Focal Passages: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Is it possible that America has an erroneous paradigm for what defines a person as valuable? Consider for a moment what tends to be the expected progression of a child growing up. There is our educational system. A child is evaluated based on academic performance and assigned a grade. The child’s grade will, for the most part, determine their progression to the next grade level. This continues through high school and into college. During the educational process extra-curricular activities are made available. For example, the strong athletes are awarded starting positions and the appeal to become a famous and wealthy athletic star becomes the goal.
Most of our work places require a college degree to be employed. Without the degree you are considered unqualified regardless of your competency level. I am not saying those things are bad. In fact, I think our societal structure has been instrumental in producing a great and prosperous nation. However, could it be that our model also produces a paradigm that says life is not valuable unless it meets the world’s standard of success?
I share this with you because until I had two sons with special needs I never realized how disheartening life can be when your children don’t fit the mold for what is a normal child. Although most people would never say anything publically about your children disabilities you know privately they feel pity for you. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a blessing when people can empathize with your journey.
But, over the years I have come to push back against the world’s ideas for what makes a person valuable and have chosen to see my boys from God’s perspective. The Bible proclaims, “… you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. … My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth” (Psalm 139:13-15 ESV). It is hard to explain how much these verses mean to me. I agree with God, I’ve got the greatest kids on earth. Just like yours!