Grace Knows Your Name

02/03/2021

Written from the heart of a precious Mama, K. S. James

6:46 am “Mom! Wake up! I know what day it is! It’s my birthday! I’m not John, the boy, anymore; I’m John, the MAN!”

How can this have happened so quickly? My heart is deeply conflicted at the thought of John James becoming an “adult”. Autism doesn’t go away just because a person grows up, however, in many unfortunate instances, the compassion and understanding with which people view a child with autism aren’t always afforded to an adult with autism. There will be many legalities to be worked out in the coming days, some foreseen and some not. He wants to drive, but can’t drive due to seizures. He wants to date, but it would take a girl who wants to hear about trucks and trains, enjoys reading antique car magazines, loves historical documentaries, and doesn’t mind reminding him to brush his teeth. He wants a job, but would need a facilitator and an employer with the patience of Job. He wants to “hang out” with peers his age, but they’re all busy driving to work, dating, and doing “normal” young adult things. In all honesty, I’ve both dreaded and looked forward to this day for many years now.

I cannot be sad, though, because 18 years ago today at 2:34 pm God gave me a new pair of eyes through which to "see" the world. John’s heart, having stopped beating before birth, has beat every day since, pulsing with a profound purpose of life. I have always been and will continue to be invariably humbled to call myself his mom.

On February 3, 2003, our family welcomed a precious gift that redefined our lives. John arrived, not with a breath-filled first cry, but lifeless and blue. His unexpected arrival directed us on a journey of progress mirrored with setbacks, where the miles have been measured with conjectural patience and incalculable love. We have found ourselves quite often lost, yet maintaining focus on our goal destination—productive adult.

We have met many other sojourners along our way, only to be diverted onto an alternate course, feeling isolated in our beleaguered travels.

We have learned to celebrate true accomplishment for the incredible child with which we are blessed and not to mourn the dreams for a child we only imagined having had.

We celebrate accomplishments, which to the world may look like pebbles, but to John are huge boulders waiting to be climbed by someone with his courageous endurance.

Among the countless indelible lessons learned on our pilgrimage and what I know beyond absolution is this:

With individual struggle comes strength..... For all of us.

I once read that when God wants to make a change in the world, He doesn’t send a thundering army, He simply sends a precious new baby. 18 years ago today, God changed our world with a beautiful baby boy. Born without a heartbeat, John knew death before birth, but has brought life into our small family and each person he has encountered every day since.

Today we celebrate. Today we remember the blessing of life. Happy Birthday, John! 🥳🍰

Written from the heart of a precious Mama, K. S. James 6:46 am “ Mom! Wake up! I know what day it is! It’s my birthday! I’m not John, the boy, anymore; I’m John, the MAN! ” How can this have happened so quickly? My heart is deeply conflicted at the thought of John James becoming an “ adu...

01/15/2021

“What God did for me He can do for you too.” - Tyler W.

I grew up in a nice middle class family, the oldest of 2 brothers and a sister. We were very blessed, I never went to bed hungry a day of my life. We were not a religious family. We sort of pretended to be. We went to church maybe a few times a year, especially on Easter. But if it wasn’t for my g...

01/01/2021

The first day of a new year and there is no doubt that you’ve heard this said; “new year, 365 new opportunities.” But what opportunities are we referring to? What is the goal in mind? Who is being glorified through them?

Beginning this new year, we should take the opportunity to remind ourselves of the Gospel. We should take the opportunity to remind ourselves of where we were and who we were before Christ, and how He graciously and lovingly picked us up and breathed life into our corpses. Finally, we should take the opportunity to remind each other of who we are in Him and the beautiful and glorious future before us because of who He is and all He has promised.

This year, instead of focusing on ourselves, let’s take every opportunity to glorify God, because it is He alone who deserves all of the praise and honor for who we are today. It was He alone that rescued us from our imprisonment, our pain, our bo***ge. It is He alone that heals us, restores us, strengthens up and upholds us. This year, let’s all share one prayer, one hope, one goal; “Less of me, more of Him.”, and use every opportunity testify of His greatness.

Psalm 107:1-2 “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.”

