Respect for an Inherent Dignity

At a Lutheran Book Club discussion of "Journey With Jeff," one of the members experienced an "aHa Moment." She wrote, "Your book has made me more accepting of everyone just as God made them!" A new respect for the inborn dignity of all God's children was born! What an accomplishment, AND what a blessing this will be for everyone! She also said she "liked my format and found it easy to read -- each chapter a lesson in itself." She thanked me for putting my feelings "out there where hopefully we can all learn from them."~~~The presiding pastor added, "The discussion went really well. We talked about the style of writing, which we appreciated, especially the letters to God. We could picture Jeff, his struggles, the seizures and surprises, and talked at length about the time period that Jeff was alive. It was a great conversation that flowed well, and I encouraged everyone to send you an e-mail, or a letter, or to friend you on Face Book."~~~YES!~~~What a joy to know that eight Lutheran Book Club members joined together to read and discuss the story of our joys and challenges, and how God has blessed us and so many people through Jeff!

The New "R" Word

In spite of the media spin saying the new movie, "Tropic Thunder" is a movie-within-a-movie making fun of self-absorbed actors, it begins with "Once upon a time there was a retard..." The actor who has played, "Simple Jack - a dim-witted farmer" in a movie is criticized by another action hero for playing him with every typical understanding (misunderstanding) of people with developmental disabilities. "You never go full retard!" he shouts. The National Down Syndrome Congress is concerned that this new movie will result in bullying of children with special needs. One of the most unfortunate consequences of the movies is the distribution of merchandise displaying offensive lines like, "Never go full retarded" on clothing and other items. Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics said, "I'd like people not to see it. I'd like kids with special needs going back to school in the fall to not have to deal with other kids saying, "Are you a full retard?" Those who use the label to describe someone do not know the power of their words, or the level of their own ignorance. ~~~It's all about Respect -- an "R" word I can live with.