“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
If you have followed this ministry for any length of time you know that my adult son Jay is intellectually challenged. He is the sweetest guy with a big outgoing personality. He loves college football, firefighters, and police. He was taught in school that first responders are his friends and that he should turn to them in times of need.
Today, Jay and I went to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee. As we pulled into the parking lot, he spotted a sheriff’s vehicle and became excited that one of his “brothers in blue” was inside. The deputy was sitting at a booth with a woman who was wearing a Christian t-shirt. Jay enthusiastically approached him, calling him brother and showing him a picture he carries of a police chief from a nearby small town.
The deputy nodded and let Jay chat for a bit, then I called him over to order his coffee. When Jay walked away, I watched as the deputy rolled his eyes at his companion, contempt for my son clearly readable in his body language.
I said to him, “Thank you for your kindness.” Pretty sure he thought I was going to say thank you for your service. I repeated “Thank you for your kindness.” And I could see when the light came on and he understood that I had recognized his contempt.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. At a church service, I was sitting in the stadium seats looking down at Jay as he made his way to the front where he likes to sit. A man behind me began talking about the handicapped guy who thought he was a real firefighter. He went on ridiculing my child until I turned in my seat and told him that Jay was my son. This happened IN CHURCH.
It is incredibly painful to stand by when any vulnerable person is despised. More so when that person is your child. I don’t know how to turn this into a Jesus is wonderful story. He is wonderful, but sometimes it is very hard to be here in this fallen world. Maybe we can try to not make it harder for those who do their best but their best isn’t up to our standards.
God bless you,
Susan
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
