And we have opportunities all around us to step into spaces with people who are different

than us in an intentional way. Is it going to be messy? Of course. Is it going to be hard?

Yes. Is hard bad? No, not always. Heather Avis knows the joy of having three adopted children and two of them have Down syndrome.

She's here today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to shout the worth of every life made in the image of God. Thanks for joining us. I'm John Fuller.

First, John, how encouraging to hear this message. What a great message about life.

And it's so interesting how we naturally gravitate toward those who are like

us, look like us, think like us, and yes it's pretty comfortable to be in that kind of community.

But we can also get into a box or pattern in our relationships and miss learning about

how other people think and what their perspective is.

I know that Jesus did exactly that.

I mean, he really did think differently than the

Pharisees and the scribes, the religious leaders of the day, so much so that it

created incredible conflict. A few years back our guest Heather Avis had a lot to share about

this idea of broadening our horizons to love and accept others who tend to be

marginalized in our society and she helped us to see things a little

differently as she shared her story so we're coming back to that great message.

It's a really unique and uplifting story and Heather has written about it in her book called

Scoot Over and Make Room, creating a space where everyone belongs. You can get a copy of that when you call 800

2332 649. 800, the letter A in the word family, or stop by the show notes

for the details. Here's that conversation now with Heather

Avis on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. Heather welcome back to focus.

Hi thank you so much for having me.

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