Common Man, Extraordinary Call: Thriving as the Dad of a Child with Special Needs

by Jeff Davidson, Becky Davidson

Overview

Challenges, equips, and inspires fathers of children with special needs

Becoming the father of a child with special needs can feel like being drafted into the military—and starting duty as a general. Dad is expected to know how to set rules and run drills without any training in leadership. And there are very few resources for men who want to be involved but need guidance and specific ideas. Overwhelmed, many fathers end up going AWOL on their families.

As a twenty-year veteran of special-needs parenting, Jeff Davidson wrote a field manual to give fathers the skills required for the day-to-day demands of parenting. Jeff helps men discover God's new mission for their lives in each of five specific roles: warrior, protector, provider, encourager, and equipper. He offers rich, real-life examples from dads in the field and a no-nonsense approach from initial diagnosis onward. This book is filled with practical how-tos for parenting in the special needs world, bullet points for easy reading and quick reference, and a Mission Critical synopsis at the end of each chapter.

Informal and task-oriented, Common Man, Extraordinary Call offers growth and hope for men with little free time. And as they process their instructions, they'll be able to mentor other fathers, creating a strong army of men who not only survive but thrive as capable dads to their children with special needs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825445453
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	01/22/2019
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.42(d)

About the Author

Jeff Davidson (1967–2017) was the founder and president/CEO of Rising Above Ministries, a national ministry serving special needs families. He was also a pastor, speaker, and author of No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches and the blog Goodnight Superman.

Becky Davidson is the president and executive director of Rising Above Ministries. After the unexpected death of her husband, Jeff, she assumed leadership of their shared ministry and honored his memory by shepherding his last book through publication. Becky and her son, Jon Alex, live in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Foreword: The Bravest Man I Ever Knew 9

Preface 11

Introduction: Shock and Awe 13

1 Drafted 19

2 Absent Without Leave 37

3 Basic Training 51

4 Protect and Defend 69

5 Provide 83

6 Strengthen 99

7 Equip 113

8 Emotional Land Mines 133

9 Surviving Civilian Assault 147

10 Band of Brothers 159

11 Marching Orders 173

Afterword: A Letter from Becky 185

Appendix: A Band of Brothers Study Guide 187

Notes 201

Editorial Reviews

When we got our son's autism diagnosis in 2010, we each reacted differently to the news. The testimony of another special-needs dad was what God used to get us on the same page and moving forward together. That’s why we believe Jeff’s message specifically for men is so important. Jeff has a pastor's heart for coming alongside dads in the toughest season of their lives. And his words will equip men to engage in the battle, encourage their families, and build endurance for the path ahead. Jeff lived out the message of this book, and we are so thankful Becky was able to complete this mission.

Lee & Sandra Peoples

Jeff Davidson was a true champion of fathers of kids with special needs. His ability to speak into the lives of men struggling with the feelings of hopelessness and loss common to dads in families impacted by disability is irreplaceable. Common Man, Extraordinary Call tangibly demonstrates God’s love for special-needs dads through Jeff’s words of wisdom and encouragement to men who missed out on the blessing of knowing him in this life.

Stephen Grcevich

Finally, a book written specifically for fathers of kids with special needs and disabilities. Common Man, Extraordinary Call speaks directly to dads in their language because the author, the late Jeff Davidson, is their brother. Davidson speaks frankly about how he failed his wife, Becky, and son after Jon Alex was diagnosed with multiple special needs. Jeff describes his remarkable transformation from absent dad to loving father as he came to comprehend the gift he and his wife had been given in Jon Alex. With love and eloquence, Davidson encourages dads to join him in the fight to protect, parent, and provide for their children. “Becky Davidson, who completed the book after Jeff died unexpectedly, describes the powerful legacy her husband left for her, their son, and the community of special-needs dads. Becky reveals to readers what those blessed to meet her husband know to be true. What God did for Jeff, this humble father vows, God will do for the ordinary men who accept his call to become the extraordinary leaders of their special-needs families.

Jolene Philo

Having worked around the globe with families experiencing disability, I have unfortunately seen firsthand that fathers of children with disabilities are typically absent, ashamed, or apathetic. But I have seen others. I have watched fathers live a different story and lead their entire family—including their loved one with a disability—into a deeper, more meaningful life. Jeff and Becky remind us that these men don’t just happen. They are the ones who lean in where others flee.

Matthew Mooney