Value Every Life
by Annie Yorty
Sometimes we get so involved in the daily grind we fail to see glimpses of God’s glory. If we open our eyes, we will find His glory displayed in surprising places, including other people. That’s why we value every life.
This week we celebrated a wonderful day. Somehow Alyssa always manages to have multiple parties for her birthday. She doesn’t even pretend to be surprised when our family celebrates with dinner at a restaurant followed by her choice of cake. She knows we’ll sing over her on another day with friends and cupcakes. Later we’ll visit Nana, who will also fuss over her. Alyssa’s birthdays stretch over the whole month of March.
True to her nature, Alyssa entered this world with drama and flair on a Saturday morning thirty-four years ago. The shock of an emergency C-section clouded the typical anxiety parents often feel when their child is born with Down syndrome.
A Common Question
Most people ask, “Did you know Alyssa had Down syndrome before she was born?” Some ask because they’re curious and want to understand her story.
Unfortunately, others want to know if we could have prevented Alyssa’s birth.
A philosophy of the value of life underlies such thinking. Many believe life is worthy only if a child is healthy. Able to contribute to society. Born at the right time. Or wanted.
Value Every Life
Jesus gave a different way to measure the value of a person’s life when He and his disciples encountered a blind man along their path.
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” (John 9:1-2 NLT)
The question posed by the disciples revealed the value they assigned to the blind man’s life. They believed his worth diminished because of his disability.
Jesus quickly disabused them of this notion with His answer.
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:4 NLT)
Then Jesus opened the blind man’s eyes to see the colors of the world for the first time. This healing revealed God’s power and glory.
God demonstrates His glory through other apparent weaknesses as well. In my book, I wrote several chapters about how God uses Alyssa’s disability to meet the needs of others. She showcases His glory.
We value every life because God makes no mistakes.
Alyssa is not an “oops” in God’s creative work. His hand didn’t slip and accidentally give her Down syndrome. He made her as she is for His specific purpose.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
Still, most people marginalize Alyssa and others with Down syndrome. Her opportunities are limited more by this attitude than the actual diagnosis.
Many are surprised to learn Alyssa is aware most people in this world devalue her because of her diagnosis. She finds it difficult to comprehend many do not esteem her life and would prefer she and those like her had never been born.
Thomas Jefferson said, “The measure of society is how it treats the weakest members.” People with intellectual disabilities, arguably some of the least powerful citizens in our country, show how we’re doing. Judging by the fact the vast majority of preborn babies with Down syndrome are eliminated before birth, I don’t think our country measures up so well.
My overarching goal is for my readers to perceive God—His person, presence, provision, and purpose. I encourage you to take time to really get to know someone with Down syndrome or some other disability. You’ll find three-dimensional individuals who showcase God’s glory in surprising ways.
Learn More about the Value of Every Life
You can read more about how God uses Alyssa’s diagnosis of Down syndrome for His glory in my book, From ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome. Including a chapter written by Alyssa herself, it offers stories of God’s faithfulness from before diagnosis and birth through adulthood.
Filled with humor, poignance, and practical insights relevant to all, topics include:
- Expectations—managing hopes and dreams
- Education—public, homeschooling, inclusion, and legal wrangling
- Stress—balancing a busy to-do list with everyday life
- Medical issues—trusting God in difficult diagnoses
- Recreation—accessing and enjoying leisure activities
- Work—finding meaningful ways to contribute
- Siblings and friends—navigating relationships
- Rejection and disappointment—finding satisfaction in God
- Triumphs and joy—celebrating identity, worth, and achievement
You can find From Ignorance to Bliss at Amazon in both print and digital form. If you prefer, contact me for instructions to purchase a copy signed by both me and Alyssa.
After you read it, please consider leaving a brief, honest review on Amazon. That’s how this book gets found when people search for it.
Get to know someone with Down syndrome or some other disability and perceive God’s glory through them. Share on XJoin the conversation:
If you know someone with an intellectual disability, please share how you see the glory of God through that individual.
I welcome your comments!
Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty
From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome
Glory to God
21 Comments
Nancy E. Head
God’s ways are higher and better than our ways. He makes all people with value. Every human encounter we have is with an eternal soul. Thanks for presenting this message so well, Annie. God bless!
Annie Yorty
Indeed, we cannot fathom God’s ways. I believe one day He will fully reveal His purposes, but for now we will settle for the glimpses of His glory we receive here on earth. Thanks for visiting and adding to the conversation!
Katherine Pasour
A beautiful message, Annie, and a reminder that every life is precious. I pray that one day, we all embrace that message and no one will feel that they are unloved and ostracized because they are different. We are all beautiful and loved in God’s eyes and that should be the model for all people. Thank you for sharing.
Annie Yorty
That day will come, Katherine, sooner or later. In the meantime, we focus on the gift of friends who value Alyssa. Thanks for visiting!
Barbara Latta
A beautiful post, Annie, depicting how valuable all life is to God.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Barbara, for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
J.D. Wininger
I think back to the many “specially made” young people that I’ve met in this life. Some I coached in Special Olympics. Others I sat beside at the movies or in church. Still others, I shaved, cleaned up after, and tucked in at bedtime. In each instance, God touched my heart through their words and actions. For me, I’ve always been struck not by what they weren’t able to do, but what they weren’t able to express. It seems when God made them, He removed those parts that caused jealousy, hatred, envy, and so many other base emotions that display the worst side of man. Thank you for authoring this book, “From Ignorance to Bliss”. My heart is filled.
Annie Yorty
J.D., you make an excellent point about how God often frees specially-abled people from some of these troubling attributes. We can learn much from them. Mind you, they still have sins, as we all do. God is faithful to forgive us all through Jesus.
Jeannie Waters
Annie, I’m so thankful you chose to share Alyssa’s beautiful life and your faith with the world. I see the ways Alyssa showcases God’s glory as I read your book. Bravo, sweet friend!
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Jeannie. You’ve been such a blessing to me on this journey.
Candyce Carden
I am enjoying your book so much! Thank you for pouring into it. I’m going to try to message you a link to an article you will relate to.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Candyce. I will look for the message. God bless!
Joanna Eccles
I agree that everyone is valuable to God no matter how much they “contribute to society” or not. God has purpose for people that they may not realize or understand. God is good.
Annie Yorty
Yes indeed, Joanna. God looks at the heart. Without the Spirit opening our eyes, we can’t see value beyond the outward presentation. Thank you for visiting!
Jen Knight
I met a teen (I can’t remember the name of the syndrome) and she was always so happy. She taught me the value of always smiling and what that brings to the world. She always brought joy when she entered a room. I don’t get to see her much anymore but I miss her contagious joy. I am definitely going to grab your book. The scripture you used here brought me peace today in my own circumstances.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Jen. When we are diagnosed with a physically debilitating illness, we often need to grapple with these questions about even ourselves. When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I thought a lot about God’s purpose for me even when my body or mind doesn’t work. I had to come to the conclusion God has purpose for every breath we take. Praise Him!
Yvonne Morgan
Beautiful message Annie. Everyone does matter and has a godly purpose. May we always remember this important message.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Yvonne, for visiting and sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
Lisa Robbins
This powerful message gave me chills! We value every life because God makes no mistakes. Enough said in this one statement. Keep spreading your message.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate your encouragement!
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