From Silence to Shakespeare

Often, I am astonished at the 2000 plus Facebook friends I have. I wish I could credit this to my charming personality, but my crazy array of friends from far away as Bangladesh are all because of a 14 year old young boy and his AMAZING story.

My second son, Joshua, was diagnosed with severe autism at 2.5 years old. He is a living breathing miracle, and the sole reason I will never doubt the power of a good prayer. His diagnosis was a stinging verdict in a cold medical office as Josh rolled around silently on the floor.


Afterwards, A small piece of paper slid into my hand. On the paper was a referral to a psychiatrist for me because, supposedly, the road ahead would inevitably cause me to, “lose my mind,” the neurologist admitted in not so many words.

I left the office shell-shocked.
I knew the symphony of issues my little toddler had were serious.
I will never forget that day. I remember driving home, tears streaming down my face as I prayed.

In that moment I heard a still small voice say, “Celebrate small victories.”

Josh was a runner, a silent runner, who could not answer to his own name. I had 110dcb alarms on all my doors, and while he couldn't utter a word, he could amazingly evade every lock and alarm in the house.

Just taking a shower was an Olympic event. He also felt no pain, and therefore, had to be constantly watched.

He nearly drowned during a park outing, and once was even brought home after a ride in a police car, lost and unable to identify himself.

Eventually, in my desperation, I found a community of doctors, nutritionists and parents optimistically looking for answers. Year after year, an amazing thing happened: God began to heal my son.

It wasn't an overnight miracle, it was step upon step and victory upon victory.
So many times when I came to the end of myself, God was there.

We began to see Josh heal, each new treatment or supplement we prayed about working, never having to resport to scary drugs.

We watched as he slowly regenerated back into a happy boy. One day, I felt Josh's hand in mine, and I looked down as he said, “Hey Mom! I can talk to you now!”

But it didn't end there. One day, as his sister was being baptized he asked, “Mom what's baptism?” As I explained he then tore off his shirt and ran to the lake so that he could, too, be baptized.

Since then, Josh has found his niche… acting. Yeah, I know that's how God works, the silent kid is the one that ends up performing Shakespeare.

God, our tender Father, knows our sorrow when life doesn't exactly turn out perfect, and He is there.

He comforted me as I cried buckets of tears, as the mom of a special needs child.

Dear friend, if you are challenged with a struggling child, be encouraged today-- believe in miracles.

Sometimes when our children are saddled with a diagnosis, that peak seems too high to summit. But be assured- nothing is too big for God to tackle. The same God that poured out his love on the cross is big enough to handle your mountain.

Each one of us has a cross to bear, so pray with me today, and give that cross over to the one with experience at carrying it. His burden is light. He will see you through.

Word of the Day:
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14

Prayer:
Father, carry me today. Sometimes my situation seems bigger than I can handle. In the darkest of nights when I wonder if I can make it through with my child, help me to remember that you love my children even more than I do. Help me to lean on and trust in you, even when I can't see the end of this thing. I know you are with me now just help me in my weakness to feel strong. Let my children see me trusting in you to guide us. Help me to believe and hope in the good that is to come.  When your hand is in things, miracles happen.


Author: Karen Beauvais

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