Advocating for my Child with a Disability Brings out My Best

Posted: 5 years ago

Advocating for my Child with a Disability Brings out My Best

Sometimes the things we fear bring out the worst in us, actually bring out the best.

I felt blindsided when a school official told me my son’s placement in general education was being questioned despite having zero evidence to back the change. I said some things and then beat myself up for them later.

And then I thought, what if this doesn’t bring out the worst in me, but the best?

I spoke what I believed to be true. I didn’t mince words. Do you know who else did that? The one I follow. He restored the marginalized, he was radically inclusive. He preached humility and gentleness, but he did not hold back when speaking against those who played a part in systems that oppressed. Systemic oppression is what I saw unfolding in front of me—the school discriminating against my child and others like him because of their differences, wanting to segregate him based on his weaknesses instead of valuing his many strengths.

Maybe this doesn’t bring out the worst in me, but the best.

I told my husband that IEP week may just be the hardest week of every year. Every day, through meetings, research and discussions with parents that have gone before me, I felt so very drained. But I remembered this is a part of the full life that’s been promised. This fight that weighs me down is such a privilege. Advocating for my child with a disability has put a fire in me that I’ve never known. The flames may bring out the most intense parts of me and for that, I will not apologize. I won’t allow anyone to stamp out the flames, I will keep roaring for him and others like him.

Advocating for my child with a disability does not bring out the worst in me, but the very best.

Jillian Benfield

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The Gift of the Unexpected

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?

Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief. Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn’t an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.

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