Rhema’s name (pronounced RAY-MAH) means “the spoken word.” In the Bible, the Greek translation for rhema is ”God’s Word revealed.” One of our favorite Bible verses that contains the ”rhema word” is Romans 10:8,9. I quote this verse every night to our daughter when I tuck her in to bed:
“..The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is LORD”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
We named our daughter Rhema with a vision that she would always speak and share the wonderful Truth about salvation in Christ. We hold on to that vision, and for us, her name is a promise.
Rhema was diagnosed with autism at age 2 in 2006. Months later she received a diagnosis of a seizure disorder and a feeding disorder. The seizure activity is continuous in the regions of her brain that govern speech and language comprehension. At age four, Rhema is still nonverbal. But we continue to hope that Rhema will one day be able to communicate in spoken language.
This video can also be viewed on the Five For Fighting website where money is being raised for Autism Speaks.
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My niece, Mary Helene, sent me this link. This was the most beautiful video I have seen. You have a precious daughter. And my prayers will be that all your dreams will come true for Rhema and your family.
A beautiful video, a beautiful child, and parents who help to bring out wonders. Blessings and greetings.
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I am so touched by this website…I have a little one age 4 who is also nonverbal, and has experienced many of the same issues.
I am also encouraged with how you’ve stuck in there spiritually….something I can say I haven’t done so well. I have one other special needs child and another typical child, and I have to say I’ve had times of high hopes, unbelievable anger, complete exhaustion, joy….feeling totally alone, scared, with feeling like I had/have no support around me. Well, I could go on and on, but it’s wonderful to have found this website.
I never fail to catch up on your blog while I work night shift! You have a way of giving each challenge humor and hope. Have a Great Mother’s Day!
I have heard God’s word through Rehma. The gift of speech is not the only gift used to spread his message. I am halfway across the country and I doubt I would never have been introduced to you if it was not for your beautiful daughter. When I read your posts I am reminded that God is still listening, God loves all of his children, and God did not send me to endure this trial alone, there are others that have felt my pain. Thank You for helping me to become closer to a God that loves me as I am. I pray that you will hear Rehma’s voice in all of its heavenly glory, but if you never do know that she is spreading God’s word through her personal trials and triumphs.
Beautiful. Christian came over while I was watching it and was glued to the screen. Some day, may be they will be friends.
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I dream of this world too. On Earth as it is in Heaven.
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