I came across this blog post that Jolene Philo wrote on her website: https://www.differentdream.com/. It talks so beautifully about the mingling of two different emotions, very similar to what Mary Ann talked about in her story (read the post here). It was beautifully expressed and I knew I had to share it. Jolene very graciously gave me permission to repost her article including the link to the rest of the article which is on another website.
Jolene is the author of several books which are all listed here. You can read and hear more about her story here. If you would like to get in touch with her, her contact information is here.
The Beauty of Disability
by Jolene Philo
Our pastor was introducing a new sermon series about beauty when these four words, which I had never strung together before, which I did not want to string together, took up residence in my brain. My response was swift and prickly.
The beauty of disability? Why would I consider such a thing?
Several images flashed by in rapid succession:
- My father lying in a hospital bed, his once strong body ravaged by multiple sclerosis.
- My 2-day-old son splayed in a NICU isolette, his abdomen marred by post-surgical incisions.
- My elderly mother leaning sideways in her recliner at the long-term care facility where she lives.
My eyes welled with tears. My heart ached for the pain and loss experienced by people I love dearly. Where was the beauty in their disabilities?
I fought for control and turned my attention back to the pastor as he read Genesis 1:27.
And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (NASB)
The pastor explained how God revealed his beauty in the act of creation. Also, because all humans are created in God’s image, we bear the image of His beauty even as our hearts long for the fullness of it.
Wait a minute!
I believe that God’s creation reveals his beauty.
I believe that all humans are made in God’s image.
I believe that all humans includes those with disabilities.
I believe that those with disabilities reveal God’s beauty.
Click here to read the rest of The Beauty of Disability at the Key Ministry website.