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By Guest Columnist Deborah Dennis
ZEBULON - “Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:11-12
As I write this article, my heart is overflowing. I am so proud to live in this county. We may be called “red-necked” and “backwoods”, but Pike County has been showing some major love to our children with disabilities. Because of sickness, Owen and I were not able to participate in this year’s Paris in Pike Fashion Show. But that has not stopped me from hearing and enjoying all the wonderful comments from people in the community about the overwhelming support and love that was shown for and during this event. Pike County delivered while our kids strutted their stuff. Thank you Christ Chapel, for the vision of Paris in Pike and to all the support that was given by outside groups and businesses.
I’d also like to show some love to Pike County Assembly of God. This is my home church. Our Special Needs Children Church for “Children of the Promise” is six months old now, and we are already seeing God move. Our motto is “God puts ability in dis-ability”. Pike Assembly, you may be small in numbers, but your heart is big. Thank you for the love, compassion, acceptance, and understanding that is shown to my family and others as well. Consider this an open invitation for all families with special needs children to join us.
In the times that we live in, it’s so easy sometimes to focus on the bad. I got aggravated just last week over a group of people who were being insensitive regarding children with disabilities. But I’m choosing to focus on the good things, and not let negativity get me down. I’m sure not everyone in this county feels the same way I do, but I think there are enough caring people to make up the difference. Remember Jesus said, “If you do it to the least of these, you’ve done it to me”.
There are 58 million people with disabilities in the United States, and 700 million worldwide. This is also the largest unreached group in our country. The largest single mothers group are those who have a child with disabilities. If that wasn’t bad enough, the divorce rate for marriages where there is a child with any kind of disability is a staggering 95%. With all of this to overcome, a little bit a love goes a long way, and Pike County is off to a great start. Let’s keep up the good work.
I believe that this county is going to be known for doing great things for our children with disabilities, and the best is yet to come.
click on the links below to read Deborah's other articles.
10.3.11 Column
10.27.11 Column
12.1.11 Column
1.6.12 Column
There is an Autism and Spectrum Disorders Support Group in our area. Go to the Calendar of Events page and scroll down from the top to find out about Jeremiah's Promise and how you can become a part of this group.