A Much Needed Lecture

Without going into much detail, this week has been a bit challenging when it comes to all things pertaining to Evan.  I have felt angry, frustrated, sad, discriminated against, and I could keep on going.  Fortunately, I came across a link to a recent lecture given by a BYU professor that I was unable to attend in person.  I thought I would share a few excerpts from her lecture on here.  Much of what she said could really apply to anyone, but I sure feel her words were meant for me this week. 


Disability is NOT a punishment for sin. There are consequences to actions. For example, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be caused by a pregnant mother that drink alcohol during her pregnancy. However, disabilities are not given to us or those we care for to punish us. They are rare as gold. Most disabilities are not caused by the parents. Disabilities are here on earth so the Glory of God may be made manifest through those who have disabilities. It is also for us.

She talked of a family with a daughter who is non-verbal. When a PG movie is playing and she hears swear words she will scream. She is sensitive to her surroundings. Families that grow up with disabled family members are brought closer together than families without those disabilities realize. 

Joseph Fielding Smith said that “All spirits while in the pre-existence were perfect in form, having all their faculties and mental powers unimpaired...Deformities in body and mind are...physical.” (Answers to Gospel Questions.) After death the body will return to perfect form. Our disabilities are temporary. Is life not worth living if you have a handicap? Must it always be everything we want it to be in order to be happy? 


Healing
We are not always healed through our pleading prayers and priesthood blessings, but can find spiritual healing by those around us as we find the faith to endure and accept our situation.

Christ helps heal our hearts, attitudes, and emotions to help us cope with what we deal with in life.

"Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a "healing" cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are "healed" by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us." --Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, Nov 2006, 6-9

This life is just temporary! This is a spiritual experience!

Use Faith to Transform!

A child is there to bless family. Family is there to bless the child.

Christ has said that we are here to serve one another and value one another.

He has helped us more than we recognize.

Christ is the only way to "face a life of total joy." 

"Viewing Disability Through a Gospel Lens"
by Dr. Tina Dyches, BYU Professor of Counseling Psychology and Special Education.