Embracing the Truth: Different Is Not Less

In a world that often measures worth by ability, productivity, and conformity, there's a powerful truth that I have come to embrace: different is not less. This simple yet profound statement challenges the whispers of society that subtly devalue those with disabilities. It's a perspective that isn't just comforting—it's deeply meaningful and rooted in the belief that every person holds inherent value.

A Startling Disconnect

The statistics are staggering and warrant deep reflection: over 65 million Americans have a disability—that's 25% of the population. Yet, more than 80% of them are not present within our church walls. This disconnect is not just a demographic oversight; it represents a significant theological gap. If we truly believe that every person is created in God's image, how can we justify the absence of such a significant portion of image-bearers from our congregations?

A Personal Journey

Reflecting on my personal journey, I remember the complex emotions I experienced as a parent navigating disability. When my son, Noah, was born, there were no immediate signs of the diagnoses that would later emerge. As developmental struggles, social anxieties, ADHD, and epilepsy became apparent, I faced the well-meaning but often dismissive responses: suggestions that I was overreacting or that I should simply accept that "every child is different." My maternal instinct, however, told me that Noah needed support and understanding.

This journey of discovery, acceptance, and advocacy is one that many parents walk—often alone and without the support of their church community. The challenge lies not only in seeking the right resources but also in finding a community that recognizes and values our experiences.

A Transformative Experience

I recently attended a ministry conference where a series of conversations about foster care and disability ministry led to an unexpected question: Would my husband and I consider taking in a baby with complex medical needs? Our immediate willingness—even as the situation ultimately resolved differently—revealed something profound about our hearts and the preparation God had done in our lives years earlier. It was Noah, at just four years old, who had once suggested we give a home to children without one.

What stood out to me was the contrast between discovering my son's needs gradually and considering a child with known complex medical challenges from the beginning. With Noah, I experienced a grieving process as I adjusted my expectations and understanding of what his life might look like. Yet with the potential foster placement, the path was different, though no less challenging or meaningful.

The realization of my differing processes and newfound thinking brings about the revelation of foundational thinking. Every person’s life is different. The path, the abilities, the struggles. None of that makes a person less; it just makes them different from the person in front of them and the person behind them. When I transitioned from what I thought life might look like (expectations of Noah’s life) to knowing what it might look like (a medically fragile foster child), the perspective shift was significant. But what never changed in either situation was a soverign God who already had a plan and a purpose, whether I knew what it was or discovered it piece by piece.

Theological Reflections

Stephanie Hubak reminds me of the foundational truth from Genesis—that every human being is created in God's image. This isn't just a theological doctrine; it's the basis for human dignity that transcends ability, achievement, or independence. As Hubak powerfully states, "God doesn't make water boys. He creates image bearers." This perspective transforms how we view disability from a problem to be fixed to a different expression of humanity to be honored.

A Call to Action

In humility, I acknowledge that I don't have all the answers and haven't done everything perfectly in disability ministry. Yet, my commitment to continuing the conversation is unwavering, so that people of all abilities can have the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with the gifts He has given them. It's not about having perfect programs or facilities, but about the ongoing journey of seeing people as God sees them—different, because that's His design—but never less.

This journey challenges us to look beyond the surface, to embrace the full humanity of every individual, and to create spaces where all feel valued and included. Together, we can make a difference, one conversation at a time.