The first time I met Sarah, she was eighteen. I knew from the moment I saw her that something was different about her. Her movements, her speech, her interactions; they all pointed to autism. She had come from a state up north to live with her dad, and he brought her to church. I went up and introduced myself and told her a little bit about our church. I told her that the youth had a special Bible study on Wednesday nights, and would she like to attend? She said, "I really like to make my own decisions about my life."
Alrighty then. I let it go. She was very stand offish with people, but pretty faithful to come to church. Every week I talked to her a little more, and every week she opened up a little more. I learned she loves Pokémon. A lot. I know more about Pokémon than I thought I'd ever know.
Sarah has jet black hair that is cut in a little bob, and black bangs that hang down on her forehead. It became apparent that she is concerned about her appearance, but doesn't know what to do about it. Usually she comes to church dressed in normal, everyday clothes, but one week, she came to church dressed in a pretty dress. I commented on how beautiful she looked. By her reaction I know she rarely (maybe never) hears that. She didn't know how to respond, but was so pleased by the complement. (A good reminder to tell everyone how beautiful they are!)
As I got to know Sarah better over the months, she began to open up to me about her life up north, and the struggles she deals with because of her autism. I learned that she has been through more than any child should have to deal with, and my heart grieves.
One day, I went into church to find Sarah sitting on the pew crying. I ask her what is wrong, and she tells me she is frustrated with the things she is working on in her life but cannot seem to change. She is crying so much, I feel like I need to do something. I ask her if she would like to come home with me for the afternoon. She quickly agrees. We spend the afternoon at the park. I encourage my children to talk with her and include her in their games. She is thrilled to be included. A couple weeks later, she asks me if she might go home with me again.
Sarah goes to therapy for her autism and begins to tell me what things the therapist has told her she needs to work on - things that she is supposed to practice during the week. We talk about these things, and come up with ways she can find to work on them. She works very hard.
Sarah starts sitting with me in church, especially when her family can't make it. It's better not to sit alone in church. Because of her autism, she rocks during the service. My kids really like Aaron's Thinking Putty, and always bring some to church with them. I find if I give Sarah putty to play with, she doesn't rock anymore.
Her brother comes to visit for the summer, and while he is here he decides to give his life to Jesus. Sarah wants to know more about this decision, and asks questions. I realize that although Sarah needs to know she is accepted and loved by people, that she doesn't know how much God loves her and wants her.
An older gentleman in our church calls me up one day and says, "While I was praying the other day God laid it on my heart to give some money to Sarah to go clothes shopping. Will you take her?" I say, "Of course!"
God is thinking of Sarah. He is holding her in His thoughts. I know this, and I want her to know this.
I don't know much about autism, but I am learning. I do know that showing emotions are hard for people with autism. When I tell Sarah that God laid it on someone's heart to buy her some clothes, I am amazed at the excitement that comes out. She can hardly believe it. We quickly plan a day we can go.
This is the first clothes shopping trip Sarah has ever taken. There are four of us girls that go, and we crack jokes, laugh, and pick out things that nobody would ever wear just to laugh about it. Sarah laughs - maybe the first time I've heard her laugh. We end the day with ice cream and big smiles.
Sarah tells me that she would really like to have a three wheeled bike. She is not able to balance on a regular bike, and she will probably never be able to drive. She wants to get around town, and be more independent.
Unbeknownst to me God is already working on getting her a three wheeled bike. He knows our need before we even ask, right? Within a couple of days, Sarah has her bike. When I hear she got the bike, I text her - "God sure is taking care of you!"
Suddenly Sarah is more interested in the God that's interested in her. He wants her to be His child, and she is starting to know this. She pays more attention in church. She tries to do the things she hears in the sermons.
One day she goes and talks to our pastor before church about what it means to be a Christian. He tells her the next step is to surrender to Jesus, and let Him be control of her life. She tells him she is not ready. She realizes that this is a commitment, a life change, a heart change. She will not make this decision lightly.
She thinks about it through the service. She comes back to the pastor later, and tells him, "When I'm in charge of my life, I make a mess of it. I think Jesus can do a better job, and I want to give my life to Him." Sarah prays to receive Christ.
I am out of town when this happens, but it is the first thing she tells me when I get home. I am thrilled and the tears come. Life is hard for this girl, and there are many things she cannot change. But, now she will know the things that Christ can change.
This beautiful child is now a child of God.
Mommas, notice the kids that don't get noticed. Give them some of the love they're missing. Tell them they're beautiful. Teach your kids to befriend the kids who have no friends - the ones that rock in church, say off the wall things, act awkwardly, look different.... Invite the ones that never get invited. Jesus loves and wants these children so much, but how will they know if we don't show them!
And, if we do show them, maybe... just maybe.....they will choose to follow Jesus because they finally know they.....belong.
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