Strong and Courageous moves families touched by autism from spending their days grieving for what "could have been" to rejoicing in "what is".
My third book, Rising Higher, has just been released by WestBow Press. I dedicate this book to all who grew up in dysfunction, became Christian believers, and learned that through God’s grace, the bonds of generational dysfunction can be broken.
As a family, we have been walking a faith journey with Gage through autism. And yes, it is a journey “through.” You might ask, How can you walk through a diagnosis of autism? My answer is—by faith. We are not where we started ten years ago. My grandson is not where he started. Hand-in-hand, we’re still walking. I am thankful for God’s blessings in our lives—thankful for all of the victories and successes. I’m grateful for God’s love and grace…..
As Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. Matthew…..
It’s captivating to watch any young person climb his or her mountain in life. At times, it can remind us of our own journey—which by the way, isn’t finished yet. Although closer, the top of our mountain still looms in the distance. We have experienced much along the way, but there is still more to come. We are a bit more sure-footed now, more confident about facing the next new challenge. Stronger for sure—and hopefully wiser. I am nothing short…..
Stephanie Murphy’s article “Parenting A Child With Autism” has been published in the November 2017 edition of LifeWay’s ParentLife Magazine. Her article “Family Traditions and the Holidays” will be published in the December 2017 edition of Autism Parenting Magazine.
Stephanie Murphy recently spoke on the topic of “Grandparenting a Child with Autism” at the October 2017 Special Needs Conference sponsored by Fruit Cove Baptist Church in St. Johns, Florida. Recently published magazine articles by Stephanie Murphy include: Parenting A Child With Autism, November 2017 edition of LifeWay’s ParentLife magazine. Family Traditions and the Holidays, December 2017 edition of Autism Parenting Magazine.
If two people do something “in tandem” they do it together. A lot can be accomplished when we work this way. A nine year-old boy can zip line in the Smoky Mountains – in tandem – with his father. Or he can enjoy the adventure of white water rafting – in tandem – with his family. I think you get what I’m talking about. Children with autism can go far (and high and fast) in life, with our help. They…..
“As a church, we need to put our arms of love around families touched by autism.” In other words, all of our hearts need to be touched by autism! I want to highlight a church in Jacksonville, Florida who is doing just that. For the past several years, Dearmeadows Baptist Church on Baymeadows Road has been offering a monthly Saturday morning respite program for parents raising special needs children. This program is called Buddy Break. A trained “buddy” greets each special needs…..
As I reflect on Autism Awareness Month, I want to share a personal story that warms my heart. My daughter and her husband recently signed my nine year-old grandson up for flag football in our community. Although they felt some trepidation, they wanted to give him the experience of being on a team with neuro typical children. They have been deeply touched by the kindness of a boy on the team who has taken special interest in helping their son…..
This past year God laid it on my heart to write my book “Strong and Courageous: Encouragement for Families Touched by Autism.” Each chapter literally flowed from my heart because, as the grandmother of a child with autism, I am walking this journey along with thousands and thousands of families in the United States and in other countries across the world. I had visitors from London in my home recently who shared their stories and experiences about children they know…..
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