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Keith Dow shares the story of Paul Smith, an artist with severe cerebral palsy whose typewriter art expressed his faith and talent. He explores how faith communities can better welcome and include diverse gifts beyond traditional forms like music. The post highlights the importance of valuing people first and creating space for belonging and contribution.
Paul produced a variety of religious art.
Paul's background and community
Lately a video (produced back in 2004) has been making the rounds on social media highlighting the artistic ability of Paul Smith from Philadelphia, PA. He had severe spastic cerebral palsy yet made the most of his abilities, and at the Rose Haven nursing home he found a community that valued and appreciated not only his God-given gifts but who he was as a person.
Thinking about gifts in faith communities
A helpful exercise, whenever we hear of people’s gifts and abilities, is to think through how they might be welcomed in our faith communities. Many churches and faith communities do not have a strong emphasis on art other than in the form of musical worship. How would Paul’s gift be incorporated into the life of your community? Is there a place for it? Would a place be made for it?
Welcoming the person first
Obviously, the welcome of the person takes precedence to the gifts or abilities of that person, but one of the ways we can best welcome anyone is to recognize and appreciate the gifts they bring to community.
Paul's legacy and belonging
Paul has passed away now, and you can visit the archived web page of his foundation, but there are over seven billion people in the world who are like him, looking for places to belong and to have their unique contributions welcomed.
About the Author:
Keith Dow:
Keith Dow, PhD, is a theologian, writer, and credentialed pastor with BIC Canada, serving as Director of Culture and Mission Alignment with Karis Disability Services. His work explores disability theology, Christian caregiving, spiritual life, and the gifts of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is the author of Formed Together: Mystery, Narrative, and Virtue in Christian Caregiving (Baylor University Press, 2021) and the researcher behind Images of God. His latest peer-reviewed article is “Imaging God Together.” Keith recently completed a term as president of the AAIDD Religion & Spirituality Interest Network. Explore his writing and research at keithdow.com.
Recent Posts:
Keith Dow shares the story of Paul Smith, an artist with severe cerebral palsy whose typewriter art expressed his faith and talent. He explores how faith communities can better welcome and include diverse gifts beyond traditional forms like music. The post highlights the importance of valuing people first and creating space for belonging and contribution.
Paul produced a variety of religious art.
Paul's background and community
Lately a video (produced back in 2004) has been making the rounds on social media highlighting the artistic ability of Paul Smith from Philadelphia, PA. He had severe spastic cerebral palsy yet made the most of his abilities, and at the Rose Haven nursing home he found a community that valued and appreciated not only his God-given gifts but who he was as a person.
Thinking about gifts in faith communities
A helpful exercise, whenever we hear of people’s gifts and abilities, is to think through how they might be welcomed in our faith communities. Many churches and faith communities do not have a strong emphasis on art other than in the form of musical worship. How would Paul’s gift be incorporated into the life of your community? Is there a place for it? Would a place be made for it?
Welcoming the person first
Obviously, the welcome of the person takes precedence to the gifts or abilities of that person, but one of the ways we can best welcome anyone is to recognize and appreciate the gifts they bring to community.
Paul's legacy and belonging
Paul has passed away now, and you can visit the archived web page of his foundation, but there are over seven billion people in the world who are like him, looking for places to belong and to have their unique contributions welcomed.
