Today's Daily Bread
A Circle Of Friends
Many high school students with autism or Down syndrome feel
excluded and ignored. They often eat alone in a crowded cafeteria
because other students don’t know how to relate to them or simply don’t
care. To address this need, speech therapist Barbara Palilis began
“Circle of Friends”—a program that pairs students with disabilities with
nondisabled peers for lunch dates and social activities. Through this
outreach, special-needs students and those nondisabled peers who
befriend them continue to be enriched and changed through the gift of
acceptance, friendship, and understanding.
Being included is at the heart of the gospel of Christ. “God, who is
rich in mercy, . . . even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:4-5).
Through faith in Christ, we “who once were far off have been brought
near by the blood of Christ” (v.13).
Our privileged place as members of the “household of God” (v.19)
should give us eyes to see and hearts to care for those around us who
are ignored and alone. If each of us would reach out in caring
friendship to one person today, what a difference it would make for us
all.
I needed help. Someone came alongside,
Sent by our Savior to care and to guide.
I now help you. We know that He is there,
Loving us both, and extending His care. —Verway
Sent by our Savior to care and to guide.
I now help you. We know that He is there,
Loving us both, and extending His care. —Verway
Reach out in friendship and encourage the lonely;
energize the weary.
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