No fear

My fellow individuals and families living with disabilities. No matter what you’re diagnosed with, whether your disability is visible or invisible, the truth is we face difficult times. What can we do about it? Disabled Americans are Americans. We must remind our neighbors that we do exist. That we can and do lead productive lives. Don’t go back in isolation. Don’t go back to being treated like a plant or a house pet. Be the human being you were made to be. Go out to the store and run your errands. Go bowling with your friends. Go out to dinner and order that steak.

If you are an individual with more significant needs, then encourage your family or caregivers to take you out to those stores so people can see you and see that your life has value. Show them what matters in this world. Money and possessions will only be temporary. We live in a world where people project false faith. Some folks have to see it before they believe it.

John 20:25 NIV So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

We were made to be more than “inspirational’’ right now, that might be what this world needs. Fighting is inevitable, but the way we fight is just as important as what we’re fighting for. Engage in battle using your words and spirit. Not with anger and violence, because that is what they want. It is up to us to change the narrative. To lead by example, not from the shadows, as some are doing today. Disability is not a partisan issue. It is a natural part of human existence. When you frame your proposals, your presentations, and your peaceful protests, show them that it makes “common sense” to support individuals and families with disabilities. Show them that by not supporting us, they’re only doing themselves harm. We might have been born disabled, but everyone else is just temporarily abled. People only support disability unless they’re affected by it.

The time is now to affect their lives with our disabilities. With our perceived weaknesses, help them see our strengths. This cannot wait until tomorrow. This cannot wait until the fear subsides. We must lean on each other so we don’t break. Our journey is long; our struggle and challenges are ever-present. We have the advantage because we were born resilient. We were bred for this battle. They’re not. They protect fear because they are afraid. They bluster because they don’t understand. They boast because they are afraid to lose. Disability is not to be feared. Disability is not a curse or a punishment. It is a platform to show their true values in life. I would like to close with this question: if you were the holy creator, would you use your strongest warriors for the easy battles or save them for the ones you need to win?

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