Most of the time, when I sit down at my computer to write for Accepting the Gift, I begin with a “tidy” end in mind. My first child with special needs was born almost twenty years ago, and my second over twelve years ago, so I’ve got a great deal of experience under my belt and can usually take things I’ve learned and tie them to a feast day or a Gospel message or pro-life message or some other something that fits neatly into the purpose of Accepting the Gift. But today I’m tired and a little disheartened, so I hope you’ll bear with me while I pour out a little of my heart to you.
Over the past (almost) two decades, I’ve given a lot of thought to Jesus’ public ministry – particularly the many instances where he healed the lame and restored sight to the blind. I have often wondered if the stories of these miracles actually contribute to the way people with disabilities are marginalized in our society. If it was so great that Jesus “fixed” what was “wrong” with them, then being blind or lame or (fill in the blank) disability must be…bad, right?
