Tres and I spoke at a recent school board meeting about Inclusion. The current district that we live in typically has separate classrooms for children with disabilities. Tres has had to fight his whole life to prove his intelligence. He has always seen himself as a normal kid who happens to have a disability. Being forced into Exceptional Student Classrooms (ESE) and not being allowed to be in classes with typical students created depression, decreased self-esteem and afeeling of hopelessness. He would tell me often that he wanted to feel “normal.” This year we decided that he would. One step in helping him find his voice was speaking at the school board meeting. Hearing my son tell the room full of people to “Stop Judging Me” was profound. His courage in speaking his voice increased my resolve to make sure he was allowed to speak it. Every person has potential. Every person desires to have a purpose. Tres has taught me so much in the past few months. The most important lesson I think is that he NEEDS to feel and know that he is truly living life. Taking part in all the triumphs, failures, relationships, and monumental moments that life has to offer. He wants to LIVE. To view the article click here: Ollibean. #inclusion #disabilityrights
The History of Us
#eurekasprings #floridahiking #notechday
Eureka Springs nature preserve. #floridahikes #naturelovers #familytime
"For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." Blown away. #thisgirlrighthere #amandagorman #thehillweclimb #inauguration #poet
#letterfrombirminghamjail #MLK #wehaveadream
Deroot the religious spirit from our country. Bind up and destroy the spirit of white supremacy. Holy Spirit breath into the dry bones and raise them up for such a time as this. “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life." Peel off the coverings over our eyes. Let us see, hear and respond like you God. Let the world know we are Yours by our actions. Let the true image bearers shine light in every corner of this country. Bring down the prideful. Raise up the humble. We have heard what our ancestors say about you. Do among us as you did among them. I plead the blood of Jesus over every idol upheld by the American church. Let your fire fall from the heavens and cast them down. Enough of their dominance among your people. They are no longer welcome here in Jesus name. Cast their earthy thrones down God. Let the heavens open, shake the earths foundation, until your church puts away their earthly agendas and looks back to you. Do whatever it takes. Amen #prayer
If you don't understand yourself, your motives, what you believe and why -You will not understand someone else. #selfawareness #whydoyoubelievewhatyoubelieve #knowthyself