The Placement of a Single Word is So Important

Have you ever noticed how the placement of a word in a sentence dramatically changes the meaning?  For instance, recently I heard a speaker inviting people to “a large men’s bible study.”  Being a large man myself, I wondered if there would be supersized snacks, to help us maintain our physical largess.  But no, the speaker had simply misspoken.  It was the study that would be large, not the individual participants.

While this is a silly example, there are more serious examples that take place every day.  For instance, I’ll often hear people refer to my daughter Gabby as a “special needs child.”  This may seem like a really small thing, mere semantics to those who are not in some was associated with such a child.  But it is far more important than that.  You see, Gabby is first and foremost a child.  What defines her, what makes her special, is that she was created by God, in His image, and placed in this world for such a time and place as this.  This ridiculously cute 4 year old is just like any other child in most regards – she laughs, cries, has feelings, experiences delight, experiences frustrations, throws tantrums, sings, dances, throws, helps dress herself, entertains us, says the alphabet, recognizes her numbers, and has her mom and dad wrapped around her little finger.  Yes, she also has Down Syndrome, and that certainly impacts her.  But it doesn’t define her.

You may be thinking, “While that’s true, is this whole distinction really important?  Does it really matter whether I say “special needs child” or “Down Syndrome child” rather than “child with special needs” or “Child with Down Syndrome?”  Believe it or not, it makes a huge difference to me as a parent, and her as a person.  Let me explain.  Our job as parents is to help Gabby to learn about and fall in love with God, then to become well adjusted and socialized into the world as a contributing member of society.

Believe it or not, the greatest obstacle she has is not the Down Syndrome.  Really.  Today, individuals with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational aspects of our communities. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. For example, more teens and adults with Down syndrome each year are graduating from high school, going to college, finding employment and living independently.  The opportunities currently available to Gabby have never been greater.

The greatest obstacle she faces in realizing that potential is the limitations others will place on her, without any malice whatsoever.  They will be well-meaning in their desire to shield her from painful failure, but in doing so will box her into a life that falls so short of her ultimate capabilities.  I believe in her.  I believe in her future.  I believe that she will love God, accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and even advance His Kingdom.  Look into her eyes.  Look past the tell-tale eye-lids and into her eyes.  She’s in there – a whole person – alive and well.  She’s going to change the world.

Yes, she is a special child.