When Shauna arrived at the doctor’s office for her four-month ultrasound, the question on her mind was what color to paint the nursery. But after an unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome, she and her husband left with more questions than answers. “I pinched myself. I literally pinched myself. The one and only time I’ve done that in my life. Because it was so surreal. This is Continue Reading
He's my dad, not a disability. Those words have been rattling in my brain this March, the month in which my father died 22 years ago. My thoughts have moved beyond the deep, personal grief I felt in 1997. Now my wish is to describe Harlan Stratton who, along with Jesus, shaped my perception of who people truly are. Harlan Stratton loved his wife. He picked out her Continue Reading
One of the places where families impacted by disability should feel most welcomed is at church. But when it comes to building an inclusive environment, people and churches often struggle with where to begin. Today on the Joni and Friends Ministry podcast, Crystal talks with two ministry experts, Liz Babbitt and Lauren Garner, who discuss what it means to really welcome Continue Reading
I feel lonely today. Do you? I know I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by people who love me and would jump to my rescue if I told them I was in need. More than that, I know my Savior never leaves me nor forsakes me. But I feel lonely and I can’t shake it. Like mixing one part depression with two parts weariness and heartache, a pinch or two of memories thrown in for good Continue Reading
Geometry was never a fun subject for me. I struggled horribly to understand the concepts presented in class, and I remember saying to myself in high school… why do I have to know this stuff? Points, lines, planes, shapes, angles…ahhh! This information seems so irrelevant to my life and my future. I really hope the teacher assigns the odd questions so at least I can check my Continue Reading
