Beautifully Broken- A Study For Special Needs ParentsSample

Who is really invited?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:22 - "On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are  indispensable." How does that relate to those with disabilities or special needs? Remember the story of the banquet where Jesus told his followers to invite the broken & disabled, the hidden from view and forgotten, the outcasts of society?  We can view this in the larger context of the church. Not only does Jesus want them at his banquet, he  wants US to invite them in ourselves. Do our churches look like the parable Jesus describes? Do those with disabilities feel welcomed and accepted in our churches? Are they sitting around the table? If not, what can we do to change the image?

Paul says the "parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable". In other  versions the word used for weaker is feeble, lower, or less important. Paul is saying that our church body will have what might be perceived as weaker members, but who are actually vitally important to the health of the church. You need diversity for balance and well being.  No member is more important than another. And are we making sure these people feel welcomed and wanted in?

Preconceived notions that have tainted God's view of disability has seeped into our  culture. Cultures of the past have most certainly taken an overarching negative view of people with special needs. From misunderstanding how and why disabilities occur to believing people with special needs are less than or a punishment from God, societies have tucked these people away, abandoning help, hope, or responsibility. But disabilities touch all social circles; from poor to wealthy, from country to country, disability has no bounds. Disabled people are a minority group that you can become a member of at anytime. 

Paul argues that diversity in the body of Christ is expected and necessary for a  healthy functioning body of believers. Different does not mean less. Special needs does not mean useless. Parents of children with special needs understand their child's intrinsic worth. We know their value. Children with different abilities are beautiful just the way they are. We need to be a witness to the blessings born out of our own  brokenness in order to share how we are all important parts of the same body. We represent our kids and what better way to start the conversation than by showing up in the church?

Reflection:

Why do you think God uses the least, the weak, the unexpected, and the broken for His purposes?