Inclusion is Belonging; a Circle and Respect

Honor all people. Love everyone.

I Peter 2:17

(this is a re-worked article that was originally posted @SnappinMinistries- Blogger)

Wouldn’t it be amazing if all people grabbed hold of this verse and lived it out on a daily basis?

[Tweet “Honor all #people. Love everyone. I Peter 2:17”]

As a parent of a child with special needs, I realize this is my longing for Bethany! I want people to honor and respect her- to love and know her for who she is- not a label or a stereotype.

I give the WOW award to the Christian Dance Drill Team in our town! Besides our church family, DAZZLERS- has possibly been the most amazing, inclusive opportunity/experience our family has ever known!

[Tweet “Run into the open arms and hearts of those inviting you into #community. #inclusion “]

When Bethany was 6, Jessica, a dance teacher from Dazzlers asked us when we were going to sign Bethany up.- Ummm- Dance? Really? On a team? Were they just being nice? I had no idea they would welcome/encourage a child with down syndrome to join a team that performed and competed.

Besties- Bethany and Amy dancing to Polar Express

Dazzlers– where Beth was treated just like everyone else– learned and danced- just like everyone else– memorized multiple routines- just like everyone else– embraced in a circle of friendship and acceptance- just like everyone else!

And oh- that wonderful circle of joining hands to pray- at the end of each practice and before each performance.

the prayer time just warms my heart!

Nine years of practices, recitals, parades, and competitions, have unfolded.

Finley and Bethany “shake” things up at the Maple Leaf Festival Parade!

And then – 9 years of inclusion culminated into a beautiful MOMENT – a few weeks ago.

We went to Bethany’s 9th Regional Dance and Drill Team Competition with Dazzlers. Each of her 4 performances were beautiful but I was aware of how much more difficult this “Junior” Level had become for Bethany.

The dance moves are faster, the jumps are higher, and the choreography more complicated. Bethany is still memorizing, performing, and enjoying each dance—-but I – (as her mom) nervously noticed each and every time Bethany would do a move a little bit ahead—– or a little bit behind her team mates. I hoped no one was upset with her for her “bobbles” that took away somewhat from the overall precision of their performance.

Last year, I had even asked Caryn (the owner/teacher) if she would ever want us to not go to the competition part because I didn’t want the team to lose out because of subtracted points.

“Cindy! We are about dancing and fun. We teach the girls to do their best for God’s glory. It’s not about awards or trophies for us – it’s about community and loving to dance. We love Bethany!”

Yep! That’s our Dazzler family! WOW. They really mean it!

Give these ladies an award for Love par excellence!

[Tweet “The #gift of #inclusion is worth more than #gold. #community”]

The WOW moment!

The judges began giving out awards.

I will remember this moment and treasure it all of my life. For as a mom of a daughter with special needs, I long for to other people to NOT see down syndrome – I want them to see Bethany -the girl God created.

The judges announce Bethany has been awarded the WOW Factor Individual Dance award. I’m crying. Jeff’s crying. And Bethany is walking up – to get her award. She turns to the crowd and holds up her award with a 1,000 watt smile.

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Her team jumped to their feet and the rest of the crowd joins in a standing ovation. I can’t stand – I’m crying too hard – my knees are shaking. We took pictures and listened as the judges talked to Bethany. One judge tells her she won the award because of her passion and joy she shows while dancing. “I couldn’t take my eyes off of you, Bethany. You’d better be back here next year!”

Bethany and Joyce, one of the judges, talk about their shared love of dancing!

God of Grace, Joyful Journey, Special Needs Parenting, Down Syndrome Love, Christian Family

Bethany & granddaughter- Finley- part of the team celebration

We finally pack it up and begin the drive home. My heart is overflowing; with thankfulness, with joy and tears. Bethany could not – would not have experienced this affirmation – this respect and development of her abilities – the joy of success and fulfillment – had it not been for the opportunity, teaching, inclusion, community, acceptance, and respect and love that Dazzlers has always offered.

Surprising Treasures: Treasure is everywhere- may the Lord give us eyes to see and courage to enter in!

Christian Familly, Down syndrome love, God of Grace, joyful journey, special needs parenting

8 comments on “Inclusion is Belonging; a Circle and Respect”

Jeff Barclay says:

February 4, 2016 at 1:54 pm

A life long memory for Bethany and all of us!

- Cindy Barclay says:
  
  February 5, 2016 at 7:01 pm
  
  A beautiful moment with many in between that I will always treasure! I love to watch Bethany dance! <3
  
Julie Garmon says:

February 5, 2016 at 1:43 pm

So beautiful, Cindy. Thank you–Truth for all of us.

xoxoxox

- Cindy Barclay says:
  
  February 5, 2016 at 7:02 pm
  
  Thanks Julie- it was an amazing day- God is so wonderful about crowning our efforts with His joy!
  
Lux G. says:

February 8, 2016 at 2:59 am

Some people only show you respect when they see you “important”. We need to be always reminded of this verse. We are all loved and deserve to be respected.

- Cindy Barclay says:
  
  February 16, 2016 at 6:23 pm
  
  Thank you for stopping by Lux! Isn’t that true! we’re all made in God’s image- the least we can do is be respectful!
  
Dawn says:

February 15, 2016 at 5:50 pm

So touching and I’m crying as I watch that video and read your story!! This is beautiful!! The Dazzlers are amazing and truly get inclusion!! And Bethany knows her moves!!

Cindy Barclay says:

February 16, 2016 at 6:25 pm

We miss seeing you Dawn! So glad you took time to stop by and comment! As you know, the weeks can be filled with so many daunting, overwhelming challenges- BUT then God goes and gives us encouragement like this! It is a day we’ll remember forever! hugs and blessings

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Inclusion is Belonging; a Circle and Respect

8 comments on “Inclusion is Belonging; a Circle and Respect”

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