Resurrection Before Breakfast: Community and New Life in Christ
What does healing really mean? In this powerful Easter reflection, explore the stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman as we are reminded that Resurrection is more than a miracle.
Everyday, Given: Asking the right questions in the age of MAiD
Bill C-62's delay on extending MAiD access to those with mental illness until 2027 prompts a critical reflection on societal support. Keith Dow urges focusing on the root causes of suffering and ensuring comprehensive support systems, emphasizing that expanding MAiD criteria may sidestep essential, underlying questions.
Sharing our Gifts with Joy
To better understand what joy means, we met with Steven in Ottawa. Steven radiates joy. Steven loves Christmas. He is a part of Parkway Church South of Ottawa, where he is looking forward to singing Christmas carols and hearing about Jesus’ birth “He was born in the manger,” Steven says. When we asked what Steven likes about the holiday, we found out that he is excited about the gifts. “I like presents,” he says, laughing.
Does Brandon Lake Describe Biblical Healing in “Tear Off The Roof”?
It's tricky writing, talking, and even singing about healing in the Bible. Many stories focus on Jesus physically "curing" people's illnesses or disabilities. We know, though, that this is not most [Read More]
Whose praise counts? (Part 2)
It is a long and slow process for me, a well-educated and nondisabled white male, to appreciate and to pay attention to the ways that God is working on the margins. But whether it is in pausing my frantic productivity to gaze for a moment at crisp pin-points of light in the night sky or in turning my attention to a neighbour who does not use words to communicate, I am “Learning how to say ‘Hallelujah’ from the ones who say it right.”
Whose praise counts? (Part 1)
God’s order is not our own, and the upside-down Kingdom is often led by those whom we might prefer to ignore or condemn. “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” the Pharisees demand. I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Pay close enough attention, he instructs, and if we’re quiet we will hear even the voice of these silent rocks.
A Just Appeal: The mother who confronts Jesus
…we meet countless parents and family members who are battle-worn from advocating for equality and support for their children with disabilities. These parents can be fierce, because they need to be! They are forced to advocate/argue/fight against systems and societal forces that actively discriminate against their children. Too often, they face these same barriers and oppressive attitudes in churches, synagogues, and faith communities that claim to care for all God's children.
Book Review: Whole Community (David Morstad)
Ultimately, though, the way forward [...] will be navigated in relationship with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities themselves. As Whole Community makes clear, it is people with lived experience who are experts on the best way forward. "The most powerful and effective act that people without disabilities can take is to yield to the voice of people with disabilities"
Disability and the Church Book Review
Whether you are new to exploring what accessibility might look like in a church context or have been invested in advocacy and inclusion efforts for years, I highly recommend picking up [Read More]
What is “spiritual blindness” in John 9?
“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)