DIABETES WITHOUT LIMITS

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

Talk to most people I know and you will meet with some of the most negative and fear filled people claiming to be positive and encouraging. I see leaders who speak loudly about doing the right things but they manipulate their own speeches and do things differently, using excuses to well, excuse their reason for what they had to do.

I see people who say they want to follow the rules but they will easily fall under pressure when the time comes. People are afraid of what they don't know. That's all I have to say. I see my son kept out of advancing in sports all because he's had a few highs or lows. The moment he needs to check his sugar or needs a juice, it's seen as an obstacle or a sign that he's not ready to move forward to a better place in the team. 

Don't we all get tired and need a water break? Don't we all have some kind of moment where we just need to take a minute? Then, why do we limit athletes who wholeheartedly and without reserve immerse themselves into a sport, not counting the cost or the limits placed on them by others, but pushing against the negative voices and doing twice the work just because they have to prove they have a right to be on the team like everyone else? I am convinced that fear keeps coaches from advancing team players like my son, with Type 1 Diabetes or another condition. Diabetes is not a handicap that disables a child with a passion to play. It doesn't remove their hands and legs or their heart to win.


Type 1 Diabetes has its moments where yes, a child may need to get their sugar checked, or get water, or need juice, but that doesn't mean they are disqualified for the position or unable to fulfill their duty on their team. 

No limits. No boundaries. I have taught my son that with God in our lives and our side we do not have to hold back and that we can dream big. Yes, even football. Coaches may not see it. I do. God does. God doesn't see the labels placed by men. God sees our desire to push through barriers and break down walls.

To my son, I tell you push through. I am cheering you on! Soar. You are awesome! You are great! You keep at it!

Type 1 Diabetes was not only defeated on the Cross of Jesus when he declared that by His stripes we were healed, but T1D is also defeated in our home. It is not a stop sign or a do not disturb sign in our family. It is not a place for limits or excuses. If anything, it is a challenge that is in our faces to believe God, trust God, and live life in a way that will show God can use us in our weakness, in our struggles, and in our hardships. 

There is nothing impossible for God. Encourage your child to continue in sports or the arts. Whatever your child dreams, don't allow coaches, teachers, mentors and others to try to convince them they cannot do great things in life. God says to declare, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!" So, what are you going to do about it?

Lord, we trust you to help us achieve great things in our lives. Help us to support and be a blessing to our kids as they pursue their goals and aspirations in life. Help us be parents that share faith without fear when opposition shows up. Lead us and guide us so that we in turn can do for our children and help them to stand on their own two feet, trusting in the Lord and going forward with the vision in their heart, in Jesus Name, Amen.