All people, those with and without disabilities, are called to be part of the body of Christ and find their place of service within the church.  Often, however we put obstacles in the way or do not serve with our whole body, soul, and spirit.  Today, I wanted to finish up my thoughts on ministering to people with disabilities with one more thoughts on why we may not be adequately reaching out to people with disabilities. Here is what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2:6-13 (ESV):

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak to you as children) widen your hearts also.

Could it be we need to, as Paul says, widen our hearts? But why would our hearts need to be widened?

A friend in Haiti told me the story of a newborn baby abandoned at their clinic. Unequipped to take care of the child, they needed to do something. But what? Their hearts filled with compassion for this abandoned baby, while feeling disdain for a mother that would abandon a newborn. Then my friend heard a gentle nudge to consider the situations or circumstances that would leave a mother feeling this was her only option. My friend’s heart was widened.

Another friend is going through the process to become a foster mom in the United States. The stories of the experiences of the children are horrific. While her heart broke for each child, she caught herself feeling angry and judgmental of the parents and families for allowing these things to happen. Then she considered what circumstances would lead a parent or family member to act in such a way. She is recognizing a daily need to surrender to God and widen her heart.

In our own therapy program, a young girl suddenly lost a lot of weight, developed open sores, and lost the movement in her arms and legs. Since these symptoms would not be considered a normal result of her disability, we sent a team to visit the home. Upon arriving, the team found the child in a plastic crate in a dark room with no one around. When the mother arrived a few minutes later, they asked her about the situation, disgusted by such a gross neglect. The mother tearfully explained how they were expecting another baby. Already feeling financially stressed, the father had said they could just let this little girl die because of her disability. When the mother tried to care for her, she was met with the fists and verbal abuse of her husband. She did not know what to do. Our hearts where widened that day.

Where has God widened your heart? Where might your heart need widening?