Disabilities

Since the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, those who suffer from disability have received services to better meet their needs. This is, of course, a good and proper action. Having been in the company of many people with disabilities, I have found most of them remarkably positive in coping with their particular, sometimes overwhelming, needs. I have great respect for them.

I heard the story of a man with cancer and cerebral palsy who was asked to rate his handicaps on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being least disabled and 5 totally disabled. He put on the paper:

• Cancer Disability index 1.5
• Cerebral Palsy Disability index 4
• Sin Disability index 5

I must confess that I had never thought of sin as a disability or handicap. At times, I have viewed myself as handicapped by health issues, financial issues, or emotional issues but never by sin issues.

Reality is that we are all handicapped with our sin. The question - just where do we begin? How do we overcome it? Disabled people sometimes deny the existence of their disabilities and therefore refuse help. This is not a healthy attitude. Recognizing our disabilities is the first step. In much the same way, when we deny our personal sin we miss the opportunity for forgiveness and change.

King David meditating on the need to admit our sin said, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away, through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of thesummer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said,

I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:1-5

Acceptance of our condition is vital. Let us, then, go to the One who can treat our disability!

Sharing the journey with you,