So today was the first time that I heard you labeled by somebody as "disabled." As I think about it, it is actually quite nice that it hasn't happened sooner. We have been extremely blessed with a pediatrician and therapists and eye doctors that are all very encouraging and see your determination. So many have spoken over you words of life and encouragement. Your lack of perfect vision does not stop you. I see a very determined spirit in you that works at something over and over until you feel that it is mastered. Others see it too. At times it is often hilarious, as you go for the stairs again so that you can step up and down them or plop down on the floor so you can pull yourself up for the 100th time. So as a mother, my stomach immediately felt sick upon hearing you labeled like that. My first instinct was to try to say something to the adult that said it, but I quickly thought about the intentions of the individual. I let it go. The experience got me thinking.
Disablity is actually the best place that you can be. God wants to bring you to the point of realizing your weakness, your inability, your lack of resources, your sinful nature so that He can have the opportunity to save you and to bring glory to Himself. If we are always able to handle it, then we won't ask Him for help. If we have a defecit in strength, ability, stamina, patience, or anything else then we know our need for someone stronger. We only look for help once we realize our need. That is why the law is so important, and an understanding of the law and judgement can be used by God to bring somebody to salvation. We cannot do it on our own. We can never measure up. The moment that we think we are good enough is a very dangerous moment that leads to destruction. Our desire to be in control and to please God on our own will never get us there.
What a loving God to use the law to show us our need for Him! I think about this role of parenting as we have gradually moved into a stage involving a lot more training and discipline. A parent wants their child to make the right choice. There is such a desire to see your child succeed in what you are teaching them. You do not want to bring that consequence for a wrong choice. God, in His love for us, uses the law as a tool to help us choose life. It points us to our Savior.
So yes, the first time you were "labeled" by a well meaning individual may have stirred up some mother bear responses deep down inside, but I know that disability is exactly where we all need to be. God can receive glory from our own disability, no matter what area it is in. And that is the greatest purpose of life. To glorify God. And no matter who labels you as "disabled," whether their intentions be good or evil, I hope and pray that God will lead you to the point where you come face to face with your own spiritual disability and cry out to Him to fill you with His ability and use you for His glory.
