Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

By, Melody Moses

"I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

Recently, I read a blog post by a dear godly lady whose son has “special needs”. I have another friend who has a son with “special needs” who can’t communicate with her except to respond to her love and tenderness with him. I work with a godly man in my ministry whose daughter has “special needs”.

It made think about that label “special needs”. First, I overheard the father of the little girl answering someone’s inquiry about his family. He clearly said, “We have three boys and a little girl.” He said nothing about the fact that she has Down’s Syndrome because her father he loves her and that’s not what defines her place in their family!

I have had this verse on my mind all day - the term “special needs”. Truthfully, all moms have children with “special needs”. Sometimes those “needs” are visible. Sometimes those “needs” require a lot of specialized care, equipment, medications, etc.

Sometimes those “needs” do not surface until our children go to school and we see them struggle with academics, socializing, physical issues, etc. Sometimes those “needs” surface when our children are out on their own and must stand on their own two feet and make their own decisions and they fail.

The purpose of this post is not in any way meant to downplay the role of those precious care givers who have long days and longer nights of dealing with “special needs” most of us can never imagine. But what has been on my heart so very much is this verse - Psalm 139:14. God makes no mistakes. He fearfully and wonderfully made those children, just like he made all children – individually – for His purpose – for His glory.

As moms and grandmoms, we need to encourage one another. We need to make sure we cheer each other on for little victories. Sometimes we avoid those moms whose children are different than ours because we don’t know what to say or how to act around them. I would imagine they like to talk about their children just like I like to talk about mine – their milestones may be different, but the Bible tells us to “rejoice with them that do rejoice”.

Don’t avoid asking how things are going and pray – genuinely pray –for your sister in Christ and the journey she is on. Let her know you are praying. Knowing someone is not just saying they are praying for me but actually praying and asks how things are going – checks periodically on progress means so very much!

When appropriate, praise her children – even if they don’t understand you. Tell them they look nice – or compliment their smile – or just give them a hug. You know how much you appreciate it when people encourage your children. These children are no different and I have seen it make a momma smile to see her child treated “normal”.

Again, if it’s appropriate, encourage your children to interact with special needs children. They enjoy having friends just like your children do and your children will learn so much from them. I know a young lady who had a friend who had cerebral palsy and often she would go to her house or make sure she was invited to a birthday party. Don’t isolate these children because they are different. You never know the impact interaction with these children will make on your own children. This same young lady now works in a Sunday School class where there is a special needs little girl, and she enjoys encouraging her when she follows directions regarding simple tasks that many of the other children have mastered.

Bottom line – we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Therefore, we ought to love one another. God did not make a mistake in allowing a child to be born with a health issue. God is still a good God even when there are “special needs”.

The verse says “marvellous are they works” – even in what the world calls “defects” God’s handiwork is evident in so many ways.

Next time you see a child with “special needs” – remember they are fearfully and wonderfully made – marvelous are His works – and that your soul will know right well!