When you serve in ministry there are situations you know will eventually happen. You keep them in the back of your mind but you try not to focus on them.
Today marks a sobering reality of disability ministry, the loss of a friend affected by a disability. We all know that 100% of us will pass from this life but it doesn't soften the blow. This morning the realities of this life are hitting me hard as I prepare to go to a memorial service of one of the first children I came to know in special needs ministry. It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye today...
Even though I am sad, I am joyful about so many things. Kimberly now knows all the mysteries of heaven. She is looking into the eyes of her Savior. She can verbally communicate all of the scriptural truths that friends shared with her along the way. She no longer has the fears of another seizure or the heartache of not being understood. I know she is overflowing with joy today!
As I think about Kimberly today, I am so thankful for the multitudes of people that supported her. Her mom and dad have been inspirational in giving Kimberly a voice. They continually educated themselves on the best way to help her communicate and share her talents so much so that Kimberly's poems and artwork were published and her story was told. Her story will be read and her story will be remembered.
Kimberly also had such supportive brothers and sister-in-laws. I love reading the letters and tributes to their sister. The depth of their love is a testimony to all of us. Kim had numerous friends at church, at BIG, and all of the other ministries she frequented. She had a caregiver, and more importantly friend, walk the road with her for many years. Kimberly was loved, valued, and known.
Kimberly Dixon's heart and talents are beautifully displayed in her book, Under the Silience is Me-How It Feels to be Nonverbal. May the impact of her life be felt around the world today.
No comments:
Post a Comment