On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus’ strategy is to walk alongside the followers for a long while, allowing them to tell their whole story. Similarly, matching the pace of someone else and demonstrating that we are truly listening, even though it may be hard to relate is a way to show that they are valued.
In John 14 Thomas is quite concerned that he will not find the way to God on his own. Jesus provides reassurance that the journey of faith does not depend on whether we can see or understand God's directions. Rather, it depends on our ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ and our willingness to trust him step-by-step.
Seeking God's kingdom and his righteousness is about more than making God your first priority and engaging in spiritual disciplines. Seeking God’s kingdom also means responding to the injustices that we or others experience and advocating for God's kingdom values like love, inclusion and accessibility for all.
This young girl's response not only shows that most people have the capacity to understand how to provide effective support to another person simply by observing and interacting with them thereby demystifying some of the potential challenges to supporting people with disabilities. The principle of watching and learning is also valuable when it comes to matters of faith.
I hope this post is encouraging to people who are wary of helpers without qualifications being involved in their care or that of a loved one. There are blessings that come from simply doing life together in an informal way; necessary skills can be taught to all kinds of people.
There is a lot to be learned from the community of Vedder Terrace in Chilliwack, British Columbia... The members whom I met shared a lot about their lives. They told me about the community events which they enjoy at the clubhouse, shared community meals three times per week, movie nights and other events that people who do not live at Vedder Terrace can take part in.
The quality of life for many people with disabilities is lower than it could be if more wheelchair manufacturers, occupational therapists and medical supply vendors made and sold products that effectively promoted the future of full societal participation.
Sometimes God provides needed support through unexpected people in unexpected places.
(In short, you should come and serve at Christian Horizons Family Camp with people who experience disabilities! You can learn more and apply here: www.christian-horizons.org/familycamp) Jim and son Steven enjoy tubing at the 2017 Christian Horizons Family Camp A Christian Horizons Family Camp Poem By Chantal Huinink Dreams can come true, eh? Christian Horizons [...]
Christian ministries may have more impact if they focus on holistic care and ministry than on a "specialist" approach to faith or spirituality. It is too easy to fragment intellectual, physical, and emotional needs as aspects of flourishing spirituality.
