BOY OR GIRL? THE AGE OLD QUESTION

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, I am posting a devotional from my book about my son, Parker's Story: Essays on Autism and Awesometism.

KEY VERSE:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

ESSAY:

My beautiful wife is 15 weeks pregnant. Ever since she found out she was expecting, it has been her desire for us to have a baby girl (although I know she'd be happy with a boy). Last week I was inclined to agree with her. I told her with the crazy world that we live in right now, as unstable as it is, maybe if we have a daughter, she'll be less likely to have to grow up and fight in a war someday. (She might choose to join the military on her own, and that would be fine with us. We would support her and be full of pride.) However, my wife said something very wise and selfless in response. She said, if we have a boy, maybe we'll raise him in such a way as to prepare him to be a soldier if in fact his God or his country needs him some day. She's right. We need boys like that. Boys who are strong and courageous. We need families who raise boys like that. No one wants to go to war. But there are times when you must. And if someday my son (or daughter) decides to serve in the military, or even is expected to do so, my prayer is that he is up to the task and willing to do so. His mom and I will be so proud.

ABOUT AUTISM:

According to 2016 information provided by Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to learning the impact of autism on individuals and families, boys get diagnosed with autism 5 times more often than girls. It is sobering to think of how a nation’s military is impacted by the large numbers of young men who are most likely not able to serve their country because of their autism.

APPLICATION:

Think of someone you know who is serving in the military. Perhaps it is you or someone in your family. Thank God for their service and bravery. Commit to telling them “thank you for your service” the next time you see them. Thank God that He is willing and able to go with them, wherever they must go and serve. Pray for their safety and for blessings on their family as they both show bravery and make sacrifices for their nation and for freedom.