The Lucky Few: Parenting, Proximity, and the Calling to Celebrate Down Syndrome - w/ Heather Avis

Mar 20, 2017

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How proximity, storytelling, community, and embracing complexity help transform cultural narratives about disability and reshape the Church’s witness to those the world often overlooks. Mike and Andy welcome back Heather Avis—author, mother, advocate, and founder of the Lucky Few—for a powerful conversation in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.

Through candid storytelling, laughter, and raw honesty, Heather, Mike, and Andy reflect on their shared journeys as parents of children with Down syndrome. They explore what it means to celebrate their kids joyfully and unapologetically in a world that still often sees disability through the lens of sorrow or burden.

This episode goes far beyond advocacy—it is a reflection on God’s invitation for all of us to enter into spaces of discomfort, risk, and deep love for the sake of others. It’s about the beauty found in the “yes” to raising children with Down syndrome, the brokenness of systemic ableism, and the everyday wonder these kids bring into the world.

Key Takeaways: • Parenting Children with Down Syndrome – Heather, Mike, and Andy share their adoption stories, fears, joys, and the transformational impact of raising their children. • The Power of Proximity – Why relationship and authentic inclusion—not pity or distance—change culture and hearts more than social media ever could. • Confronting Ableism – Personal stories of heartbreaking exclusions and how our systems are still built for the “typical,” despite efforts at inclusion. • What If There Were a Cure? – Wrestling with the ethics and theology behind conversations about eradicating Down syndrome and what that says about our values. • Joyful Non-Compliance – Advocating for our kids begins with celebrating every little victory for what it is: sacred and worthy of delight.

Guest Highlights: Heather Avis – Author of The Lucky Few, adoptive mom of three children (two with Down syndrome), and fierce advocate for inclusion, dignity, and beauty in diversity. Heather shares her heart about the importance of story-sharing, confronting cultural narratives of “normal,” and using her platform to spotlight the incredible value her children carry just by being themselves.

Resources Mentioned: • The Lucky Few by Heather Avis – heatheravis.com • Heather's Instagram – @macymakesmyday • Learn more about the movement at theluckyfew.com • Changing the Face of Beauty – Link • World Down Syndrome Day – worlddownsyndromeday.org

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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