BIO
Shauna’s passion for the inherent worth and dignity of every human life was deeply solidified when her third child was diagnosed with Down syndrome, a near fatal heart defect, and a slew of other genetic abnormalities. As a speaker, author, and disability rights advocate, Shauna shares the gift of viewing challenges through the lens of God’s Word and does so with incredible transparency and vulnerability. Despite the many trials of life, Jesus remains the anchor of her soul. Shauna became part of Joni and Friends over 16 years ago as a desperate mother in need of help and hope. She has been a staff member for 14 years now, currently serving as the Director of Direct Response and Radio Channel Marketing. The testimony she and her daughter, Sarah, share shines a spotlight on the never-ending love of Christ.
Over one million weekly listeners hear Shauna as she encourages radio listeners alongside Joni Eareckson Tada. Shauna has also lent her voice to Focus on the Family, Life Matters with Brad Mattes, Women of the Word Christian Conferences, the Dear Mom Conference, the Life Counsel Bible, and Real Families, Real Needs: A Compassionate Guide for Families Living with Disability.
INNER VIEW
Kathleen Cooke: The public stares at high profile actors and stars. They have to be aware of who is always watching them. As a single parent of a special needs child, you get stared at lots, too. What has God taught you about living in the public’s eye?
Shauna Amick: Recently, God reminded me that we always have an audience. People are watching what we do and how we live—whether we realize it or not. I had taken my daughter, Sarah, out for lunch. We had a lovely girls’ day out, full of joy and laughter. When it was time to pay the bill, the restaurant owner approached our table and explained that a woman sitting on the other side of the dining room had anonymously paid for our lunch. A complete stranger felt compelled to bless us that way, and she explained to the owner why… She saw the love between Sarah and me and found it unusual. Maybe she was surprised that the mother of a child with Down syndrome could be so happy and full of love for someone with a disability. Or perhaps what surprised her was witnessing Sarah glorifying God in the beautiful ways she does just by being who he created her to be. It was at that moment that God taught me once again: the way we live our lives and the way we love others influences people dramatically. We have the choice to influence others in such a way that they choose to love and lead like Jesus, or we can influence others to question the sanctity of life and doubt the goodness of God. What will you choose? Are you living life out loud in such a way that those who are watching you are inspired to spread the lasting aroma of Christ everywhere?
Kathleen: As professionals on secular sets or working in production offices, the culture can often be toxic and challenging to our Christian values and beliefs, leading to mistreatment, bullying, and sometimes being fired from work. What has God taught you about not backing down or compromising your faith?
Shauna: It’s taken me 50 years to fully comprehend that the Word of God and the individual mission that God has placed on my life are what should define my boundaries. Like all humans and, therefore, finite beings, I have limits regarding time, energy, and matters of the heart. God expects me to set and keep boundaries not only for my peace of mind but also for my daughter’s. Specifically, God does not want me to enable the mistreatment of my disabled daughter or myself. Matthew 18 instructs us to deal with mistreatment directly and gives us a plan for conflict resolution. First, we’re to have a one-on-one conversation. If that doesn’t help, then we should bring another person in for guidance. If that’s not successful, we’re to go to the church for counsel, and if there’s still no resolution, we need to take a very serious look at the relationship and decide if it’s healthy or safe to stay in it. Matthew 18 does not instruct us to endure mistreatment indefinitely. The Bible doesn’t say that if the mistreatment won’t stop, just keep putting up with it. Yet that was a misconception I had for many years. I allowed (even enabled) toxic behavior because I felt stuck. I didn’t understand the power of respecting my own boundaries until later in life. Other people don’t have to agree with our values and boundaries. Even when they don’t, we can still maintain our own boundaries and thus protect our mental and emotional health, as well as the health of those God has entrusted to us. Ultimately, setting and keeping boundaries determine our quality of life. Are you fearful that setting boundaries will bring consequences in your relationships that you don’t want to face?
Kathleen: You have many challenges and responsibilities with little rest. What have you learned about being intentional about rest?
Shauna: Being the single mother of a child with disabilities is exhausting. The demands are relentless. Juggling parenting and full-time ministry can overwhelm me if I’m not intentional about getting rest. When we overextend ourselves, we risk making mistakes at work that wouldn’t occur if we were functioning with a focused, rested mind. Likewise, running ourselves ragged leaves us tempted to overreact or lose our temper, either in the workplace or at home. And once that happens, we diminish the power of our testimony. My goal is to lead like Jesus in every environment. In order to lead like Jesus, I need to follow his example and make sure I’m getting the rest I need so I can serve others well. Serving others with a rested body and mind allows me to serve cheerfully. And we know from 2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves a cheerful giver. Serving from a place of exhaustion demonstrates the other part of that Bible verse—serving reluctantly or under compulsion. That results in resentment and burnout. So, while there are certainly times when we need to start the day early or work late—and while there are times when the priority of parenting takes precedence over times of rest—we need to do what we can to protect our boundaries concerning rest physically and mentally. Practical ways I do that include having a pre-determined bedtime, taking time to decompress at the end of the day by reading the Bible or another book, and keeping the Sabbath. On Sundays, I go to church, have fun with family and friends, and keep chores to a minimum. Doing so restores my energy and focus so I can head into the week physically rested and spiritually refreshed.
Kathleen: What has God taught you about being OK with where He has positioned and placed you within His purpose? And how have you found joy in embracing it fully?
Shauna: My daughter, Sarah, has changed the entire direction of my life, and all for the better. Through Sarah’s influence, I’ve changed careers. More than that, daily living with Sarah is a constant reminder that we are all created in God’s image. My passion for the sanctity of human life was deep before she was born, but it has been solidified every day throughout the past nineteen years because of her influence. There are certainly times when I have to decline opportunities either because I don’t have any caregiving help or because I need to adhere to Sarah’s strict schedule. That’s when I remember Psalm 16, especially verses 5 and 6. “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” That’s right! The boundary lines of my life aren’t necessarily better or worse than those who don’t live with disability. They’re just different. And there are so many wonderful things I experience because of Sarah. Like the poignant depiction of true equality in the body of Christ and the fulfillment of my God-given calling. Because here’s the thing… Jesus himself decided that I’m the perfect person to be Sarah’s primary caregiver. And as I embrace his call on my life, he fills me with joy in his presence. Keep your eyes always on the Lord. With him at your right hand, you will not be shaken. And “fight for your joy,” as Joni Eareckson Tada likes to say. That’s when you’ll find that Jesus—and the loved ones he’s entrusted to your care—are your greatest blessings and the most powerful influences of all.