.@RepJenKiggans@MarkWarner@SenTimKaine Medicaid is a lifeline! People with disabilities, like myself, rely on Medicaid for health care & services to support them in their daily lives. Any cuts to Medicaid hurt those who rely on it. #ProtectMedicaid & save lives!
2/2 I've heard churches talk of being a diverse Body, yet look around and wonder what the crowd reflects to a visitor. Sometimes I wonder, where does my disabled body fit? And I sit with the awareness that there is so much diversity within disability too.
#DisabilityPrideMonth
1/2 I saw a quote on FB yesterday: "If you embrace diversity but ignore disability you're doing it wrong"
Here are a few thoughts... I've seen companies who have policies about diversity and inclusion, yet make no mention of disability.
When I ask people who come to me for counseling what they expect the first step will be amidst the trauma they’re carrying, most invariably say “You’re going to want me to dig up what happened, tell you all about it, and confront those who hurt me.”
And most are surprised when I tell them that’s not at all where I want to begin. It all begins with safety, and gentle and tender care for a body that has been in survival mode for too long.
#HealingWhatsWithin
Suffering people often need others to have faith and hope for them. Admonitions to hope or trust only often result in despair; if the sufferers were able, they would do so. It is often helpful to say, “I know you struggle to hope right now. I will hope for you.”
I often hear from folks asking what it'd take to make their church or org abuse-proof. They're looking for strategies and behaviors, and that makes sense.
But it all begins with the cultivation of safety - not just interpersonally, but within. So, I'll often say, "Start with your nervous system."
My new course with Seminary Now Disability and the Church, is available today. The first three episodes are free. Sign up here: https://t.co/D0clpxW6KG
Trauma does not heal apart from being spoken and it needs to be heard in the context of a safe relationship where the dignity of the one crushed is restored.
@SandraPeoples I think I've heard the statistic nowadays is 1 in 5 families are affected by disability, or something close to it. Plus many disabilities are not visible. I'd be curious to hear more of your thoughts and experiences at some point! Keep spreading this awareness
1. Don't do ministry to people with disabilities (and their families) out of pity. See Elim Christian Services 5 Stages of Changing Attitudes for more on this: https://t.co/9N6kXqM3c0
@eugenepkim2 I'd welcome the chance to share about disability theology and how the practice of true inclusion and hospitality can change the culture and atmosphere of church spaces, creating more safety for people with differences to belong.