There's been an awakening. Have you felt it?

Yes, it's another Star Wars quote to kick off another blog entry. Old habits die hard. But I will put a different spin on this one. This is about an awakening of faith.

Let me take you back some 14 and 12 year ago, when we first came to the realization that there was something different about our boys. Nik was 2 when we first noticed something different. Before that, he was a typical baby, meeting all the appropriate milestones right on time. Then it was as if he hit a brick wall. There was no progress, only regression. He lost a lot of speech. He was not making progress on fine motor skills. He would go through moments where he would just stare ahead and not respond to his name. I would clap my hands in front of his face to get his attention, and he would look at me for a second, then turn away.  Noah's story is a bit different. Noah didn't regress, but he just stopped making progress for a while. Autism is different with every person, even among siblings.

When we finally did get a diagnosis for our boys, I went through the typical emotions that any other special needs parent goes through. I was scared about the future. I had no idea what the future would hold for them, what kind of job they would have, if they would be able to have meaningful relationships. There were so many unknowns about their future. With all of that worry on my shoulders, I also worried about their faith. I am someone who has always been strong in my faith. Even when I had no church, I was strong in my faith in God. I wanted my children to have that same faith in God. I can't imagine going through life without feeling the peace of knowing and loving God. It broke my heart to feel that I may not be able to teach my kids about God.

I feel so fortunate to have found a church home for us. The kids are right at home, attending bible study with their special needs ministry group. They have the opportunity to attend church, listen to great music, then head to their bible study. They have learned so much with the group. The ministry has an amazing team of staff and volunteers who pour their heart and soul in to these kids. Because of this ministry, my boys are deepening their faith and learning what it means to following the teachings of Jesus.

This weekend, the boys were confirmed along with their peers. It was a moment that I will never forget. Thinking back at a time when I worried if they would ever develop a relationship with God, and now seeing them at the alter to receive their blessing. I cried, and I'm totally not a crier. I cried the ugly cry. You know the one, ladies. Let's just say that I'm thankful for waterproof mascara. I was moved to see the progress that my sons have made. Life is never easy. And it's even more of a challenge when you have Autism. I know that God does not protect us from having struggles in life. Struggling is a part of life and we all must push through it. But I do know that my faith has carried me through some pretty tough stuff. And I know that faith will carry my boys as well. So we are on the right path to knowing and loving God. We are ready to learn about serving God.

There really has been an awakening in my boys. I have felt it. They have felt it. Have you felt it?