Born For A Reason

BORN FOR A REASON: Matt & Joshua at the Bike Ride for OASISAUTISM

2 years ago I stood in the shell of the New Hope Community Church, Loudonville Campus' new auditorium. A group of us women joined to worship together and pray. It was one of the most awe inspiring experiences as a follower of Christ I have ever had.

It was that night when I met a young lady who shared with me a bit about her brother and their publishing company. How they were a group of guys who wrote songs about incredible kids.

Since then I visit their site often and play their music for Joshua, which he finds fun and VERY interactive.

One song in particular caught my heart because of it's truth. Every day Joshua is learning more and more about accepting his Autism and that he was born for a reason. It is not uncommon for him to introduce himself, give his age and end with "I have Autism." I would be lying if I said that everyday was a "bed of roses". He will share with me amongst tears that he doesn't want to do some of the things his brain is telling him to do impulsively, yet he is striving so hard to try and cope and moderate his impulses. He truly is my hero.

The above clip is from this year's Bike Ride for OASISAUTISM that was sponsored by Wooster Community Hospital/Health Point to raise awareness and funds so that OASIS can continue to reach families in Wayne County and beyond who live in the spectrum of Autism every day. Matt is riding with Joshua on one of the Buddy Bikes for kids with Special Needs, loaned to us from...Buddy Bike.

Today at lunch, Matt and I started to discuss God's blessings and what they look like. How our children are true blessings...not to be taken for granted, not to be shushed from sharing their hearts, needs and thoughts.

Can I give a quick challenge..parent to parent? I pray today you sit back and reflect about the gift(s) God has blessed you with in your children.

If you are a teacher, therapist...someone who works with our kiddos can I give you a challenge? There is a child inside each one of these kids that you encounter, and they have incredible potential. Please don't let their disability and all that may encompass that blind you from the child inside...if so you will truly miss a blessing.

I must once again thank all of those who have worked with our son and who are currently working with him. We are truly blessed...wait, he is truly blessed that you see the incredible boy inside and are helping him notice the potential that God has given him. Thank you.

As I type this I am listening to Joshua and Faith play. How my daughter works hard to bring Joshua into her world and how that example of socialization has helped him to initiate....actually, it sounds like they are tearing down the house so I need to run!

Below are the lyrics to the song you heard in the clip with Matt and Joshua.

Born for a Reason (by the Figure Heads) www.kiddopublishing.com

Chorus: This song is for the kiddos we believe in Kiddo you were born for a reason Even if you can’t see it we can Kiddo you were born for a reason

Verse 1 If I only had one song to tell you what I know Then it would be this one, and it would be my hope That every single person that heard it would understand That even though some things don’t go as they’re planned Life has a way of bringing blessings in disguise Kiddo you’re a gift don’t let anybody lie to you Some people just don’t get it, but I do There’s nothing better than when your personality shines through They say that everybody’s different, right But, you know, I think we have a lot in common like All of us want to be liked and accepted It would hurt everyone of us to be rejected Every single child has a style that’s perfected When they’re free to be themselves, so protect them if it weren’t for kids we might pretend That life’s all about us, when it should be about them

Chorus

Verse 2 You’ve got a strong mind, you’re a prince little man Even when your think you can’t, I know you can Step it up step on out, find your voice, let it out There’s nothing to be upset about, just get it out of your system And know that I’m always there to listen Even if you’re stuttering, even with a lisp Communication goes way beyond words If you listen with your whole self, the heart is heard And that’s where life really gets cool It’s like discovering a beautiful jewel And everything seems worth it then And we join with the dance of the earth and spin Around the sun, yeah that’s how it’s done Lets find a hill or a mountain to shout it from We declare that even where It’s hard to see life coming through it’s there

Chorus

Verse 3 Every kiddo has a purpose to discover If you’re an only child or a sister or a brother You’re the hero, You’re the champion In a boat on the ocean you’re a captain And I know with all of my heart that you Are amazing, crazily precious too Keep on dreaming believe that it might come true Let’s walk this path together grab your shoes Even if you can’t see it there’s a crown on your head If you’re missing an arm or even your legs You know there’s so much ahead so much life to live So don’t please don’t say I’m only a kid Because what you have to give, could be the key To make this family complete, so stand with me Give a shout and a laugh (he he he)Even if later on you have to do your math (aw man)

Chorus

Bridge let’s walk this path together, let’s walk it side by side let’s walk this path together, let’s walk it you and I New

Chorus This song is for Kiddos like me and I know I was born for a reason Even if you can’t see it we can I know I was born for a reason