Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.          Hebrews 10:22

Over 1 1/2 years ago, I first met my now girlfriend, Madelyn, who continues to amaze and inspire me with her faith, love, and hope. This Lenten season, as we focus on our relationship with God, three words come to mind: love, courage, and respect.

Maddy grew up in part like many of us boys and girls with Aspergers Syndrome—and other differently abled individuals—in society today, being truly loved but consistently on the receiving end of being yelled at, sworn at, called names, insulted, mocked, threatened, intimidated, ignored, manipulated, excluded, isolated, and humiliated. Maddy had grown up seeing herself constantly walked over, talked over, and belittled, not only by those she encountered, but also by those she looked up to and admired, and those she loves and who love her, family, friends, coworkers, teachers, and peers, which over time resulted in her losing her courage (the ability to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart).

As Maddy gave way to her ever-growing, deeply seated, and crippling shame, she began hiding and burying who she knew she was deep inside. She masked this, her severe depression, and feelings of suicide by seeking acceptance of others and by being exactly who those around her demanded and wanted her to be. 

Today, Maddy not only knows, but believes that she is a beloved Child of God, who is perfectly loved, cherished, and adored. That He created every part of who she is on purpose, and that she is, like each of us, His precious gift to the world, put here for a reason. Maddy is a God-fearing, Jesus following, cat-loving, extremely creative and artistic, whole-hearted young woman who, was willing to let go of who she thought she should be in order to be who she is, and has the courage to be imperfect, the compassion to be kind to herself first and then to others, has the ability to connect with others as a result of her authenticity, and believes that what makes her vulnerable makes her beautiful. We are both proud Aspies.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and your example. Thank you for your command, the governing principle of love that controls all that you and your redeemed  people are and do. Grant me the courage to share the story of who I am inside with those around me with my whole heart, and the ability to hear and encourage others to do the same. Help me to meet others where they are, embracing their identity, dignity, and self-worth, through my thoughts, words, and actions, in our daily interactions. Help me to be humble and selfless, loving others as they individually need to be loved, just as you have so graciously done for me. May others come to know you Lord, through my example and love for all people, as a follower of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.