Advocacy through Ministry

It has been a while since my last blog and things continue to go well with Harper. I believe the syndrome which most accurately describes Harper is that of being the 3rd child and all that that encompasses. She is quite the traveler as she is strapped into her car seat never knowing where her journey may end. Whether it is to dance class, for big sister Hadley, or art lessons, for big brother Hayden, or her most recent trip, to work with Mama, Harper is up for any and all adventures. I feel my motto should be: ‘Have baby, will travel’ as it certainly describes my life.

Speaking of my life, I have embarked on many adventures as well, each playing a different, yet intertwined role. I have been cast as a daughter, dancer, cheerleader, baby sitter, linguist, traveler, mother, children’s minister and most recently an advocate. With many of these roles, I not only played the starring role but I naturally transitioned into directing, keeping with the theatre metaphor. I went from doing to leading/teaching because I knew God had given me each of those talents and opportunities they brought, to ultimately use them for His glory. I went from being a cheerleader all the way to London, to being a coach and a positive role model for girls who wanted to cheer. I went from studying and living in Spain, to teacher/tutor instilling my love of the Spanish language and culture in children teaching different doesn’t mean bad. I cared for children as a teenager, in the same loving and nurturing way I care for my own children. These were all ways in which the gifts and talents God gave me were used in a manner pleasing to Him and they afforded me the opportunity to give back.

Sure as I felt God’s "official" calling for me into ministry, just last year, I feel God blessed me with Harper knowing I would embrace all that came with her and it is a mission I can not ignore. There is a beautiful verse I keep going back to: “Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act” Proverbs 24:12 God not only opened my eyes that day, He opened my heart and I felt a little like the Grinch as my heart grew three sizes that day.

There is a tremendous amount of learning and adapting I will do as Harper’s mother, but I feel it is also part of my ministry to actively support and promote awareness not only for Harper, but for all children diagnosed with Down Syndrome. There is another facet of this advocacy as well. I believe I have a responsibility to all children, to further teach acceptance and tolerance of others and that diversity is such a blessing. God designed and created us with such individuality, we must embrace our differences and I believe I can help instill that desire through awareness of Harper’s challenges.

So many times, I believe what causes fear, other than Satan, is the unknown. I believe the fear of Down syndrome and what it may mean to others is what causes fear, especially in children. Children are curious by nature and the more I can educate them about Harper, by teaching them how much they have in common with her, rather than uncommon, will be my greatest role. While I may not be Angelina Jolie, with the fame and fortune she has, I do have something greater and that is a God who is for me. If it is God’s will, He will make it happen. Whatever roads I must travel and avenues He wants me to pursue, I will do so with an open heart and open mind. It will be the greatest performance of my life and I am anxious for opening night!