Everyone has a “white picket fence” vision of what their life will look like as they grow older—I was no different. The morning following the birth of our daughter Molly, my wife’s doctor told us that she was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome. In that moment, I felt like my life had been shattered—my vision gone. Still, I tried to make the best of things and worked my way up through the ranks in advertising, creating a successful career.
Much later in life, my wife was invited to church by a friend. I didn’t think much of it—we had been to many churches on and off, but I willingly tagged along. There was something that felt different about that visit, and while not immediately in that moment, I soon came to realize that there was a different side to everything and I had completely missed it—God was not some distant creator that set the wheels in motion, then sat back to see what developed. My eyes were opened and now I can see clearly—the only thing that was shattered was my distorted perceptions of what a “perfect” life actually looks like. God has a specific purpose for everyone and cares deeply about seeing our purpose to fruition—He calls us to step into that purpose through faith in Him. I know He has a purpose for my daughter, too. He loves us not for what we do but for who we are becoming—not for our titles or possessions but for how we love one another. My daughter Molly, she has always been a rockstar when it comes to loving others.
I am forever grateful for the agencies and individuals who helped my wife and I to navigate those early struggles and forever grateful for that friend’s invitation. I want to be a similar help for others—I want to be a rockstar like Molly. I have grown to appreciate the inherent value each individual offers and I seek to share that revelation with everyone I know. This is what God has asked of me.