When I was in the editorial meeting for planning upcoming blog topics and we arrived at the idea of a Mother’s Day post, Xulon Press author Mary Oksman came to mind like a flash of lightning. I came into contact with Mary because I was assigned to fulfill the editorial service she purchased as well as write her custom Press Release. What a blessing it was to interact with her, answer her questions and learn about her life. Mary is a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator. In addition to working with the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, she has published numerous articles on health and wellness and also holds a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Her strengths in these areas make her uniquely qualified to raise a son who was born with a chromosomal abnormality.
In her book A Mother’s Fight, A Faithful God, Mary recounts the struggles she went through to advocate on her son’s behalf. During the 70s and 80s a lack of research, development and compassion made it extremely difficult and painful for her to ensure that her son received adequate health care and education. Mary says, “In light of recent headlines, we know that our mental health and school systems are failing children that are the most at risk. Autism and ADHD are on the rise. Bullying cases have also been climbing. These kids need to have someone in their corner or they will lash out. We need to help our troubled kids sooner or they will end up with many additional issues that will prevent them from becoming productive members of society.”
Even above her desire to raise awareness and educate the public about this subject, Mary wants to point people to her solid rock, her untiring source of strength and grace, God Himself. “Just as broken glass reflects the most light, so we can reflect God,” says Mary. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has been with her every step of the way and she wants to give other parents this same assurance. “The world rejects these poor in spirit, but God never does. We need to realize we are all connected and when one suffers we all suffer. My hope for my readers is that they reach a place of acceptance where they see others with disabilities not through their eyes, but God’s.” This Mother’s Day, Xulon Press wants to honor Mary Oksman for her outstanding motherhood, her relentless outreach through her professional pursuits and for going out of her way to convert her struggles into blessings for others.
Find Mary Oksman’s book A Mother’s Fight, A Faithful God, in the Xulon Press Bookstore.
