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Chantal Huinink shares how joy and strength connect in her experience living with a disability, grounded in Nehemiah 8:10. She highlights the Christian Horizons Family Retreat as a supportive space where families and individuals with exceptional needs belong fully. The retreat fosters resilience and mutual care through faith, community, and joyful participation.
The theme of the Christian Horizons Family Retreats this summer is Nehemiah 8:10 which says, “… For the Joy of the Lord is my strength.” I find this verse particularly valuable at the intersection of faith and disability. First, how can people affected by disability live with “joy?” My joy comes from the Lord’s joy in me. His joy is not about what I can do in comparison to others but about being who God created me to be. It is important to recognize that the Lord delights in you regardless of your body shape, physical, cognitive or mental capabilities because He created you.
Finding strength through joy
This verse also connects joy and strength. It is meaningful to me because I have minimal muscle control except for my biceps which have literally developed as a result of relying on the physical strength of others to carry me around. Yet, people often refer to me as a “strong person,” or they say “if I or in your shoes, I would not be as strong as you.”
My understanding that God is not comparing me to others but rather delights in me using whatever capabilities He has given me. God gives me spiritual strength to face challenges that come my way. Nevertheless, sometimes it seems like persevering through the challenges is all I can do, and I feel too weak to maintain a joyful attitude. However, I have found that practicing joy in the midst of difficult circumstances is like a spiritual workout. It may be really hard but it is important for building on or even maintaining the strength to persevere.
Joy linked to God's strength
I do not mean to suggest that it is necessary or even possible to be happy all the time, but when I forget about the Lord’s joy, I become even weaker and less able to meet the challenges I have. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds me that my joy and God’s strength are closely linked. Joy is only possible because I know that God is with me and I do not face challenges alone. Further, He is pleased with any joy I can muster in the midst of difficult circumstances, or challenges I face with a positive attitude, especially because it demonstrates His strength in me.
About the family retreat
The Christian Horizons Family Retreat is an incredible experience because campers with exceptional needs and their families are supported by Short-Term Missionaries (volunteers) to participate fully in the Christian retreat program. It ministers to all members of the family by offering spiritual, social and emotional support through worship, biblical teaching, workshops, games, crafts, water sports and more. The spiritual fitness of all involved in the family retreat improves and our joy grows beyond measure! There are several ways for you to take part in the Christian Horizons family retreats at Elim Lodge near Peterborough Ontario this summer, August 21 – 26 or August 28 – September 2, 2016. For the first time we are also hosting a Family Retreat in Saskatchewan from August 25-28th!
How to participate or support
For links to all of the forms to register or apply, or to donate, visit www.christian-horizons.org/what-we-do/family-retreat
About the Author:
Chantal Huinink:
Chantal Huinink holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph; and a Masters of Divinity and Masters of Social Work from Martin Luther University College at Wilfrid Laurier. She is a Registered Social Worker of Ontario, the founder of Faith and Wheelpower Ministries, a motivational speaker, author, and social justice advocate. She worked with Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) and Kids Ability for many years, providing counselling, mentorship, and spiritual care. She was elected to Waterloo Regional Council in 2022.
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Chantal Huinink shares how joy and strength connect in her experience living with a disability, grounded in Nehemiah 8:10. She highlights the Christian Horizons Family Retreat as a supportive space where families and individuals with exceptional needs belong fully. The retreat fosters resilience and mutual care through faith, community, and joyful participation.
The theme of the Christian Horizons Family Retreats this summer is Nehemiah 8:10 which says, “… For the Joy of the Lord is my strength.” I find this verse particularly valuable at the intersection of faith and disability. First, how can people affected by disability live with “joy?” My joy comes from the Lord’s joy in me. His joy is not about what I can do in comparison to others but about being who God created me to be. It is important to recognize that the Lord delights in you regardless of your body shape, physical, cognitive or mental capabilities because He created you.
Finding strength through joy
This verse also connects joy and strength. It is meaningful to me because I have minimal muscle control except for my biceps which have literally developed as a result of relying on the physical strength of others to carry me around. Yet, people often refer to me as a “strong person,” or they say “if I or in your shoes, I would not be as strong as you.”
My understanding that God is not comparing me to others but rather delights in me using whatever capabilities He has given me. God gives me spiritual strength to face challenges that come my way. Nevertheless, sometimes it seems like persevering through the challenges is all I can do, and I feel too weak to maintain a joyful attitude. However, I have found that practicing joy in the midst of difficult circumstances is like a spiritual workout. It may be really hard but it is important for building on or even maintaining the strength to persevere.
Joy linked to God's strength
I do not mean to suggest that it is necessary or even possible to be happy all the time, but when I forget about the Lord’s joy, I become even weaker and less able to meet the challenges I have. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds me that my joy and God’s strength are closely linked. Joy is only possible because I know that God is with me and I do not face challenges alone. Further, He is pleased with any joy I can muster in the midst of difficult circumstances, or challenges I face with a positive attitude, especially because it demonstrates His strength in me.
About the family retreat
The Christian Horizons Family Retreat is an incredible experience because campers with exceptional needs and their families are supported by Short-Term Missionaries (volunteers) to participate fully in the Christian retreat program. It ministers to all members of the family by offering spiritual, social and emotional support through worship, biblical teaching, workshops, games, crafts, water sports and more. The spiritual fitness of all involved in the family retreat improves and our joy grows beyond measure! There are several ways for you to take part in the Christian Horizons family retreats at Elim Lodge near Peterborough Ontario this summer, August 21 – 26 or August 28 – September 2, 2016. For the first time we are also hosting a Family Retreat in Saskatchewan from August 25-28th!
How to participate or support
For links to all of the forms to register or apply, or to donate, visit www.christian-horizons.org/what-we-do/family-retreat
