Member-only story
I’m Not Broken
Hannah’s Story Continues
Looks of pity, ableism, these are things I hadn’t previously considered. I did my best to treat others as I wanted to be treated, and to live a life that showed Jesus lived in me. What kind of Sunday School Teacher would I have been if I had taught by example? Although I shouldn’t be speaking in the past tense, I am a Sunday School Teacher, despite the fact that even that has changed since the accident.
Now I am acutely aware of the stigma and prejudice against people with disabilities or the need for people to fix them. Nonbelievers and believers alike are guilty of this! My greatest need is to be treated equally in an ableist society, not to be fixed by anyone.
Obviously, not everyone is ableist, I understand that, but we are often afraid of what we don’t understand, and that’s natural. What isn’t natural is when a large portion of the population feels isolated.
Both the able-bodied and the disabled are loved by Jesus. His love for the person in the wheelchair is no less than his love for the person running a marathon! It would be great if more people could see that!
It is unfortunate but true that many people talk about equality while leaving out a large percentage of the population, those with disabilities. In truth, I wish I had realized that before the accident, I wish I had realized the importance of using my voice, and my faith in that way, but now I am able to do so.
Copyright Michelle R Kidwell
June.05.2024
