With
freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and do not be entangled
again in a yoke of bondage. Galatians
5:1
This is just as true for those with disabilities as it is
for everyone else. Celebrating life in God’s
love keeps us, sustains us and calls us to enjoy life with others.
Celebrating Freedom is indeed at the center of life. This is not true merely as citizens, but as
people - as ourselves. We are free in
Christ. We are free in God’s love. We are free!
This doesn’t just mean seeing those with disabilities at the
fireworks display or the public park. This
means that we share in our friendships and close relationships with people that
are often ignored, dismissed or even excluded.
Those with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities
and those with mental health issues are fully able to celebrate life; they too
have the freedom promised and provided by our loving God.
Freedom is a gift we can cherish and share, or a gift we can neglect and deny. We have the freedom to choose. This is true for those with disabilities as well. They have the freedom to choose to be friends with others, or to not like someone, just as we all do. Yet their choices are often so limited that some never have the opportunity to establish real friendships outside of the care-giving environment.
We have the ability to change that and it only takes
awareness and the willingness to respond to that realization. It is up to us to initiate, encourage,
foster, and relish relationships with those with disabilities.
For more information feel free to contact us at Bridge
Disability Ministries, through our website or in person. We'd love to hear from you.
