My son, Grant, has Fragile X Syndrome. Among many symptoms, he has a low IQ. He is young, but currently he is testing at around 75. That means he is mentally impaired. It has been nearly a year since his diagnoses and I still cannot say those words without choking up and fighting back tears.
Mixed in with those hot tears is the desperate hope that others will see my son as I see him.
Grant was designed and woven together by the Creator.
My husband and I chose Grant's name because we liked how it sounded, but later during my pregnancy I read Job 10:11-12 and it was established as our meaning for Grant's name.
You
clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and
sinews.
You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.
Job 10:11-12 ESV
You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.
Job 10:11-12 ESV
Grant is a gift, a treasure. He has been granted to us to love, instruct, and point towards Christ.
Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.
Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.
I am here - Grant is here - to tell you that every life is worth keeping.
In God's eyes, every life has purpose.
Please take a few minutes to meet Gianna Jessen:
In God's eyes, every life has purpose.
Please take a few minutes to meet Gianna Jessen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPF1FhCMPuQ
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 ESV
My son Charlie has Fragile X syndrome too and is classed as having a learning disability, yet he has taught me more about life, patience, humanity and love, and about myself and my husband than I could have imagined. He has made us all better people and has touched the lives of everyone he meets with his innocence and joyful nature. He is indeed a gift and we are lucky to have been chosen to share him with the world.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I remember the day Lydia told me about Grant's diagnosis. The one thought that passed through my mind was how very loved he is. From the Father, from his earthly parents, and from so many others. Thank you for bringing this beautiful word and testimonies. I shared with the P31 commmunity.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Zoe: I couldn't have said it better myself!
ReplyDeleteSam: Thank you. I am learning so much through Grant. Thank you for sharing our story for God's glory.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Gianna has a powerful message, thank you for bringing her to us. Her story is one of triumph, to God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteThey are all a treasure.
ReplyDeleteThis was so wonderful. My son's middle name is Grant. My son has fragile x and I wouldn't want it any other way. He is the joy of my life. I have learned a lot because of fragile x. It is the thing that has helped me get closer to Christ.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne: I first read Gianna's story when I was in high school - it was very convicting and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMama_Ashley: Exactly. ALL children are a treasure from God (born and unborn).
Karen: What a wonderful name. :) While both of my boys bring so much joy to my life, I feel compelled to "loudly" stand up for my son who has no voice and for others who cannot defend themselves.