Since that time my eyes have slowly become more open to the hurting that is going on around me. I know a little bit of what it is like to live with a disability and know that it is probably going to get worse and not better in the future. Living with a physical disability is very difficult. However, having a disability is not all bad. According to Paul in 2nd Corinthians 1:6 that suffering brings about salvation. How does it do that. Well in Paul's case, his suffering was on account of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. If he had not suffered for Christ, who knows what the outcome would have been for the people living in Corinth. Secondly, it gives you credibility. It gives the sufferer the ability to speak to others who are suffering. Why...Because they believe that you are better able to understand what they are experiencing. You are then able to tell them about the comfort and deliverance which you have received Christ. (2nd Corinthians 1:3-11)
Now many would assume that I am primarily talking about those who suffer from a physical ailment or are mentally a bit slower than others. While this is true, and I am more knowledgeable of how to help these people, I am thinking also of those who struggle with mental illness like my brother in Christ Obadiah. He is a very intelligent man who has his masters degree but also struggles with depression, hearing voices. He opened my eyes to an area that is mostly ignored within the church. The reason is that most don't know what to make of it. Many assume that this kind of disability is either demon possession or demon oppression. They fail to realize that just as with some learning disabilities that this type of problem can be physical. So how do I look at people like Obadiah? I look at him just like any other brother in Christ. Moreover, I now pray for him on a regular basis. I pray that God reminds him constantly of His love for him and of his family in Christ's love for him. I pray that God continues to give him and his family the strength to fight the good fight every minute of every day. He is a hero to me. He is someone who constantly leans upon God for strength. He is someone who uses his 'disability' to reach others for Christ. He is someone who educates people like me and the church so that others who suffer can feel safe letting others know they struggle with some kind of mental disability. I can't imagine the type of strength it takes to live his life.
But you know what? God has opened my eyes even more to the point where he has shown me that we are all 'disabled' in one way or another and to varying degree's. One that is not often talked about is the disability that most have to deal with is and it is emotional. There is so much that happens in life that affects how we relate to ourselves, others, and most importantly...to God. As an example, I was reading an article about divorce in "Immerse: A Journal of Faith, Life and Youth Ministry" that forced me to adjust my thinking about how divorce affects the entire family and the lasting effect it has for children. Even if the person was too young to remember the divorce. Moreover, we are all effected by emotionally by death, friends turning on us, verbal and physical torment just to name a few.
The sooner that we are willing to admit that we are all disabled in one way or another...The sooner that we are willing to admit that we all need forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and love...The sooner we can admit that we all have scares and open wounds that may or may not be visible...then and only then will we be able to have strong relationships. For the only one who ever walked the earth and understood how to deal properly with suffering and disabilities is Jesus the Christ. So if you are experiencing pain take it to God first. That is were healing begins. Then be willing to be brave and speak to someone you trust...especially if you have been hurt by others before. Be strong and courageous like my friend and brother in Christ, Obadiah!
