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Stephanie Rische

Blogger and Writer: Capturing Stories of God's Grace

August 11, 2012

On His Hand

Not long ago I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with joy personified—joy that goes around in the form of a seventh grader named Becky.

According to doctors, Becky has an extra chromosome—Down syndrome. Although I’m not familiar with all the medical implications that go along with that diagnosis, I would agree that Becky does have something extra. But in my books, the extra that stands out most is her joy.

When my husband and I went on a walk with Becky and the rest of her family on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I suddenly saw the world through fresh eyes—eyes of wonder and pure delight.

Where I might have walked right past a swampy bog, Becky had her eyes peeled the whole time, certain that at any moment she’d see a turtle sunbathing on a rock. Where I saw a field of weeds, Becky squealed with delight and promptly gathered a dandelion bouquet for me, including some to be tucked behind each of my ears.

Skipping with happiness on the way home, she looked at me with a grin that lit up her entire face. “Can I hold your hand?” she asked.

And so I walked the rest of the way back with both hands full, one with a yellow bouquet and the other with joy herself.

Later that evening we all sang hymns together, led by Becky’s older sister, Hannah, on the piano. Hannah asked for requests, and after a few selections, Becky piped up, “Let’s do my favorite! ‘Before the Throne’!”

I was a bit chagrined to discover how rusty I am on my hymns, and I wasn’t sure I could even pull out a tune for that one. So as the song started, I just sat back and listened.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea…

As I looked around the room, my gaze fell on Becky. She sat perched on her chair, her face beaming and her legs swinging to the music. To my amazement, she knew every word of the song. I listened as she belted out the next line:

My name is graven on His hand

My name is written on His heart

Just last week I came across a startling statistic: some 90 percent of women who find out in prenatal testing that their baby will have Down syndrome choose abortion. As we sang, I couldn’t help but think of the extra joy Becky’s family would have missed if she’d never been born—the joy all of us would have missed.

Can a mother forget her nursing child?

Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?

But even if that were possible,

I would not forget you!

See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

—Isaiah 49:15-16

As I looked at Becky’s face, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sing, even if I managed to dredge up the tune. Not with a lump the size of a small turtle in my throat.

I closed my eyes, and a vision flashed through my mind—of God’s big hand holding the hand of a smiling seventh grade girl. She gives him a bouquet of hand-picked dandelions, and as he reaches out to take them, I notice that he has a tattoo on his hand. Right there on his palm is etched the name of his beloved child. Becky.

I’ve taken the challenge of reading the Bible chronologically this year and tracing the thread of grace through it. These musings are prompted by my reading. I’d love to have you join me: One Year Bible reading plan.

8 Comments Filed Under: Friends Tagged With: Down syndrome, identity, Isaiah, joy
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About Stephanie

I think that glimmers of grace are all around us, and I'd love to share those stories with you. I hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and join me at StephanieRische.com.

Quote of the Week

“Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
—Madeleine L’Engle

Discussion

  1. alice Teisan says

    August 11, 2012 at 9:48 am

    What a priceless post. It is especially special to me as I sit next to my friend Jen and thinking of her son Nick. Nick was born with Autism 23 years ago. He too is pure joy. He has a prayer relationship with God that is almost embarrassingly simple. What an amazing teacher Nick has always been to me.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      August 11, 2012 at 12:34 pm

      Thanks, Alice! I’m always humbled when I see how God uses those with childlike hearts to teach us about his character.

      Reply
  2. alice Teisan says

    August 11, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Jen said “That was a tear jerker.” She concurred with me that you are a great writer!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      August 11, 2012 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks, Jen!

      Reply
  3. Dan Elliott says

    August 11, 2012 at 10:44 am

    This is beautiful, Stephanie. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      August 11, 2012 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks, Dan! I wish everyone could meet Becky, but at least you have a glimpse.

      Reply
  4. Nancy Rische says

    August 14, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Somethimes we need to see life through the eyes of a child. We miss so much by being preoccupied and too busy with the details of life. Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Year of Stubbing My Toe on Grace « Stephanie Rische says:
    January 1, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    […] 7. On His Hand […]

    Reply

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