12/26/2020

Every flaw you have. Every mistake you’ve made. Every time you’ve fallen short or have been unable to make things right. God has seen it all. And He still loves you. He watched you at your worst. He’s seen the moments you most regret. And He loves you.

12/20/2020

Don’t quit. Don’t give up on this year. It’s not over yet.

Don’t wave that flag, not yet. You still have fight in you— I know you do. If I kept the fight up this year when the enemy was throwing the biggest punches, so can you.
You have two weeks left to stand up when others are lying down.
You have two weeks left to smile in the midst of a storm.
You have two weeks left to let people in.
You have two weeks left to praise Him even when it doesn’t make sense.
You have two weeks left to go the extra mile and love someone that needs it.
I don’t know what your year has been like, but I know you have two weeks left. I know we have two weeks left. And I just wanted to remind you that it’s not over until that countdown gets to 1, until the fireworks begin to crack, and until the text messages roll in.
We have two weeks left of 2020. Let’s make it the most wonderful time of the year.

Hebrews 10:39 (MSG) But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.

Shared from Propel Women.
#2020

12/11/2020

The only thing that matters is how much you love. In the end it doesn’t matter what your body looks like, how successful your career is considered, how big your house is, or what your bank statement adds up to be.

Let me repeat this— the only thing that matters is how much you love someone else.

Your purpose on this earth is to love. Love like Christ. Love unconditionally. Love compassionately. Love selflessly. And when you’re blessed, love becomes a two-way street. But even if not.. love anyway.

12/04/2020

“Though I had never been a "bad" person and there were areas in my life that may have shown forth righteousness, I came to realize that morality does not equal salvation.”

Follow the link below to read more about God’s long suffering mercy in Michael’s testimony below!

Dec 4 Dec 4 Michael G. Ashley Gordon As a child, we were Easter and Christmas church attendees with our Grandmother. As an early teen, my siblings and I were invited to a VBS by a family friend and we went and really enjoyed it. After that my family began attending church regularly. After a couple o...

11/25/2020

Rather than dwell on the things this year that have been completely out of our control, let’s spend these next few days filled with thanksgiving & rejoicing!

In the comments, share something with us you’re thankful for that you didn’t think you would be.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

11/20/2020

This weeks testimony is from our precious friend, Veronica. It’s amazing what the Lord can do with a surrendered heart. Click the link below to hear her story!

Nov 20 Nov 20 Veronica B. Ashley Gordon Ashley Gordon Facebook0 Twitter Tumblr Pinterest0 0 Likes Ashley Gordon Ashley Gordon Subscribe Sign up for more incredible stories! Email Address Sign Up Thank you! Most Recent Post Instagram@_graceknowsyourname

11/13/2020

Your purpose isn’t to make a ton of money. Your purpose isn’t to be the most successful individual in your career. It’s not to have a beautiful, large house or an expensive vehicle. It’s not to be the most talented person. It’s not to have or be the best looking and perfect spouse. It’s not to be in the best shape or be the most liked.

Believe this or not— your purpose is not even to have a happy life.

Your purpose has been given to you by God, for God. Your purpose is an eternal purpose. And I promise you— your purpose is probably going to contradict what the world has convinced you to desire.

What God has purposed is exceedingly better than any of us could imagine. Fix your eyes and heart on Jesus and trust Him, and keep your eyes off of the fleeting vanities of this world today.

It gets so much better from here.

Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

11/06/2020

A woman of grace, kindness and faith immeasurable, Jannie’s life tells a story of a Soverign and faithful God whose love is unconditional and unmatchable.

Please click the link below to read of a precious woman who boasts in nothing but the Lord.

Nov 6 Nov 6 Jannie R. Ashley Gordon A meek and mild-mannered woman with a mighty testimony that began from childhood and carries on to this very day. Miss Jannie is kindness personified, yet will be the very first person to direct any attention given to her back to the one she says it rightfully bel...

11/04/2020

It’s been months! Between baby-growing, seasons changing and the Lord leading us in different directions, Grace Knows Your Name has been pretty quiet lately. We are SO thrilled to announce that come this Friday, that’s all going to change! Stay tuned and expectant— we cannot wait to watch the Lord be glorified through His children. Be blessed!