This world is overwhelmed by fix-it plans. It will bury you in ways to be ‘normal.’ It’s ironic because—for a world that boasts inclusion—one area that is lagging far behind is the very area to which I am called: Mental Health and Special Needs awareness and acceptance. I have an itching suspicion this may be true of you, too, if you are reading this today.
Unfortunately, the Church is also severely behind in this area. This is a particularly heart-breaking fact for me. Any Christian church should be the first place on Earth to be the most loving, accepting, gifts-noticing, open place for anyone to walk through the door, just as they are. Loved instantly and helped to grow both personally and in Christ. The Church, I daresay, needs a lesson in love. If you are a special needs parent, pastor, or volunteer at your church, please listen. Let me tell you what my sweet friend shared with me at a particularly low point:
“You, much like Esther, were born in this century, in this world, for such a time as this. Your location is not happenstance. It is no coincidence you have the passion and the heart you do. ”
And much like Esther, there are souls to be lost and a very real cost to us ignoring our giftings, our callings. I think it’s important for you and me to realize commitment to our callings and gifting will not come without great sacrifice, boldness, and humility. It will also be unequivocally worth it. But how do we begin? Special needs parents and ministry leaders, this is for you all.
Wise Leadership: No one can get very far without a mentor. We need the wisdom of others to be able to grow to our potential. Carefully look for those with such wisdom. When you do find such people, be sure you weigh their advice heavily. Measure its weight in relation to your gifting and calling. Most importantly, make sure their wisdom lines up with the Word.
Radical Honesty: Inasmuch as Esther was honest about both her situation and her abilities, we must be honest as well. What do we have to give? Where has God given us influence or authority? What is scary? What will we do about the fear?
Esther’s honesty about her doubt was as powerful as her eventual action. With what are you struggling? Don’t be afraid to share your story in raw honesty. What breaks your heart? What brings you joy? How is your mental health? Be vulnerable, but use discernment. Don’t throw your pearls before swine, but don’t cover your light, either.
Deliberate Prayer: Be intentional about seeking God. Fast. Worship. Pray. There is an important component to these actions: seek others to fast, worship, and pray with you. On this journey, we absolutely need prayer warriors and faithful friends.
Photo credit: Archive.org Podcast Women of Worth, Queen Esther
Bold Requests: So, now you have sought wise counsel, been honest with yourself and others, and deliberately prayed. Now is where you boldly ask. Ask for what it is you need. Be slightly reckless—kind of like our girl Esther. Tell the school what you require of them as they teach your child. Tell your boss how to make your workplace more accessible. Tell your church leadership of your calling. Then be part of the solution.
You were created for such a time as this. God designed you with the power to change things. Ask God. Keep on asking. Stop giving in to doubt and start giving belief the power. Trust God. Pray boldly, telling Him how you really feel. Wait for Him, and expect Him to move for and through you.
There is one more piece to Esther’s story that matters: she was one of “them.” She was a Jew. She was a member of the oppressed community. No one knew until it was important. My fellow special needs mamas, daddies, family members, and you who are considered disabled: stand up! Make your voice heard. Let them see the power you have in and through Christ. There is much to be done. The church body is not complete. Even more terrifying, because we are missing these people, we may actually be a disabled Church. Let’s empower it again!
This is the time. We were made for this. And we can do all things through Him who gives us strength. Let’s move mountains!
Joanna French is the special needs pastor at Flint Hills Church, Junction City, KS. Joanna and her husband Jairmie have two boys with autism. In 2017, Joanna started Flint Hills Embrace with the goal to make Flint Hills Church a place where everyone belongs. Why? Because we all have a place in God's plan.
