How do we teach our nonspeaking children with disabilities to pray? Do they know they can connect with the Lord? This book not only teaches us that praying and talking to God is easier than we think, it teaches us that God hears all of our thoughts and voices, even our nonspeaking ones.
The journey that each author travels from the creative thought process to the moment the book is published is uniquely different for them all. I love hearing their stories just as much as I enjoy sharing mine about how the idea to write a book about a child with a disability praying to God would spark my publishing journey.
When my son Richie was first diagnosed with autism at two years old, I didn’t put much thought into how he would be able to lead a life of faith. Richie was baptized at six months old, as was tradition in our family. Once he was diagnosed a couple of years later, all of my focus was centered on getting him as much speech, occupational and behavioral therapy as humanly possible. Of course, I also researched and invested in music therapy, vitamins and supplements, massage therapy and countless other treatment options over the years. One of the things that writing this post made me acutely aware of was the fact that it never occurred to me to pray to God for help, healing or direction. Atleast, not until many years later.
Richie was sixteen when his behavior became more challenging. He would exhibit aggressive behavior towards others, self-injurious behavior and punch holes in our walls or destroy his room. We started positive behavior support and biomedical interventions for treating anxiety, insomnia and challenging behavior. We even tried medical cannabis for a few years. We would have long periods of time for which he was calm and had improved behavior and then there were times where we would see new behaviors surface or old ones come back. I soon realized I needed the kind of help that could only come from God. I started going to church, I found a bible study group and prayed regularly. My faith in our triune God was restored, but it would be a few years later that our wonderful God would give this story to me.
I thought that it would be impossible for me to raise Richie in any kind of faith, since many of the churches around us were not disability friendly or accommodating. Richie wasn't going to sit still or remain quiet for long. In fact, his behavior would be too disruptive. So, I began praying with Richie every night. It took some time, but he learned the Lord's prayer. At first, I would recite a few words at a time and have him repeat them. When it seemed like he memorized it, I would have him start a few words at at time and I would repeat him.
| | In this clip, Richie is 23-years-old. He was ready for bed but as soon as I ask him to go to the Lord in prayer, notice how he's always ready to pray with me. The best part of my day is listening to him recite the Lord's prayer. Even with his limited ability to speak, you can hear that he does know the Lord's prayer, even though it's not spoken clearly. To this day, it's magical to hear him recite the Lord's prayer. I cherish the gift of praying with him. |
It was one day, while taking a shower, that the Lord gave me the entire book, “God, Can You Hear My Non-speaking Voice?” I wrote it in one day, but it would take a few years before it was published – looking for illustrators and a publishing process I could afford.
I had two other children book's that were written and ready to print, but this project, God's book, would be published first.
It was the most important project I had ever started and I knew the book was special. So special that it met the approval of two beautiful siblings.
I had two other children book's that were written and ready to print, but this project, God's book, would be published first.
It was the most important project I had ever started and I knew the book was special. So special that it met the approval of two beautiful siblings.
These two adorable kids (who just happen to be my grandkids) read the book and gave it their approval!
Oliver (age 4) and Charlotte (age 7)
"God, Can You Hear My Nonspeaking Voice," provides a blueprint for how we can help children with disabilities to connect with the Lord. Reading this book to our kids, whether they speak or not, is a great way to illustrate that the Lord is the only one who can hear our thoughts. It's a great example of prayer for all of us really.
What do we say to the Lord? How do we pray? What do we talk to God about? The answer is pretty simple, as the book illustrates. We can pray about and for everything and anyone that is important to us (or not), and we can talk to God about everything and anything that is happening in our lives and/or around us. God knows what is in our hearts, He hears our thoughts and most importantly - He hears all of our voices, including our nonspeaking ones.
What do we say to the Lord? How do we pray? What do we talk to God about? The answer is pretty simple, as the book illustrates. We can pray about and for everything and anyone that is important to us (or not), and we can talk to God about everything and anything that is happening in our lives and/or around us. God knows what is in our hearts, He hears our thoughts and most importantly - He hears all of our voices, including our nonspeaking ones.
Online Book reviews:
This book is absolutely perfect to read to littles or for intermediate readers! Both of my kids adored it, and related to the story as well. So happy I was able to snag a few copies to share with their teachers! - Samantha S.
Beautiful! This is such a simple, yet powerful book. A wonderful conversation between a non speaking child and God. Christine has written a prayer that is for children and adults of all ages.
A touching way a mother expresses how she interprets her non speaking child's thoughts and appreciation to the people, and God through his perspective. - Sue L
Great book for children, and even adults!
This book is a great & simple read for children & adults. Understanding that God loves us, and we must learn to pray & become closer to God no matter what we may be going through. I love how the author included The Lords Prayer at the end. Emily G.
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