There's a saying that special needs parents hear a lot, rivaling the Holland Thing for frequency of appearance in our inbox. "God never gives you more than you can handle."
But through experience and observation of our families and others like them, we know better. Sometimes he does.
Great post. One of my favorite posters in the video that I made of parents of children with disabilities said, "God WILL give you more than you can handle and it's OK to be MAD about it."
ReplyDeleteSuch a bullshit expression --
Oddly enough I was having a Facebook conversation about that very same thing. One after another religiously minded person told me that God loves me even if I don't appreciate the challenges he gives me. My response was that if God thinks he should give my daughter a life threatening congenital defect to teach me a lesson, well, He must not be a very good god.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I came across your blog. Our son was diagnosed on Tuesday at 17 months old. I've been walking through a fog these past couple of days but love to read that it will be okay!
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to come and speak at our CHARGE syndrome conference. Many of these kidos have a near normal to normal intelligence level, but can not speak. Many start out with picture communication, then move to either sign language or an Augmentative communication devise. Your perspective as a parent of a child with special needs would benefit many parents that will be attending. I've read your book, and I really could relate to your experiences with your school districts. Here is a link if you are interested:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chargesyndrome.org/documents/2013cfp.pdf.
DeAnn
I started a program of arts education for people with special needs. We specialize in dance, music, art, and musical therapy. Does anyone know of programs like mine anywhere in the country? Please let me know!
ReplyDeletejenkinsdebra@me.com
http://www.merrimackhall.com/johnnystallings.html
http://merrimackhall.blogspot.com
The verse that is often used to support the concept that "God never gives you more than you can handle," is I Corinthians 10:13, "God is faithful, he will never let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."
ReplyDeleteBut if you look at the context, Paul is referring to temptation to sin, not dealing with life's circumstances.
That, and "God is in control," are the Christian cliches that make me want to bite someone.