First, I can feel your hurt behind these words and I so understand it.

In my family, we have three boys (well, young men now) with multiple diagnoses. All of them need extra care with attending church. My husband has issues with crowds because of his extreme social anxiety.

I've heard so many different things over the years, from the church who asked us not to bring one of our sons back, to another that said I wasn't being hard enough on my (then) 5-year-old autistic child with multiple other diagnoses.

These days, on Sundays I pack up my youngest and oldest sons to go to a special church class that was designed with them in mind. I've met some of the most amazing people.

And still, in one other young adult attendee, I heard the words "You should really learn to control your son!" (My youngest is nonverbal and likes to share his chocolate by insistingly thrusting it at others).

This isn't an easy trip that I take with two of our kids as many Sundays as I can, but I still think it's important.

Not because it's required (although gathering with other believers is important), but because it (selfishly) fills up my own cup so I have just a little more patience in dealing with all the things I have to deal with in our crazy life.

I feel the pain in your written words, sir. I so totally understand it. And I pray that someday you find a group that fits your needs and you're able to worship with them. And if you don't, I pray that the Holy Spirit fills your cup wherever you are in your life. ❤️