Way Back When

Autism is everywhere isn't it? I almost feel trendy having it in our family. McCain's talking about it; Obama's talking about it; Hilary's talked about it; it's been on the cover of every major news magazine more than once. Perhaps we have Autism Speaks to thank for that. NPR has a score of radio shows on the topic. Just in the This I Believe syndicate show there are 19 essays that relate to autism. I am working my way through them all. And who can even count the number of autism bloggers of every color and creed?

This was not always so. When Reid was first diagnosed (1997) I called Focus on the Family, the revered support organization for Christian families. One of the most isolating moments in our journey was their lack of awareness and total dearth of resources on autism. They have since added one book by Lynn Hamilton...albeit with a disclaimer. Eleven years ago the enemy used it to make me feel as though Christian families don't experience disability which is totally false! In fact, this blog is a culminating result of that alienation and my attempt to make better (and not be bitter) the Christian community's response to what God has allowed in our life. We need help from within to address the needs of families with autism who are attempting to apply Scripture and Biblical principles to the particular life trial that autism can be. Just as much as politics, sex, and the environment, autism should not silence the church.

"I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you..." Romans 16:1-3

"...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:5-7

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4