I've read several books on disability and Christianity this year, because I have a disability, and also to learn how I exclude - unintentionally - others who have different ones. You can get so wrapped up in your struggles, you forget to fight for everyone. The DI is a loving reminder that if one person loses, we all lose. If one person is subject to indignity, we all are. Either we're one Body, or we're not. We can't pick and choose who deserves dignity: atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh - either we all have intrinsic dignity, as made in the image of God, or we don't.
Hi Joelle - I have long thought that only when we get to know someone well, do we really have any idea of what heavy- duty stuff they're dealing with. I'm sorry to learn you have a disability because life is challenging enough without any. It is encouraging to see that your reading books that could help you put it in perspective, through the lens of your faith. The DI concept to my understanding basically encourages people to respect others regardless of their beliefs, and whatever accompanies them as unique individuals. Jesus certainly seemed on board with that.
We all mess up regarding our sensitivity to the struggles of others, those that are visible and those that some people are forced to carry like invisible anchors. No need to beat yourself up over it though , since you certainly acknowledge the need to raise your level of awareness. That's half the battle of living peaceably with others.
I've read several books on disability and Christianity this year, because I have a disability, and also to learn how I exclude - unintentionally - others who have different ones. You can get so wrapped up in your struggles, you forget to fight for everyone. The DI is a loving reminder that if one person loses, we all lose. If one person is subject to indignity, we all are. Either we're one Body, or we're not. We can't pick and choose who deserves dignity: atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh - either we all have intrinsic dignity, as made in the image of God, or we don't.
Hi Joelle - I have long thought that only when we get to know someone well, do we really have any idea of what heavy- duty stuff they're dealing with. I'm sorry to learn you have a disability because life is challenging enough without any. It is encouraging to see that your reading books that could help you put it in perspective, through the lens of your faith. The DI concept to my understanding basically encourages people to respect others regardless of their beliefs, and whatever accompanies them as unique individuals. Jesus certainly seemed on board with that.
We all mess up regarding our sensitivity to the struggles of others, those that are visible and those that some people are forced to carry like invisible anchors. No need to beat yourself up over it though , since you certainly acknowledge the need to raise your level of awareness. That's half the battle of living peaceably with others.