Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day,

March 21st marks World Down Syndrome Day in the world. Down syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21, hence the significance of celebrating it on the 21st. Individuals with Down syndrome may have distinct physical and intellectual characteristics compared to those without disabilities. Just like God made all the different sands on the beach, everyone is different and communicates uniquely, influenced by factors like age, gender, culture, and personality. While Koreans converse in Korean and Americans in English, differences in communication styles can pose challenges even when speaking the same language. This is especially true for individuals with Down syndrome.

My friend Mark, who has Down syndrome, dances and screams when he's in a good mood. I had never seen him dance before, so I was very confused at first. To be honest, I was worried that he was going to harm me. But the more I tried to understand him, the more I understood that Mark's dancing and shouting was his way of communicating - he was just expressing his feelings. The barrier to communication between people with disabilities and people without disabilities is not just their disability; God can communicate with them, and understand them completely. While it is true that people with disabilities do not communicate like people without disabilities, it is also true that people without disabilities do not understand how they communicate. While their communication style may differ, it is imperative to acknowledge and respect it.

Avoiding interactions with individuals with Down syndrome deprives them of the outreach and care they deserve. As Christians, it is our calling to extend compassion to those marginalized by society.  If Christians avoid people with disabilities, who will reach out to them? The world tends to avoid them as well. In recent years, however, it has been trying to reach out and welcome people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities attend disability events on Sundays, but you won't find them at the church's heavenly feast. Overcome the anxiety and discomfort in your heart about disability. Overcome it in the name of Jesus. Just talking to them and smiling at them is a great encouragement and joy to them. Be a blessed conduit for sharing and practicing God’s grace.