In downtown Robbins there is a big Presbyterian church, Elise Presbyterian Church. When I was 14, Rev. James Mackenzie would drive the church van through our neighborhood enticing kids with flyers about youth trips. One day the Rev. approached me with an invitation.

He saw the worried look come across my face as I read that I would need $5.00 for a "burpsie cola and a burger". He said, "Come and go with us, this one is on me." Again and again he would slip $5.00 in my hand for youth trips.

I got saved at 14 years old at that church.

That same year another invitation came my way. My teacher asked me if I would like to volunteer at the daycare for the disabled children. A couple months prior to that, my dad had a major stroke. I guess seeing someone I loved so dearly become unexpectedly disabled hid a deep interest inside of me that I wasn't even aware of yet. Everyday at the daycare was precious. The children were profoundly disabled and happy. Their gratefulness to learn the most basic skill was overwhelming to me. At 14, I had fallen in love-with them.

Then I went on to North Moore High School and left the children behind. My dad had 3 more strokes thru my high school years. My mama worked third shift and somehow took care of my dad. I worked second shift to help out.

I met a boy and we started dating. I met his cousin who was also disabled. He had Autism and a contagious smile.

Then, I fell away from my walk with God. I got married and moved away.

In 1996, I was pregnant with our first child. I remember lying in bed, exhausted and saying my prayers. Out of fatigue, I found myself requesting the same thing over and over. "Lord, please give me a healthy baby." "Please make him a humble servant and a great ambassador for You."

Tyler was a typical toddler and the center of attention. At 2 and a half years old something changed drastically. He stopped talking and became withdrawn. Something had stolen my child's abilities and personality. The next 2 years were spent searching for a diagnosis.

I remember the day so plainly when a professional gave us the diagnosis. She leaned over her desk and with a stern, even-toned voice said the word - AUTISM.

She coldly predicted his future. He would never talk again, never get married and never have children of his own. We would have to take care of him for the rest of his life. She went onto say that there was no cure for autism and suggested we "put him somewhere" when he got older.

I shared the news with my husband when I returned home. He had stayed behind to watch our new baby daughter, Sarah. He was distraught and went outside to think.

I finally broke down and started sobbing, groaning, pleading and begging out loud to God. "Did this happen because I fell away from you, Lord?" "God, You can heal him! Heal him!" and "Please don't let this happen to Sarah!"

Then I got angry. "Why!" "Why did you allow this!" Then I would repent 30 seconds later only to get angry again.

Remember last time I told y'all about that "small and gentle whisper?"

God whispered to me, "DO YOU TRUST ME, CARMEN?" My mind stopped. God brought me back to the story of Abraham and Isaac. I begged God to forgive my lack of faith during those moments. I begged Him for mercy and grace. I thanked Him for never leaving me even though I had fallen away from Him.

I answered His question with a resounding, "Yes Lord, I trust you." I really believe that working with the disabled children, my father's disabilities due to the strokes and the boyfriend's cousin with autism were all preparation for that moment in my life.

Remember that sleepy prayer? A "humble servant and a great ambassador" was my hearts desire for my unborn child. To the world, Tyler is "one of the least". To me, he has the very heart God desires.

God said "Unless you humble yourselves and come to me as a child, then you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." Tyler chooses to love and trust everyday with no expectations. A "servant's heart and a great ambassador" of God's love was my prayer.

My family is my biggest blessing and Mother's Day gift. It happens for me everyday!

We ALL have a universal disability as well as an Almighty God. Our disability is sin. Our cure is Him.

Trust God today and everyday.

His love for you is unfailing. His answer and plan is always the right one.