Gò0dNews for Parents
It Fits Him Well by Virginia Piper
I
t’s graduation season. Except this year looks a
opportunities. He’s carried Jesus to AA meetings
bit different than seasons past. Even so, my son
where he had been invited to offer a closing prayer, a
was very excited to try on his cap and gown
prayer that influenced many men on their journey of
after we made our way through the school car line
recovery. Being clothed in Christ eliminates judgment.
to pick it up, having to adhere to social distancing
It’s filtered out, leaving acceptance and love.
recommendations. Both of us have worked hard to
Watching George walk across the stage in his cap
make this happen. I have advocated tirelessly for
and gown will most certainly bring a sense of pride to
services and support for his success. It’s difficult to
me. But knowing that he is clothed in Christ fills me
tell how much George understands the consequences
with a sense of awe.
of graduating from high school. I’m sure he senses a change. I proudly posted this picture on Facebook, and I was struck by a comment that was made. A friend stated that the cap and gown “fit him well.” I thought about that comment, rolling it over in my mind for several days, considering all aspects and perspectives of it. Physically, the cap and gown absolutely fit him well. But beyond the outward appearance, beneath the fabric, and below the cap is where the true fit can be found. George was molded and fitted for Christ long before his birth. He was created with and for a purpose. Down syndrome didn’t change that. A quote by J.C. Ryle brings to mind the extent of what clothing can truly represent: “Never is a man…rightly clothed till he puts on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 13:14 states to “clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” While caps and gowns represent the completion of 12 years of schoolwork and preparation for the future, “having on” the Lord Jesus Christ carries with it much furtherreaching ramifications extending to eternity. For George, graduation can be seen as a steppingstone on his ongoing Gospel-sharing journey. None of us can predict how God will use us to impact others. George’s path has guided him to surprising places and offered unanticipated
18 // August 2020
It fits him well.
