A disability doesn't disqualify you.
Have you ever been so gobsmacked 😲 by someone you had to talk to God later in tears about how profound the impact was? Have you ever met the kind of individual who has walked a road you are certain you don’t have the strength to travel? I recently had an encounter with a woman who deeply inspired me with her ministry, and I had to share it. Here is her story.
Earlier this year, I met a woman at a speaking event whom I’ll call Sally. I immediately noticed her when she entered the room because she was pushing a walker with a small service dog riding on the seat.
She located a seat near the front and sat down next to her walker, with the dog dutifully watching her for cues.
The women’s leader invited each of us to stand and introduce ourselves. The time came for Sally to stand up, but the leader immediately excused her from having to get up. It was very hard for her to stand or walk for very long.
We all have limitations.
I was scheduled to give one of the talks, and when I was finished, Sally asked to see me. I walked over to her, and she opened a small gift box with several angels crafted from ribbons. She explained to me that she had been making them since 2012. For a decade, she had been faithful to creating these simple homemade crafts to give to random people. She shared that she started this hobby when she couldn’t afford Christmas gifts for her family. She never stopped when she saw the joy and peace they brought to others.
I was one of the recipients of her special gifts. I was humbled she felt led to share her own ministry with me. I asked her a few more questions, and she shared that not only does she do the Angel giftings, but she also crochets. When I say she crochets, this isn’t amateur hour. She handcrafts stuffed animals with her skill. She then donates these special creatures to a local school that specializes in autism. The school uses these animals in a store to incentivize the children. The kids earn points for learning to regulate themselves, engage positively, and for constructive behavior.
The administrators shared with Sally that the children's behavior greatly improved once her toy animals were added.
We all have unique giftings.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
This woman, who clearly has her own disability to overcome, doesn’t let it stop her from serving others. No matter what limitations you may be experiencing, you still have a part to play. What might God be asking you to do that you have disqualified yourself?
Perhaps your disability isn’t as visible as Sally’s. Here are a few invisible disabilities that can hinder us from serving in our fullest capacity: Body Insecurity (I have a 5-day video series to help with this!), lack of education, lack of experience, discouragement, fear of change, laziness, or apathy.
Sally’s disability was clear, but she was anything but disabled in the army of God. She was a mighty warrior on fire and on a mission to fulfill her calling on earth.
Ministry is for many. We are ALL CALLED in some way to help build God's kingdom on earth. Don’t let anything prevent you from believing you have a divine plan and purpose. A disability doesn't disqualify you. If you are struggling with knowing what that calling is or feeling insecure about pursuing that calling, message me on Instagram or Facebook! I’d love to pray for clarity and courage in your life.
Mucho Love,
JC