And the answer is usually, almost always, “You know, we don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, as long as our baby is healthy.” Of course, any parent wants a healthy baby. No loving parent wants their child to live a life of suffering; no one wants their child to bear a disability. But consider it, stop for a moment – what are we really saying? It’s like, “I’ll take the child; I don’t care about the gender or his eye color or the shape of his nose, so long as he’s healthy, that’s all that matters to me.”Listen to that line one more time: “That’s all that matters to me. I just want my child to be healthy.” What are we actually saying? Well, the underlying tone reflects what society often tells us about disabilities; that an abnormal condition, no matter how slight, is something to be feared and avoided at all costs. It’s something that creates undue hardship and, ultimately, makes the child feel like a burden. Now that is not our intention, or even how we would express it, but words matter. And the Bible is quick to remind us of it. Proverbs 18 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” I realize that most people would push back; they’d argue with me and they’d say, “Look, Joni, it’s only meant as a figure of speech.” as though words do not actually matter. But listen to this: approximately 9 out of 10 unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted, all because a parent did not want an “unhealthy” child. So when we say that “all that matters to me is that my baby will be healthy,” those words convey a fear that takes God and His sovereignty out of the equation. We gotta remember that every child is a gift from God; every child bears His image. So rather than say, “All that matters to me is my child is healthy,” perhaps it’s better to say, “Of course, we pray that our child will be healthy, but if God has other plans, we will accept that and love our baby all the same.” Maybe you’re a parent who has received the news that your child may well have Down syndrome. Or perhaps a friend is heartbroken that their newborn has a disability. If that child is unhealthy, did God make a mistake? And did God not make a mistake, if that newborn has a clean bill of health? Please remember that God formed, He knit together those chromosomes long before that baby was born. This Thursday is World Down Syndrome Day and I’d love you to learn that line: “Yes, we pray our child will be healthy; but if God has other plans, we will accept that and love our baby all the same.” It’s a good line! For more insight, visit joniradio.org today and pick up your copy of Shauna Amick’s booklet called From Fear to Hope. Shauna is the mother of a teenager with Down syndrome and she can help you love your baby with Down syndrome too. And if you can’t email us, then just write us at Joni and Friends, Post Office Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376 and we will rush off to you right away Shauna’s booklet From Fear to Hope. And one more thing, we at Joni and Friends would love to pray for you and your troubles, so share with us your prayer need today at joniandfriends.org/radio. Again that’s joniandfriends.org/radio. By: Joni Eareckson Tada © Joni and Friends