Are you curious about others who are different than you? “Auggie,” a ten year old boy who was the main character with a cranial facial disorder in WONDER was smart, compassionate, funny and kind; but was deeply hurt by the bullying and dismissive behaviors of his school classmates. Their preconceived ideas blinded them to the WONDER-ful person Auggie was. We all have value. No matter one’s … [Read more...]
Be a Friend Who Shows Up When Life Is Hard
A couple years ago I sat across from a grief counselor as I shared how very angry I was at friends who weren't supporting us through a traumatic event like I thought they should. It was especially tough since my husband is a pastor who showed up for the traumatic events in their lives. She replied, "When things get hard, you're always surprised by who shows up and who doesn't." I've thought of … [Read more...]
All I Want For Christmas Is To Not Be Your Project
It’s the season of giving. As we remember a Savior who left the glory and comfort of heaven to move into our mess, we all feel compelled to celebrate with charity and extra acts of kindness. At no other time of year is a dark and hurting world more receptive to the hope of Jesus that we joyously pour out of ourselves. Yet, there’s something more behind this perennial philanthropy that eats at … [Read more...]
WHY DOESN’T SHE PLAY WITH KIDS HER OWN AGE?
Isolation. Rarely is the bone-aching pain of special needs so completely summed up in one word. The word conjures up images of life going on while the unpopular and unfit are left behind; the loneliness of hours upon hours dragging on with no phone calls, no visits from friends, no invitations from others come to mind; being marginalized, ignored, treated as an annoyance, or unlovable by everyone … [Read more...]
4 Powerful Questions For The Hurting Soul
Why didn't you TELL me? How many times do we find ourselves in the shock of another person's crisis, only to find that things have been quite bad for a long time? A serious surgery is suddenly scheduled with the possibility of great peril. A child commits suicide. A family's home is in foreclosure. At times like these, those of us around the victims find ourselves grossly inadequate, … [Read more...]
About Friendship
Every time my cell rings and I notice the call comes from school, there is part of me that wants to jump into panic mode. Did my daughter with cerebral palsy get hurt? Did my daughter with Down syndrome- who is a runner – get lost? Should I be getting in the car and start driving while I answer the call? The reality is, most of the time our calls go like this: “Mrs. Stumbo, just calling to … [Read more...]