“God is with you and for you.” That line comes directly from our time at Hope Heals Camp in the summer, when campers make the sign of the cross on one another’s hands and repeat those words.
“God is with you and for you” always brings me to tears because it speaks so simply and deeply to the truth our souls long to hear.
I recently asked Penny, “What would you want a new parent of a child with Down syndrome to know?”
Penny said, “You may be afraid of not knowing what to do, but, in reality, you don’t need to be afraid… because God is with you and for you.”
I love that she carries those words with her and offers them to new parents.
A few weeks ago, I asked Penny to answer some questions related to Down Syndrome Awareness month. They give me a window into her thought process, and I love the truths she expresses about what is good and hard about her life:
Penny’s Thoughts on Down Syndrome Awareness Month
What would you want a new parent of a child with Down syndrome to know?
You may be afraid of not knowing what to do, but, in reality, you don’t need to be afraid.
If you are afraid you let your emotions overpower, but you don’t need to be afraid because God is with you and for you.
You may wonder why this is a gift, but it’s a gift because this child is special.
My parents specifically have thought, “She is a gift.” Also, did anyone know that there is a book out there called A Good and Perfect Gift? It’s all about me and my journey.
My brother and sister’s lives would not be the same without me. I think they feel connected to me more by supporting me in everything I do.
What would you want a parent of a teenager with Down syndrome to know?
Their life is in a good place and is special.
It may be harder to make friends. It may mean they need more time on schoolwork. Parents can support or help in these areas by taking their time explaining the process of each of the above areas.
They can support your hopes and dreams by encouraging you to try some new things that may be outside of their comfort zone.
They can support you by teaching their kids not to be overprotective so they can do the same.
What would you want teenagers who don’t have Down syndrome to know?
Act kindly to the person who has Down syndrome.
Accept them into your life even if you don’t want to. Other teenagers can do more to welcome you by letting the person with the disability join into the group or conversation.
They should know that you want to be included and your opinion matters.
What are some of the things that make your life good?
I have a good amount of friends.
I enjoy being a positive person and writing encouraging notes.
I care for others by being there for them within a hard time.
I enjoy spending time with my brother who we don’t see very often.
What are some things that make your life hard?
Changing plans.
Putting off watch parties for a while.
Not always being included, especially in conversations.
Stop and think before acting/reacting. I tend to skip the stop and think and act right away.
God is with you and for you.
One of my favorite nuggets of Penny’s words here is when she says, “God is with you and for you.”
So I will conclude this note with those words, and with hope and a prayer that the truth they contain might connect with the deepest part of who you are: “You don’t need to be afraid because God is with you and for you.”
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MORE WITH AMY JULIA:
- Free Resource: 5 Things I Wish I’d Known When Our Daughter Was Diagnosed With Down Syndrome
- Workshop: Reimagining Family Life with Disability
- FREE RESOURCE: 10 Way to Move Toward a Good Future (especially for families affected by disability)
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