Hear how a hair stylist became a hero at one of the Joni and Friends Family retreats. You can become one too by signing up at www.joniradio.org.
A Joni and Friends Family Retreat is a little slice of heaven on earth! Learn how you be part of providing a Christ-centered, accessible week of respite for families living with disability here:
https://joniandfriends.org/family-retreat/
SHAUNA: This is Shauna on Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope with a great story from Joni about Family Retreat.
JONI: And there are all kinds of ways people can volunteer at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat, and Brittany had an idea. You see, Brittany owns a hair salon in Arizona; she knows everything there is to know about giving a great haircut. And she also knew that because of time and financial constraints, a professional haircut can be a luxury for many special-needs families. And Brittany so wanted to help. So, when she heard about our Joni and Friends Family Retreats, she thought, “Why, I could donate my services; I could take my combs, my scissors, shampoo, capes, set up a beauty parlor for kids with disabilities!” When Brittany offered her services like that, our Joni and Friends team in Arizona jumped at the chance.
But actually, being on campus and giving haircuts to kids with autism was, for this professional hair stylist, just a bit challenging. Take, for instance, 12-year-old Maddy. Maddy has multiple disabilities, she uses a wheelchair, she’s unable to lift her head. Plus, she’s super sensitive to touch, and can become extremely agitated. A typical haircut for Maddy is a three-hour struggle just to get her bangs trimmed out of her eyes. But this child’s mother and father could not resist Brittany’s offer. After all, Maddy was way past due for a good haircut. They weren’t certain how Brittany would be able to work on their daughter, but it did not take long for everybody to figure it out.
In the end, Brittany did a fabulous job with this little girl’s hair. But it required the help of three other people! One volunteer sat Maddy on her lap and held on to her tightly. Maddy’s mother stood behind and held her daughter’s head, trying to keep her as still as possible when those scissors went to work. Another volunteer kept Maddy’s attention focused on her favorite video on an iPad. Between the three of them, Brittany gently cut Maddy’s hair into the cutest style. And she did it all with such great patience. Actually, like I said it was a team effort, so all four adults could be commended for their patience!
And Maddy’s mom and dad; they were simply elated with the results. But what really touched their hearts was the incredible investment of everyone’s care and attention. They were just so touched that Brittany, this hair stylist, would take the time to understand and work through Maddy’s special needs. All in all, this professional salon owner from Arizona had given quite a testimony to the compassion of Christ. She took the time. She enlisted help. She was patient. She was kind to Maddy. And Maddy’s parents could not help but take notice. Here was a woman practicing Christianity with its sleeves rolled up.
SHAUNA: And friend, as the mom of a disabled child like Maddy, volunteers like Brittany are my heroes! You can be a hero, too. Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and let Jesus work through you to provide parents a temporary relief from their day-to-day challenges of caring for their disabled child? Well then, go to joniandfriends.org today and become a volunteer buddy at an upcoming Family Retreat. There’s one happening in your area, I just know it! God will use you to make a lasting difference in the lives of families struggling with disability, and he’ll transform your life in the process. Go to joniandfriends.org and remember, not all heroes wear capes! And if you need some extra encouragement, just go to joniradio.org where you’ll find all kinds of resources and inspiration. Remember, that’s joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends