Monday, August 13, 2012

Heaven's Very Speacial Child

Photo from National Down Syndrome Society

I work at a creative arts center (read more about the Cooper Center here or follow them on Facebook) for people with people who have disabilities teaching language arts and art.  One day for my cultural reading class we read poems by and able people with disabilities.  One of the girls with Down Syndrome fell in love with this one titled "Heaven's Very Special Child."  She even made me print a copy for her to take home.

Just thought I would share the joy.

Heaven's Very Speacial Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth!
It's time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the LORD above,
This Special Child will need much love.

His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.

He may not run or laugh or play,
His thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he won't adapt,
And he'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where he's sent,
 We want his life to be content.
Please LORD, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play,
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.


by Edna Massionilla December 1981 The Optomist- newsletter for PROUD Parents Regional Outreach for Understanding Down's Inc.

If you are more of an art fan be sure to check out my social justice art blog and my Facebook Art page.  I am in the process of creating a series of posters dealing with the fascinating history of people with disabilities.

And I would like to remind you that just because a poem or song talks about heaven, that it is not necesarily Christian. If you are curious about ministries working with youth with disabilities, one of my favoirte is Caparnaum.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Stories

I found this post about getting to know people's stories on Donald Miller's blog. 

Talking to people about their life is one of the best ways to get to know someone.  This article offers some great ideas for questions to ask to help you dig a little deeper than basic small talk.

Next time you are at church, a party, or just hanging out with friends ask some deep questions.