In my time of fear and isolation I found great comfort in the stories told by, and the communities formed by disabled people. Now that we are all traversing the land usually reserved for people with disabilities my hope is that these voices can be a comfort and a light to guide the way for the general public.
Everybody finds fulfillment in using the unique gifts that God has given her or him. All people find value in meaningful paid or volunteer work that serves their community.
What a great opportunity to intentionally celebrate the gifts of people of all abilities in your church community! To make this easy, Christian Horizons has put together a number of resources, including videos, a service guide, and a complete sermon around the theme of "EveryBody Belongs."
The Lenten season serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how much I endure in this life, Jesus' sacrifice was much greater. It is humbling to recognize that my challenges do not qualify me for a monopoly on suffering. I am comforted and grateful for the fact that Jesus suffered more and yet overcame.
I believe that my kids are understood by their Creator, one who intercedes for all of us when words fail or aren’t possible. I believe that as complicated as they may seem, both Rachel and Janneke have purpose, a purpose that may simply be to motivate the rest of us to care and be more caring.
"What if the opportunities to experience the joy of community and the familiarity of long-ago learned rituals were open to them at any time, just like anyone else…Imagine if all of these people could participate in synagogue seders or at peoples’ homes."
The lesson my disabled son gives stands as a powerful testament to the dignity and infinite value of every human person, especially of those the world deems the weakest and most “useless.” Through their sharing in the “folly” of the Cross, the disabled are, in truth, the most powerful and the most productive among us.
Faith Today March/April 2013 (click here for the online issue) features three articles highlighting the topic of disability. I am excited that there has been a significant increase in theological research and writing, autobiographies, conferences, blogs and conversations in the Church on "What ought we do?" We must be diligent that this is is not [...]
An article in the journal "Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" (Feb 2013) describes a research project that highlights the importance of religion and spirituality in the lives of persons with disabilities. The authors conducted a survey of 416 families to explore the way in which they and their children participated and were included in congregational life. The [...]
Interview with Dr. John Swinton This is an recent interview in the United Observer with my friend, John Swinton. It's an excellent piece that highlights the importance of clear theological thinking in regards to disability ministries.
