Invisible People!

This Sunday has been really meaningful for me.  I have the privilege of sharing the same service with people with disability and to hear Emily Colson speak of her experience as a single mother with a child with autism.  There is a missing part to the "body of Christ" in the Church.  The invisible people who are forgotten by society.  People with disability faces an ongoing challenge daily.  It is not easy for them to attend Church and  it never crossed my mind about that!  What the majority of us take for granted, it is a burden to them.

Emily Colson like any newly expectant mother, was proud, and happy with anticipation for her new baby.  She later discovered that her son has autism and that life would never be the same again.  With adversity came the greatest blessings in her life.  She mentioned that God will take the toughest thing in your life and turns it into an amazing experience.  Her son, Max did just that.  He is able to cut through people's pretence. Max gave Emily the chance to experience selfless love.  She has found a special favour with God!

Instead of being at home with Max and shy away from society, Emily began to live each day as if it is the last day of her life.  She became braver, and started to bring her son Max to public venues like the grocery store, the park and gradually overcame the fear.  I like how she talks about the people they met at these venues and how they reached out in kindness to include them in the community.  Max joined the baseball league with special needs, slowly became involved in the church, and with his innocence and undivided attention to fulfilling each and every activity well, he inspired and brought out the best in people around him.

One incident of how Max inspired people was after a church service a woman approached Emily and Max, and thanked them.  She said she went to church with a huge problem in her mind, but seeing Max's joy at church, it make a huge difference in her. 

Live each day big and bold and great!

"I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me" - Philipians 4:13
I am now reading Emily Colson's book about her story called "Dancing with Max".  Pick one up and be inspired!

Anne Haywood Smith
The Bling Girl
www.annehaywood.com