Resource Corner: Highlights on Love, Loving and Good-byes

Walk Right In Ministries is excited to welcome guest blogger, Claire Krantz, who is launching our new Resource Corner. She’ll be sharing reviews, ideas and recommendations about books, music and movies of interest to special needs families. Today, Claire introduces herself and talks about resources that have caught her heart and attention this summer.

I (Claire) am a freelance writer and obsessive reader in the Twin Cities Metro area. Growing up in a small town with few things to do, my sisters and I would ride our bikes to the library across town every day to check out backpacks full of books (neither the frequency nor volume is hyperbole). 

My interest in books is less about what’s popular and more about what they might teach me. From the wonder of a magical land to how to be a better ally and advocate, my reading tastes span eras and genres.

Much of what I read and write flow out of a deep investment in accessibility and inclusion. My involvement in YoungLife Capernaum and work as a personal caregiver for an adult with developmental disabilities provide a unique lens through which I can see a book, no matter the subject. 

As a result of my diverse interests and experiences, I’ve become a reliable source for quirky and creative book reviews that make all types of literature fun and accessible. You can find me on Instagram @readingwithcb .

Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families

Jolene Philo takes Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages and sheds great insight, clarity, and ease in applying them to care for your family in Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families. Adapting the love languages (which are acts of service, gifts, quality time, (non-sexual) physical touch, and words of affirmation) to serve families with children with special needs seemed like common sense to me but I didn’t know how much I needed some things to be said, or rather read. We learn how to love spouses, self-advocate for our own care, support families closely and from afar, and understand that every child, diagnosis, and way to love is different. The partnership between Gary and Jolene talks about letting us off the hook when life gets overwhelming and explains ways to support others in simple terms. This is a book I find myself sharing snippets from and will continually turn to for guidance. My friends with special needs have taught me that disabilities are a gift and whether or not you can see them, they all are worth loving. My friends with special needs have reminded me that every person is worthy of love. Disabilities stretch our appreciation of how unique each person is and that loving each other well is a gift.”

Note: Watch Lisa’s interview with Jolene from the July 23rd episode of Real Talk Livestream.

For King & Country

God Only Knows

God Only Knows is one of my favorite songs! The first time I heard this song by For King & Country I instantly thought of my friends with special needs. Many feel lonely or misunderstood. I love them and I long to be with them when it is safe again. But regardless of my capacity to love and see them, our Father does it over and over and time again without tiring. There is a kind of love that God only knows. There is an eternal love that God only knows. I am reminded that Jesus is the only one who satisfies our souls and knows every single need whether we can communicate it or not. This song gives me rest. This song gives me peace. I pray that I remain moved to tears every time I hear this song.

The Goodbye Book

Grief is never easy or fun to talk about no matter the circumstance so when I saw The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr, I found myself pausing. Eye-catching, colorful, and sweetly illustrated, this book is full of simple words to explain complex emotions. Read aloud or alone, I think this book can help anyone process and identify what they really feel. 


Claire Krantz is a blogger, reader, hiker, camper, game-player, puzzle nut, music fan and general lover-of-people. She speaks in exclamations points — which is her friends’ way of saying she exudes cheer, encouragement, hope and fun. She grew up and lives in the Midwest where she is personally and professionally dedicated to living among friends of all abilities and celebrating God’s unique and purposeful design of every person.

Follow more of Claire’s reading adventures on Instagram @readingwithcb.

1 Comment

  1. janetbud

    I’m impressed! I love the new Resource Corner! Great job, Claire!

    Reply

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