“Special Needs” or Human Needs?

God created humankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27, NET)

[Tweet “God’s love is perfect- He doesn’t play favorites. #grace”]

There is no favoritism with God. His love is offered to the world and all who live in it- through the gift of His Son.

It’s not “us” and “them”.

God doesn’t see us on a human spectrum. He does not have a caste system of “better” to “the lowest.” He calls mankind His crown of creation; His masterpiece. (Psalm 8- TPT )

He just sees “us”- individually and collectively- the work of His hand; His crown of creation, made in His image, and the depth of His love was proved when He died for us so that we can be saved from sin and death.

Ever since Bethany was born God has used her humanity to teach us some wondrous truths:

• Everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made.
• We are not so much different as alike.
• Not one of us are whole, perfect, or invincible.
• ALL of us need a Savior.

When Bethany was born, we were thrust into a new world- the “land of special needs”.

Truly, that definition of “special needs” is a misnomer.

Because of an intellectual disability, (down syndrome), Bethany has different needs than our other children- but her “needs” don’t deem her “more special”.

“Special” should be a word that sets you apart in a positive way. When Bethany was born, I can’t count how many times people would come up and say, “God gave you a such special child because He knew you were such special parents.” I knew what they were trying to say, but inwardly shuddered and revolted against that word, “special.”

ALL our children are special.

Down syndrome doesn’t make her more special. She is special because she’s our child, created in God’s image but she’s just like us with less-than-perfect DNA. Linking the word “special” to Down Syndrome instead of her person-hood seems like a slap in the face considering the potential future she could be navigating because of the many challenges down syndrome proposes.

Is it “special” to:

have potential heart problems,

a higher risk for childhood leukemia,

learning challenges,

inclusion battles,

possible speech impediments,

hearing difficulties,

and an increased chance of Alzheimer’s at an earlier age?

Is it “special” to have to fight for:

an inclusive education,

opportunities for meaningful employment,

a fair wage,

friends,

or understanding and respect as a person?

Which brings me full circle and prompts this question:

Are these “special needs” or basic human needs?

Everyone has special needs. Everyone is challenged. Everyone is disabled. Every one is human! (despite that Peter Sanger wants to label the disabled as “sub”human!)

[Tweet “No one has special needs, just human needs. #notSpecialNeeds”]

Instead of labeling our challenges as special needs, maybe we should just label them as “human needs”.

Our human needs are as varied as there are stars in the heaven.

Individual and distinct.

The Good News is there is One who loves and accepts us in all our brokenness but who loves us too much to leave us there. Our Father in Heaven is in the redemption and restoration business. He’s committed to meeting each and every one of our human needs through Jesus Christ.

Our human needs will be one day be fully met and satisfied in Jesus Christ. In His presence we will know fullness of joy and perfect shalom — mind, body, and spirit. Now that, THAT will be really special!

Prayer: Father God, Help us have eyes to see the needs and challenges each and every person faces. Help us respect and give dignity to each person, compassion and truth. And when we see needs that are greater than our own, help us understand and offer compassion and help.

Surprising Treasure: Everyone has worth and value in our Father’s eyes:

Why do you bother with puny, mortal man
Why are you infatuated with Adam’s sons?

Yet what honor you have given to men,
created only a little lower than Elohim,^d]
crowned like kings and queens^e] with glory and magnificence. Psalm 8:5,6

Christian family, down syndrome, God of Grace, joy in the journey

2 comments on ““Special Needs” or Human Needs?”

Jeffrey Barclay says:

September 15, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Yes, Cindy, everyone is special. It seems we humans can only live out that truth in streaks. Then we forget. Words like your’s pull us back and remind everyone to be human again. We are all His image-bearers. I love you so much! Profound, almost prophetic words!

- Cindy Barclay says:
  
  September 15, 2018 at 12:53 pm
  
  I can’t count how many times, I’ve prayed that people could just see “Bethany”. Not down syndrome. Not someone who was “slow”. Not someone who looked and acted “different”. It takes time and intentionality to discover every person is a person and is worthy of love and respect. She makes me more aware of this- and motivates me to discover the treasure that lies within each person.

God's Surprising Treasures

2 comments on ““Special Needs” or Human Needs?”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

What is God’s Surprising Treasures?