Day 173: COVID 19 and Disability

DAY 173

                    Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic                     

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

pastorrobert@paxpres.org

Week Twenty-five    Thursday 3 September 2020

COVID-19 and Disability

“As a person with a physical disability, cerebral palsy, I am happy I can work from home right now during the COVID-19 pandemic… . Working from home via my computer is safe, convenient, and often global. Using Facebook as a social media platform, I am able to connect with people in other cities, states, and countries. I can empathetically respond to prayer requests, minister to hurting people, and suggest helpful resources without leaving home. My experiences remind me that the intersection of faith and technology is a mixed bag for people with disabilities. No two disabilities are exactly alike, and no two people with disabilities are exactly alike.”  - From an article in the current issue of a denominational magazine

Over the years I have known people with disabilities, physical as well as mental/emotional, and I must say that more often than not they have not been whining complainers but rather exhibitors of the Spirit of Jesus whom they have been forced to lean upon in ways I have not, because of their disabilities. Which begs the question: are there hidden gifts within disabilities?

Joni Erickson was an active 17 year old when she dove into Chesapeake Bay slamming into the bottom, emerging a quadriplegic. Sincere Christians would lay hands on her and pray for a supernatural physical healing, for Jesus does indeed still heal in such ways today. But the restoration of physical health is always secondary for Jesus – what is the purpose of God in a disability that might far eclipse of value for the kingdom of God any physical healing? In Joni’s instance she never received that physical healing, but she has founded and heads the largest Christian disability ministry in the world. Had she been healed, it would not exist.   

Connecting with a person who is disabled, like all connections, is a two-way street. Except sometimes they will be a disproportionate blessing to us even as we seek to be a blessing to them. If you are disabled and homebound just now, ask the Lord to show you a purpose in it all.

For more information go to joniandfriends.org

Reflective question: During this pandemic lockdown, will you reach out to someone you know who is disabled? Be a blessing to them and be open to them being a blessing to you.

Reflective Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Reflective hymn:

“O Christ, the Healer” – Fred Green (1903-2000)

From every ailment flesh endures our bodies clamor to be freed;

Yet in our hearts we would confess that wholeness is our deepest need.