Resources Mentioned in Podcast

Joni and Friends TV Episode Showing all About Family Retreats – Katherine’s Smile “Melissa has volunteered to serve as a Short Term Missionary (STM) at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. At this Christ-centered camp for families who have a member with a disability, an STM is paired with each disabled camper, to assist them throughout the week. Melissa has no formal disability training – just a heart of compassion and the desire to share the love of Christ. When she is paired with nineteen year old Katherine, who is severely autistic and non-verbal, Melissa is faced with unexpected challenges. But God is at work, and hearts connect. You’ll see how His love breaks the barriers of disability. And you’ll see it best in Katherine’s smile!”

Joni and Friends – This ministry is dedicated to extending the love and message of Jesus Christ to people who are affected by disability around the world.  Learn about all the ministries they have to offer here at their website.

John 9:1-3 “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.  And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

More from The Busy Mom

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Special Needs Child – “Looking back, I can see that I wasn’t making myself clear. My family and friends simply thought I needed reassurance and encouragement. They didn’t realize I was warning them that I literally. could. not. keep. going. any. longer. I tried to explain to them in words what I needed, but I couldn’t. I really couldn’t quite admit it to myself, and I certainly couldn’t figure out how to put it into words for someone else to hear. So I gave up. I quit trying to explain it to them. I hung in there…”

Things Not to Say to Moms of Special Needs Kids – “In my almost 20 years as the mom of a severely autistic daughter, I’ve been questioned, judged, accepted, ignored, loved, rejected, and just about everything in between! I’ve also learned a lot. One of the things I like to do whenever possible is help and support other moms of special needs kids. But lately, I’ve realized that a great way to help special needs moms is to share some of my own experiences with moms who don’t…”