Removing the Blind Side

by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Family traditions stay with us for life. One of our favorites was to go to the movies on Thanksgiving evening. I remember seeing Rain Man, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Apollo 13, and The Fugitive, among others. In 2009, we saw The Blind Side, a truthful account of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and a first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. The family persistently and passionately determined to awaken within Michael this one truth: he was of priceless value and his value didn’t depend on his behavior. Their love scared him and yet softened his soul, transforming this street-smart survivor into a generous, talented football hero.

The same principle can be true of us. When we believe our lives have no value, we often revert to old habits of thinking and behaving, which usually cause us to run from or deny Christ’s unabashed love for us. It’s easy to become blinded to the truth. You and I cannot earn or behave well enough to gain the gift of God’s gracious love. One of the most magnificent moments I’ve had with my son happened when I realized my love for Jon would never compare to Christ’s love for me. Jon can’t behave in a way to earn my love, nor would I base my love for him on what he can do. I love him simply because he is. And that’s how God feels about you and about me. Isn’t that amazing grace, a sound so sweet it melts our hardened souls?

As we embark on this new year, may God remind you and me over and over and over that God’s unimaginable, unending, abounding love embraces each of us. It doesn’t matter what you can or can’t do. You are loved for being you. What a wonderful truth to embrace.

Comments

[Natalie]

I am so thankful to have found this blog. There are so many support groups out there for special needs parents.. But there is nothing more comforting than knowing that God made them just the way they are and that he loves them even more then we as parents do and that He shares in our hurts and our victories on this journey of being 'special" parents. Yes, sometimes we can feel very alone, but, we are never alone and God has given us these children for His glory. We just have to be willing to seek Him to help guide us so we don't miss what He's trying to teach us. I don't think any support group can truly give us any lasting peace like one with God at the center of it. So, thank you for this ministry!

[Colleen Thompson]

Paul the apostle said so often, "Praise be to God"...it is difficult to find God's truth and a spiritual source of help and hope to those in need. Such wonderful things are available via the net, support groups, and public helps; yet I could have never made it this far without the Lord as my foundation. It sounds like we speak the same language. What a delight!! Also, please connect with us on the Special Needs Face book page. (the link is on my page and on IFL's main page). I hope do find a group of amazing people on our page; it is filled with richness. Colleen