Bill and I recently spent a weekend at the "Irresistible Church Texas Disability Ministry Summit," sponsored by Joni and Friends. It is hard to put into words how meaningful it was to me.
I wish the universal church was like this summit. I met truly amazing people there. They were passionate, compassionate, and so incredibly gracious. There were a variety of people there with a variety of disabilities and I loved how authentic and humble they were.
We all have challenges, every single one of us. So often in our churches we try to hide the challenges and try to appear as though we have it all together. When I was at the summit I felt like I could completely be myself. I know I am not perfect and had no reason to pretend to be.
While I was there I met a young man that is legally blind. It brought tears to his eyes as he shared his passion to serve the special needs community. Within seconds, you no longer saw his disability, you just saw his passion. I met a young lady that shared how much she loves kids. Due to her cerebral palsy she acknowledged that she wouldn't be able to chase kids around but she said, "I know I can share Jesus with them!"
I came home with a new sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to embrace who people are, their abilities and their disabilities. It is kind of funny. One of my good friends asked me if I like people with disabilities better. I said, "Well, yes, in a way. I find people with disabilities very refreshing. They are authentic people." When I say that I don't mean to single people out or separate them. I just love the openness and honesty that often comes with a disability.
May the universal church become irresistible as we love and embrace people of all abilities.
