Today's story is shared by Karen Jackson, founder and executive director of Faith Inclusion Network based in South Hampton Roads, Virginia. FIN is dedicated to helping faith communities develop inclusive ministries for people with disabilities and helping families affected by disability to find welcoming and accessible places to worship. Karen is also the mother of three children, one who has autism. Thank you, Karen, for your advocacy, passion and humility that helps us see the heart of God.
It was a busy day. Like most, really. But I had some lessons to learn. With two weeks left before our big Gifts of
the Heart Celebration for Faith Inclusion Network, I had been busy working on
event details while balancing the other parts of my work and home life. On my “to-do” list this day: stopping by a
small local church to drop off some event fliers and touch base with their FIN
contact.
At my visit to this same church last year, I was warmly
welcomed into the church building and learned all about the many accommodations
they have for persons with disabilities.
I had actually just stopped in on a whim, not knowing anyone or even
calling ahead. But God seemed to be saying “Stop” one day as I drove by and so I did.
Unfortunately, this was a new year and the reception was disappointing. The gentleman I had spoken with a year earlier was no longer there. Feeling unwelcome and discouraged, I walked briskly back to my car in the cold air.
Just then, I spotted someone across the street that I
recognized from my own church. I didn’t
know his name but had seen him regularly attending Mass for years. He was an older gentleman, with somewhat disheveled
clothing. He was significantly bent over and walked with painfully slow steps. He was pushing worn-out walker down the
bumpy sidewalk trying to carry two shopping bags filled with groceries. In church, he barely made eye contact and
always seemed like he wanted to be left alone. Most people did leave him alone. I certainly did.
Before I could
even call out, “hello,” he recognized me and asked if I could help him. Glad to be of assistance, I scooted quickly
across the street and grabbed his bags.
We began to make small talk.
In our short chat I learned his first name and that he was
walking from the bus stop. He thought it
might be going to snow today. I said “Really?” and he replied with the question, “Do you get the weather station on your
television?” I explained that I had just
been at work. He responded, “It is great that you have a job”. (Lesson #1)
We made it to his apartment and I offered to bring the bags
to his door, assuming it was right inside. I realized, as we made it into the foyer area, that he had already brought
two bags from the bus stop. This was his
second trip down the long stretch of sidewalk. It must have taken him at least 30 minutes or more for the first trip.
(Lesson #2)
I got all four bags to his door, which ended up being on the
second floor with no elevator. I would
have helped him up the stairs but he said he had to lock the outside door
first. Reluctantly, I bid him goodbye
and went out the door, across the street and back to my car.
No longer disappointed
or discouraged, I realized that God had a much different plan than what I
expected when I set out to check off one of the items on my “to do” list that
day. God gave me the opportunity to get
to know someone I should have approached at church long ago — the opportunity to
help in a small way to ease someone’s burden, the opportunity to step outside
my own life experience and see life through someone else’ s eyes. (Lessons
#3,4,5)
I have long known that God has given me a passion for
advocating for persons with disabilities in faith communities. He has placed books, people, and experiences
in my path for the past six years while I learn about faith and disability
ministry. I have been getting on-the-job training as the Director of Faith Inclusion
Network and Parish Advocate at my church. On this particular day, however, the reality that I still have many,
many lessons to learn, was driven straight into my heart.
I thank God for teaching me and guiding
me, understanding my disappointments in ministry and providing important
learning experiences. I am grateful He would use my “to do” list to put me in
just the right place at just the right time. I'm also comforted by a faith that
recognizes “lessons learned."
