Jed and Rose

My son, Jed, is nine years old. He almost always has a sparkle in his eye. He loves, among other things, music, books, horseback riding, Lowes, and going to church. Due to his premature birth, Jed is physically disabled and uses a wheelchair. His life is full of therapy sessions and hard work, yet he always almost is smiling and positive. Jed rarely complains and most people assume he is happy the way he is.

Jed loves our church and especially his Sunday School class, thanks to a very gifted and dedicated teacher who sees Jed for the person he is and treats him as such. Rose includes Jed in every game and lesson so that he is truly just one of the kids. Recently after church, she shared this story with me. We cried together and I thanked the Lord that He used Rose at a critical time in Jed's life.

During worship time for the children, they were singing songs when during one particular song, Jed started crying. The lyrics were "God answers prayer". Rose took Jed out while praying silently for wisdom. She first asked if Jed was in pain - he said no - then she asked if it was the song - he nodded yes. Rose asked "Jed, do you sometimes feel that God doesn't answer your prayers?" Jed quietly whispered yes. Rose understood Jed's pain and frustration and told him that while God didn't cause Jed's disability He wants to use Jed in a very special way. She explained how much God loves him and that God will use Jed in his wheelchair to share His love in a way that would reach people who otherwise wouldn't listen. At this point, they joined the rest of the class and Rose dropped the planned lesson and let the Spirit lead in a new lesson. Each child in the class shared an experience where they felt God had not answered their prayer. Rose shared gently that God answers all our prayers, but some answers are no, others are wait, but all answers are for our benefit. The class ended with Jed leading in a precious prayer. I am so thankful to the Lord for Rose but mostly for allowing me to be the mother of this boy named Jed.