People with developmental disabilities, people like Sam, have taught me that each person matters. These days, we often forget about the one, about individual people – we are so distracted by all the things and the many people which call for our attention.
... people with disabilities are often marginalized as well. Long before Christian Horizons articulated our vision that ‘people who experience disabilities belong to communities in which their God-given gifts are valued and respected’, Jesus helped others see our crucial need to belong. He makes it possible for people to belong.
“For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. (John 9:39-41 NIV)
In today’s world, people with disabilities are largely ‘othered’, and there’s movement of self-advocacy afoot among them. There’s no telling what can happen when people unite across differences.
In every season, in every storm In moments of questions In moments of fear In moments when everything seems so unclear Be still and know that you are loved
I am confident that God has called me to what many people refer to as “special” education. Really, it is just education for all.
Jesus came to introduce a new way to live. He invited us to demonstrate his way by practicing it in our own lives... Jesus’ way is more concerned with giving than receiving, humility than fame, and weakness than strength. He tells us that his provision and strength are enough for all of us. It was revolutionary at the first Christmas and it is still revolutionary today. Jesus tells us we’re all equal and introduces a way of life that stands in sharp contrast to the world around us. And frankly, I like it.
WORD: “When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'" (John 5:6, NIV) THOUGHT: This is a curious question that Jesus poses to the man at the pool of Bethesda. Isn't it obvious? Jesus invites the man [...]
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 things that make a difference. Yet, the simplest actions can be transformative. These four men did the most practical thing they knew – each [...]
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.
