God With Us—Regardless Of Ability

I remember as a young child, I had a terrible time fitting in. Christmas time probably, more than any other time of year, really drove this home! Our family was very poor, so my sister and I didn’t dress the same as our peers or change outfits everyday like most. Our clothes were often one size too big or a size too small!

NEVER FITTING IN

We didn’t socialize like others either. There always seemed to be some kind of function that we clearly didn’t understand and absolutely were not invited to! Even our lunches were different than others and ‘oh my goodness, we qualified for free lunch’! The stigma that came with that back then, was humiliating! Even having a strong faith seemed to set us apart. That was the most unsettling and least understood by my sister and I!

CHRISTMAS

And Christmas for us was a gift or two around a small tree. We didn’t come to school wearing brand new outfits or having the latest trend…of anything. For us, it was simple and forthright. It was all about baby Jesus, the Messiah!

Still, we wanted to fit in…and just didn’t. Instead we felt invisible and overlooked. We felt like we had ‘the plague’ and were often accused of having ‘cooties’ and were intentionally avoided.

CHANGE COMES SLOWLY

While times change and often attitudes as well, change comes slowly. Both my sister and I survived and have moved on! Those with disabilities however, can’t always say, ‘they’ve moved on’. Their disability has remained, even as they grew into adulthood. And sadly that leaves them feeling isolated and underestimated, regardless of the successes they have achieved!

WHAT IS SUCCESS?

‘Success’ is subjective. What one person calls a victory, another perceives it as just ‘another moment in time’. Limitations, whether mobile, communicative, or socially, have a way of wreaking havoc on a person’s self-worth.

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE

But God doesn’t see it that way. We are each created with special gifts, regardless of ability! God doesn’t make mistakes. We are called to uphold one another and build each other up! We all have value and can make a contribution.

What’s more, as Believers, we are all part of one body and each part of the body, regardless how small or seemingly unimportant, has incredible worth! Even the tiniest toe has value. It gives balance and foot stability and is important in preventing excessive swaying and falling!

YOU ARE ENOUGH

Those who seem to be ‘not enough’ are often the ones who we really need—for balance and unity of the body—the church or even community! Additionally, these whom seem lesser than others are sometimes the perfect person to lead a ministry—and not only for their peers in the disability community, but others, as well! It may be perspective, personality or other quality that resonates with the right balance, even if their methodology, pace, or contribution doesn’t look like it’s ‘supposed to’.

Consider the boy in the Bible with just two small fish and five loaves of bread. Jesus blessed it and fed thousands! God’s not measuring what we bring. He’s blessing the courage, endurance, dedication, trust, and prayers which are being offered, when we ‘show up’ —regardless of perceived ability —or non-ability, and multiplies it.

BEING PRESENT

Jesus came to be present with us, just as His name describes: Immanuel. God With Us. This is God’s gift to us. He looks at our heart and wants us to respond in kind! Are we willing to ‘show up’ to be in ‘God’s presence’ even when we feel incapable of giving, inadequate of ability, or overwhelmed with fear of failure?

Presence is a more powerful tool than most think! As communities—and churches— reach out to include contributions from those who seem most likely unable to, ‘fit the criteria’— everyone benefits. It builds relationships, participation, acceptance and communication. This becomes an expression of God’s love. And when we are willing to step out in faith, even when we aren’t sure of ‘success’, and choose to be present to use the gifts we have been given, then God is also present with us.

Christmas is a special time to ‘be still and know God is God’! Take the time to stop…and be present with God, our gift back to Him.

Thankful For Small Wins