"Mom, that man over there is staring at us!"

Yes, I had already observed the man staring at us. Our family was taking a quick lunch break at a fast food restaurant as we traveled. This staring at our family by total strangers was not new, but it was the first time one of the children mentioned it. I could understand the staring. Sometimes I even chuckled about it.

Why would anyone stare at our family? We are like a patchwork quilt, with various hues and shades, different sizes and shapes. First of all, there are eight of us. That alone will make people stare! Two of our children had been seven-month old preemies. Two children joined our family through adoption from Korea and India. One son from India has cerebral palsy. Our family certainly provides ample opportunity for people to stare.

When the staring seems rude or antagonistic, I always remember Isaiah 43:5: Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. This verse always makes my heart sing and rejoice over the family the Lord has gathered around my husband and me. It lightens my heart when people are rude or insensitive.

What about our handicapped son? How does a family reach out to a child who is handicapped? In the same manner that we reach out to all those around us, with love and acceptance. The Lord created each of us in His image, no matter what we look like, how intelligent we are, how athletic we may be. Our son's handicap is just one aspect of who he is. When people take the time to know our son, they find a warm, loving, organized, sharing person.

Maybe the question should be: how does our handicapped son reach out to us? He sets a good example of Christian living. He doesn't understand the concept of revenge or getting even. Imagine the effect this has in a household with five other children!

Our family provides us with an opportunity to witness to the great love of Jesus and how each of us in the family of God is adopted as an heir into the eternal kingdom, no matter what our differences-size, shape, color, handicaps. We were born separated from God because of our sinful nature, but the great love of God saved us. We have eternal life with Him, through the death and resurrection of His Son.

Kathy Johnson is the busy mother of six. She has been published in Christmas in the Country 2003 and Portals of Prayer February 2004. She is a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Richfield, MN.