WORD: “Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.” (Mark 2:3, NIV) THOUGHT: It can be easy to believe that it is only remarkable and extraordinary […]

On Tuesday, January 24th at 1 p.m., join the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE) and CLC Network "for a conversation about supporting students with disabilities in Christian schools."

One of the remarkable qualities about Jesus is that he truly sees the man or woman in need that he encounters. So often we pass by without seeing. To see in this way is not dependent on physical sight. It is to be known, to be respected, to be loved. May we, too, see those around us.

Are we deliberate in our own lives to welcome someone with a disability to our table? Are we careful to recognize that person by their name, who they are, rather than their disability?

WORD: “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not […]

Too often we fail to listen by forcing others into shallow cultural molds of what is socially acceptable. Instead, we must follow Christ’s example in welcoming those who are on the margins of society into the centre of community life.

We have a responsibility and opportunity to ‘speak up’ for those whose voices are not heard. We must ensure that we are listening, and lending our voice on behalf of those who need justice. In this we are not replacing others, but in getting to know those who are not heard they are able to speak with and through us.

Does your church work to show your community that people with disabilities are truly welcomed and embraced? If not, what good is your faith? Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead, but faith that is accompanied by action is a beautiful offering of love toward God and other people."

100 Huntley Street is a daily Christian television talk show of Crossroads Christian Communications out of Burlington, Ontario. The December 5th, 2016 episode featured several segments related to disability and faith.

I was born with physical disabilities and I became accustomed to having multiple physical examinations and assessments at a very young age. Furthermore, my ongoing need for assistance with personal care has made me consider the vulnerabilities inherent in such experiences as confirmation of support and well-being.