This heart of mine....

Wow!  WOW!  I just finished watching American Idol from the Houston try outs.  The last contestant they showed was a worship leader (I liked him instantly because I knew he was my brother!).  He sang Amazing Grace (I liked him even more as that song is so tender to my heart since it was sung at Eathan's funeral and so many times is my heart cry to my Father!).  But the thing that did me in... he was born without ears!  WITHOUT EARS!  His parents were told he would never hear or talk, much less sing like he can.  As I listened to him audition, the tears welled up.  I was so moved.  I could feel Christ in him!  But then they should his daddy.  With his thick, Hispanic accent, he said, "He is the very best to me!" as he patted his heart.  While he listened to his son sing, he was moved to tears, big, enormous, almost sobbing tears.  When his son exited the audition room with his Hollywood ticket, his daddy grabbed hold of him and the embrace left no need for words.  Tears flowed from him, his son, and his wife... and I lost it.  It grabbed my heart and moved my soul. So of course.... I HAD to blog!

As most of you know, I teach those that don't learn the same as the majority.  They have special characteristics and needs that make them unique learners.  But the thing is, they ARE learners just like everyone else and so much more, they are the most amazing people on earth!  I have known since I was just a young girl, that those that are different are a blessing.  I have always been drawn to special needs of all kinds and I have always believed they are so much more than any "label" could define.  Tonight, as I watched this amazing man sing so powerfully (his story was awesome, but it wasn't just his story, but his voice was too!) while giving true praise to God, it was like I was having a celebration inside my heart! 

I needed to hug that man so much, as if we were old friends!  Why?  Because he is a true representation of what I believe about every single person with any kind of uniqueness that makes the "things of this world" a bit more challenging.  He overcame!  Yes, he had surgeries and the such, but it was his faith that he credited and I know without a doubt, that is where that magical voice came from! And I know inside of every precious child I teach or know of (or don't know of for that matter) is that same magic just waiting to find its way out. 

It may not come out in the way of reaching academics the way the standards show.  It may not come out in the way of a gifted voice.  And it may never be what was hoped for as the child began to grow in his or her mother's womb.  But... it's there... the magical touch.... in every single child struggling with challenges that seem so unfair from our vantage point. 

Tonight, as I sit here in tears, I want to write some things in honor of those that move me most... God's most special children that are gifted in their own precious uniqueness.  And I want to challenge anyone that reads this blog, please look beyond what the world defines and watch what you discover!  Never, ever, ever judge a book by it's cover!  Never ever, ever judge a child by a standard.  Look into their eyes.  See their heart.  Experience their soul, and there, you will find they are gifted beyond any of our wildest dreams!

• You will find sparkling eyes that notices the simple things in life
• You will find strength and determination that never gives up
• You will find courage and endurance to take the next step when their legs are so tired and twisted
• You will find a hug that comes from the very deepest part of a heart
• You will find acceptance of everyone... in the purest form
•  You will find lessons to be learned... and not for them, but for those who know them
• You will find beauty in ways the world will miss
• You will find a friend
• You will find joy
•  You will find laughter
• You will find creativity
• You will find humor
• You will find hope
• You will find loyalty
• You will find grace
• You will find originality
• You will find courage
• You will find ornery
• You will find fun
• You will find faith
• You will find peace
• You will find love...

We are told in the word  "But the greatest of these is love!"  I have no doubt this is most lived out through those that are anointed with uniqueness.  They are not mistakes.  They are not flawed.  They are gifted in ways the world may miss, but Christ never does. NEVER.  These are the ones, whether it is a physical or mental difference, that God has allowed to teach us what real living is all about.  I know because I teach them... and I know because I was my son's mom. 

I could write for days and it never be enough to say how my students have changed my life... how they change my life every day.  And I could write for months and years and it will never be enough to express all the ways I have been grown through Eathan's touch on my life! (oh wait!  I am already proving that since I have been writing about all that I have learned since Tuffy fell ill!) The impact of experiencing such beautiful differences has created a yearning in me for things far beyond the norm.  The norm isn't enough.  I want more.  I want unique.

My prayer, as I hope to pass this on to my children each day, is how absolutely amazing God is in His design to give our lives flavor.  My prayer is that my children, like me, will continue to be open to all people and that the Lord will give Him their eyes to see.  My prayer is that their hearts will continue to be tender and open so that I can continue to see them blessed through unexpected moments such as tonight, watching what is a very secular show! 

This song returns to me... I may have posted it before.  It doesn't matter.  It is scripture sung out and it is perfect for my overflowing heart tonight.  Maybe you have forgotten the blessings.  Are you facing cancer?  The loss of a precious loved one?  Divorce?  Depression?  Maybe it isn't you at all.  Maybe you are struggling for someone you love, wishing you could fix it for them.  Maybe you are hurting because if you could, you would take their place, but you can't... and it hurts.  I know that.  I have been there.  Oh how I would have died for Eathan.  Every day for 18 long months I would cry outwardly and even more inwardly, wishing I could take the pain for him. I have experienced his loss.  I have experienced the loss of a baby so wanted, only to find a cancerous tumor was the cause.  I have felt alone.  I have felt rejected.  But the thing I found... the thing I ALWAYS find... is in the thick of it... no truer words could be heard than Psalms 146

Listen.  Praise Him.  And celebrate the things the world finds hard because, as Lisa Terkhurst said this weekend at our Girls Night Out event. "Life's messes can either define you or REFINE you."  I believe with all of my heart, things that seem the hardest are God's greatest glory waiting to explode!  Hang in there... whatever it is.  And you just watch.  Just like this amazing man that sang so powerfully, though born without ears, God will do extraordinary things... and wash a sea of exploding love and hope as far and wide as the heart can imagine!  I just love Him!!!  And I am so blessed because He loved me first!

Listen... sing along... worship our ONE TRUE GOD!

Love You in Jesus! 

Robin