Feel sorry for me? No.
If we'd had Isabelle ten years
put her in an institution, since the
prevailing wisdom was that she
would never form attachments or
make any contribution to the world.
Today, people with Down syndrome
are actors and spokespeople and
dancers and potters and ...
calls her Bible "my church book. It
says God loves me." She will not
be ignored. She is funny, loving,
graceful, solid, stubborn,
determined, forgiving, able
to push her brothers'
buttons, frequently
frustrated and em-
barrassed by her
mother and a big fan
of One Direction. She
is a loyal friend, swims
like a mermaid, was
born to dance and believes
with all her heart that cheese and
ketchup make everything taste
better. She makes everyone work
harder than they ever have before.
And, she has an amazing way of
stealing your heart.
family and as individuals. We are
far better people now than we ever
would have been had we not been
gifted with the beautiful Isabelle
June.
Development Coordinator in
the National Christian Education
Department.
from the Adult Rehabilitation Center rushed to
women had come forward about four Sundays in a row. Most times she
sought prayer for God to change some aspect of her life or the life of her fam-
ily, but on this particular Sunday, she asked for the ultimate change. She
prayed for salvation. We prayed that prayer of salvation and she rose up
from the altar as a new creation.
you ever been to Hollister [Correctional Facility]?" "Yes," I replied. She con-
tinued, "What did you do there?" I answered, "You know what I did there."
old clothes and put on new ones, claiming a new identity in Christ.
than the uniform I used to wear. She felt confident that God had her in the
right place because, at that time, I was the only person who had seen her on
one side of her life and now on the other. Once, I had led her into the jail in
handcuffs and booked her. But on this day, I had the privilege to escort her
into God's Kingdom and a life free from bondage, free from her past--with a
clean slate, and a hope that will never perish, spoil or fade.
God has placed on her life, not just to possible officership but to a life lived
with Him. To my friend, my sister and fellow follower in Christ, I am proud
of you. Thanks and glory be to God for giving us opportunities to live and
minister in His name.