DISCLAIMER: This topic is really close to my heart. I apologize in advance for any random ramblings, unprofessional writing, or emotional happenings.
Question: How many people in your community, your region, or the world with a disability do you know? What kind of disability? How does it affect their, and maybe your, every day life?
I know my answer to this question is existent. I know quite a few people with a disability of some sort; more than I thought I did. They range anywhere from being wheelchair-ridden, to speech impairment, hearing impairment, vision impairment, lower than usual cognitive understanding, certain diets, health problems, and a range of serious surgeries to minor operations.
I believe that only He can heal of these disabilities; He has that power. But, that is only of His will. I believe that each person born with a disability was meant to be a blessing, not a curse. A joy, not a pain. One that of which their disability brings people together rather than parents filing for divorce.
There are more people in this world with a disability of some sort than we think. I bet you know someone. And if you don't, I encourage you to reach out to them. They are not a different species, they are people. They have dreams. They have desires. They want a job. They want friends. They love their family. They desire to learn how to drive. Some want to open restaurants. Others want to become an artist. Others want to sing, play professional sports, learn the piano, travel the world, help others in need, and most of all, they were made to love.
Another question: when you hear of someone who has a disability that sounds funny, do you laugh or do you get serious and get the guts up to try to get to know them or gain the motivation to know someone who is disabled?
I just want to say boldly right now: in what stretch of the imagination is the word "retarded" ever okay?
The word retarded has made people of all ages laugh on their sides for years in the past but not for years to come. It is mainly used as a joke to call someone stupid or dumb. It has occurred to me that there are actually people, living human beings, out there who do not have the mental capacity that you do. And that is no joke. This is not a laughing matter. The"R" word is used on them...daily. And it hurts. Deeper than sticks or stones. Special Olympics athlete says this:
"The R-word is EXCLUSIVE
“What’s wrong with "retard"? I can only tell you what it means to me and people like me when we hear it. It means that the rest of you are excluding us from your group. We are something that is not like you and something that none of you would ever want to be. We are something outside the "in" group. We are someone that is not your kind. I want you to know that it hurts to be left out here, alone.” – Joseph Franklin Stephens, Special Olympics Virginia athlete and Global Messenger"
(http://www.r-word.org/r-word-effects-of-the-word.aspx)
There is a great organization called Spread the Word to End the Word. I encourage you to check it out. It is a beautiful thing.
Yet another question: if you do know someone with a disability, how have they changed your life? What effects have they made, and how have you seen their life progress? Reflect on that. As you do, I have a little story.
Almost 2 years ago, I was surprised by a very straightforward and yet lavishly beautiful call on my life. Two years ago was when my heart was opened wide to those with disabilities. Now keep in mind, I used to be absolutely terrified of people with a disability, because they were different than me. How ridiculous is that? Since then, I knew what I had to do. I had to meet people with disabilities, become their friend and really understand the amazing things in which they are called to do; some things I bet none of us could ever dream of doing. The first person that I came directly in contact with was a boy with Down Syndrome. Needless to say, he changed my life. He gave a motivation I had never known. He inspired me to be more than what I was living. He showed me that with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
He played almost every position on the Special Olympics baseball team. He led communion for his family at church. He was always exhilarated over bike riding, "packing high" and going somewhere over the mountains (traveling), swimming, running, playing video games, watching NCIS repeatedly, and helping his dad build houses. He learned that he loved chocolate milk and catching crawdads in a nearby pond. He also learned frisbee and loved it. He loves to sing. He is very good at helping with laundry, tickle fights, coloring, making fun of you, wrestling, hiding and making new friends.
Needless to say, he is incredible.
I have met others who have chosen to live life to the fullest. I have one who just got baptized and she loves going to concerts. I have another who just got promoted to be an Assistant Manager for King Soopers. I saw one who normally would have the most difficult time forming full sentences come up to a microphone in front of thousands of other teenagers and adults in an arena praying for his school. I have seen the joy when music comes on, and the love when someone is feeling sad. I know one who is just so encouraging and so comforting in any and every situation. Tim is a very good example that someone with a disability can do anything:
In our world, in our friendships, work environments and churches, this is a demographic that is very absent and made silent. My heart is to make them less silent. This post, I pray, helps. Part of my dream is to write a book and speak; the target including those with disabilities. I ask for your support and prayers as I continue to travel towards reaching this dream and changing the lives of numerous people forever in what I have been given to say.
In this post, I speak with truth, grace, love, urgency and I hope, inspiration. I know I have been inspired.
Please take some time to reflect and feel free to share this to anyone and everyone you know.
If you have any questions or comments on this post, give a shout out!
Much love,
Rachel Yvonne
xoxo
