My observation of all the Guppy family, throughout the time I've known
them, is that autism has had this effect on their family: it proved
that their faith in God was genuine and continues to make their faith
stronger.
I always say that faith is real when it gets us through
difficult times. Some people would be angry and allow this condition to
make them hate God and run from Him. They seem to love Him more as they
see autism as a window of opportunity to discover the uniqueness of
Brandon from a vantage point (God's), that we rarely take the time to
discover. They believe that God reveals Himself through Brandon in ways
that nobody else would ever see. And they know that Brandon has a
window to heaven that non-autistic people rarely experience.
It would
be putting it mildly to say that autism brings their family a great
deal of frustration, heartache and grief. Most of us couldn't even
begin to comprehend the depth of hurt and pain autism brings to a
parent's heart. That has been very real to them. But something bigger
and more powerful than autism has also been real to them also - their
faith that has revealed a spirit of perseverance that is empowered by
God Himself. In the Bible, James made this statement: "Consider
it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
(James 1:2-3) Parents of children who have autism have their faith tested daily. And every
day, they discover the reality of God's presence like the Apostle Paul
knew when he said, "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..." (2 Tim. 4:17) Autism,
as debilitating as it can be, hasn't made them weak and defeated. It
has strengthened their faith, hope and love as they rely daily on God to
sustain them.
Written by Pastor Bryan Donahoo
Graceview Baptist Church
The Joy Ministry of Graceview Baptist Church
(Michelle adding this)
Poem from Miss Pam, a former volunteer in the Joy Ministry who was very touched by Brandon...
When Brandon Laughs
When Brandon laughs
The world stops turning
My heart stops beating
I don't even breathe
I just listen and smile
Happy he's happy
And thank the good Lord above
For sending this special child
When Brandon laughs
My spirit soars
I know God's alive
And Jesus is here
And love is all that matters
I watch him leap with joy
And just for a moment
The evil in my world disappears
When Brandon laughs
I just want to make things turn
Because Brandon likes things that go 'round
So I make the wheels spin
Over and over, again and again
And watch his eyes dance
His delight is ours to share
And we should NEVER miss that chance
