Guest blogger Ellen Stumbo shares a different perspective about special needs today. Rather than posting about parenting, she writes about how important people with special needs are at the church her family attends. Maybe her words will provide the perspective you need today, too.
Our Church Needs Brody
“We have a small church with good people and big hearts.”
Andy and I heard this statement when we first candidated at Orchard View Alliance. A sentiment that we now know to be true. Although we are only a few, I love to look around on a Sunday morning and see the faces of our new friends. I smile every time. In our church, disability is normal. Much like in our own family.
Last night, we had our first AWANA meeting of the year. Andy and I are learning the ropes of this children’s ministry, and along with Sandy, we are the Sparks leaders. And every time Sandy comes to church, Brody is with her.
Brody is a young adult with cerebral palsy. He has spastic diplegia, just like our daughter Nina. His voice is high and somehow it reminds me of Urkel from Family Matters. Yet once in a while when he speaks, his voice turns deep and you hear the man in Brody. Brody’s walk cannot hide the typical gait of CP, yet his servant heart does not stop him from carrying chairs around a room to make sure we all have a place to sit.
As we worked on memorizing John 3:16, Brody listened and participated intently along with the rest of the kids. One by one the children chose to go to the front of the room and try reciting the verse along with the hand motions we made up. After the kids had their turn, Brody asked to have a turn too.
Brody, a 20-something man in front of a room with kindergarten kids. He did the hand motions, he said most of the words. I looked at Sandy, and I knew she was proud. Brody has become like one of her own kids. I then looked at the rest of the kids. It is beautiful when you see children look past disability. There is something touching when you realize that they are not affected by the prejudice of our society. Brody is just Brody, and they too, were proud of him.
Our church needs Brody.
Every church, every ministry would be blessed with the Brodys of this world. Yet, there are so many parents of kids with special needs that do not feel welcome at church. So many adults with disabilities that wonder if they will fit in.
But not last night, not Brody.
Brody’s light extends beyond our AWANA nights. Brody, who by this world’s standards might seem broken, is spreading God’s word and shining his light. Brody is determined to share this verse with everyone he knows. Everyone. A few days ago, one of Brody’s care givers asked Sandy to please write down the verse Brody was trying to recite, so she can help him memorize and practice the hand motions. Brody meets with his friends, and he has something to teach them, a verse he learned at church. Brody gathers with his family, and he makes sure they all listen to John 3:16. The word of God, His promise, His sacrifice, shared by a young man that some might believe has little to contribute to society.
Brody’s light is shining. He is sharing the message. People are listening. His contribution might just be one of eternal relevance, and I just picture Brody standing before God when he hears, “Well done!” It humbles me. I have much to learn from Brody.
Our church needs Brody. Does yours?
Does Your Church Have a Brody?
Oops! Sorry I didn’t mention you might need a tissue while reading Ellen’s post. Once you dry your eyes and blow your nose, feel free to leave a comment about the Brody in your church. What is your Brody teaching you? Why does your church need Brody?
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Hi Dianne,
What a lovely acrostic. Thanks for sharing it with everyone at DifferentDream.com. From what you wrote, your family members were pioneers in special needs ministries. I’d love to hear more about it.
Jolene
Hi Dianne,
What a lovely acrostic. Thanks for sharing it with everyone at DifferentDream.com. From what you wrote, your family members were pioneers in special needs ministries. I’d love to hear more about it.
Jolene
I love this! We were members of a church in Florida for 20 years (and our son Jason was born 16 years ago). Our church embraced Jason, as yours has Brody. Jason paved the way for PURE Ministries to start at our church, because the church needed Jason! PURE Ministries mission is to assist churches in finding ways to minister to PURE people and their families through respite care and outreach. God bless you!
PURE
P – Perfectly created by a loving sovereign God, designed for His purposes
U – Unique in his or her own gifts, blessings, talents, desires, and contributions
R – Receptive and responsive to our communication, touch and acts of love
E – Eternal: there are no disabled souls
I love this! We were members of a church in Florida for 20 years (and our son Jason was born 16 years ago). Our church embraced Jason, as yours has Brody. Jason paved the way for PURE Ministries to start at our church, because the church needed Jason! PURE Ministries mission is to assist churches in finding ways to minister to PURE people and their families through respite care and outreach. God bless you!
PURE
P – Perfectly created by a loving sovereign God, designed for His purposes
U – Unique in his or her own gifts, blessings, talents, desires, and contributions
R – Receptive and responsive to our communication, touch and acts of love
E – Eternal: there are no disabled souls
Michael,
You’re right. Much work remains to be done to help churches understand how to be more welcoming. That’s our job, right?
Jolene
Michael,
You’re right. Much work remains to be done to help churches understand how to be more welcoming. That’s our job, right?
Jolene
Thank you all for your feedback! Michael, I think you are right, I think the church needs to “wake up” and recognize that there is a people group within us that has not been reached out to. Some churches are beginning to see this, some of them need our help. What I ask myself is, “What I can personally do to bring change? Am I willing to offer my time and talents to see things change?”
Thank you all for your feedback! Michael, I think you are right, I think the church needs to “wake up” and recognize that there is a people group within us that has not been reached out to. Some churches are beginning to see this, some of them need our help. What I ask myself is, “What I can personally do to bring change? Am I willing to offer my time and talents to see things change?”
Every church could have a Brody if more of them were willing to open their doors…and their hearts…to those that are perceived as being “different.”
I love the Church so I’m not bashing it. Just saying that we don’t have enough of them who are as welcoming as they should be.
Every church could have a Brody if more of them were willing to open their doors…and their hearts…to those that are perceived as being “different.”
I love the Church so I’m not bashing it. Just saying that we don’t have enough of them who are as welcoming as they should be.
My special son’s name is Brody too. This blog was very special and real for. Brody did bring many smiles to church when he was able to attend. His health keeps him home now as he is not able to attend any more. God puts his angels where they need to be for the biggest impact. Thank God for His special angels.
My special son’s name is Brody too. This blog was very special and real for. Brody did bring many smiles to church when he was able to attend. His health keeps him home now as he is not able to attend any more. God puts his angels where they need to be for the biggest impact. Thank God for His special angels.
This was a very moving post that brought tears to my eyes as it ministered to my heart. Thanks for sharing.
This was a very moving post that brought tears to my eyes as it ministered to my heart. Thanks for sharing.
That is beautiful. I love it!
That is beautiful. I love it!
“Eternal relevance”….yes, I think that says it all!
Love it, Ellen
Amy
“Eternal relevance”….yes, I think that says it all!
Love it, Ellen
Amy