When Faith Faces the Impossible: One Family’s Fierce Love and Unshakable Hope

Jon and Lauren sat in the parking garage coming to terms with the news before heading home. Their appointment for a routine 20-week ultrasound had taken a devastating turn: red flags, a daunting diagnosis, and a subtle offer from the doctor to terminate the pregnancy. 

But that day Jon and Lauren chose life for their baby. Right then and there they named her Sparrow, entrusting her to the God who watches over every sparrow and clothes the lilies of the field. 

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” Luke 12:6 

Now a teenager, Sparrow lives with DDX3X syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that has left her nonverbal and dependent on a wheelchair, with complex developmental and physical needs. For Jon and Lauren, raising Sparrow and her three siblings, Titus (15), Iris (11), and Ralph (9) requires grit, creativity, and steadfast dependence on Jesus. 

“Christian maturity isn’t becoming more self-reliant. It’s realizing how deeply we need God,” says Lauren. 

Beyond the sometimes-grueling rhythms of life with disability, challenges like denials from insurance for essential medical equipment often hit like rogue waves. But through it all, Jon and Lauren cling to the Lord and fight for their daughter, creating opportunities for her to grow and flourish. 

“Sparrow outgrew her wheelchair, gait trainer, and stander all at once. We got denied for all three. It became the year of fighting,” says Lauren.  

“Without faith, I’d be bitter. But instead, I get to be hopeful. I dream about hearing Sparrow’s voice someday—her real voice,” says Jon. 

Finding True Rest 

Like most special needs parents, Lauren and Jon desperately need moments of deep rest. And that is exactly what they have found through Joni and Friends Family Retreat! As John shared: 

“We didn’t know what to expect the first year. Now, it’s the highlight of our summer.” 

Lauren put it this way: 

“We do all the lifting for Sparrow—physical and emotional. Just knowing someone else will lift for a few days… that’s a gift.” 

Both Jon and Lauren watched in amazement at the care and attention provided to all their children at Family Retreat.  

“The first time we realized Ralph had his own buddy, it blew my mind,” Jon says. “It wasn’t just about Sparrow—they thought of all our kids.” 

“Joni and Friends lays everything out and asks, ‘What do you need?’” Lauren adds. “And somehow, God always provides.” 

Last year, as Lauren grieved the imminent passing of her grandmother, a black dress at the women’s boutique became a surprising answer to prayer.  

“It’s nothing anyone could’ve planned,” she reflects. “But God knew.” 

A Place of Belonging 

While Family Retreat only lasts for a week, Sparrow’s family has discovered a place of belonging all year round at Trinity West Seattle, a church recommended by Joni and Friends staff. 

“There’s literally a space for Sparrow’s wheelchair,” Lauren says. “That never used to happen. And she loves worship—she jingles bells during the songs. No one stops her. It’s beautiful.” 

The support extends beyond Sundays. One retired couple, both with medical training, now visits the family regularly to help with Sparrow’s care and give Jon and Lauren much-needed respite. 

“They even offered their beach cabin,” Jon says. “It’s more than we ever expected.” 

Difficulties continue to press in on Sparrow’s family. But, like Joni Eareckson Tada, when the suffering gets hard, they lean all the harder into Jesus. And he continues to provide, including through Joni and Friends!