Thus says the Lord:
“Keep justice, and do righteousness,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.-Isaiah 56:1

 

I was reminded yesterday why working at TRIPIL is so important. Many people may not understand why we are willing to do what it takes to enable people with disabilities to live independent. Why we are so vocal in the press, why we hit the streets to raise community awareness of the issues effecting people with disabilities, or holding elected officials accountable. We do it not to seek pity,but because it’s the right thing to do. Doing the right thing is not always easy, but we can’t run from it if we want to become the people God is calling us to be. I can’t give details  but me and seven of my colleagues who have disabilities were reminded of the discrimination that still is in America against people with disability. We were treated like we were less than human, with the only eye contact and conversation being made with a person in our group who didn’t have an apparent disability. I can’t put into words the feelings a person feels when others speak about or around you like your not there. We confronted this and was met with more disrespect but we had to. We couldn’t let this happen to someone else. As a Christian I believe Jesus is going to make the world right one day but until he does, his people are to keep justice and do righteousness. We are to give a glimpse of the kingdom to come where justice and righteousness will reign. In a world were evil seems  is running free at times, people have to step up no matter the cost and confront it. Love is action!And love was played out by us confronting negative views of people with disabilities yesterday. I’m often torn between two calls in my life. Preaching the Gospel and being a civil rights advocate for people with disabilities. But I’m learning that God has called me to do both. Its not a case of either/or,for its all a work of God. I’m blessed to work at TRIPIL,  and even though its not a “christian” organization they are doing the work of God. Every time wrongs are confronted with love and not repaid with evil the work of the Father is being done. God has used my time at TRIPIL to shape me in many ways but the greatest thing I learned is even if nobody stands beside me, I can’t be silent about the world’s system of hate,oppression,greed,and etc. God’s loves compels me to speak truth. Rather its the Gospel, or the rights of people with disabilities I can’t be silent. I won’t be silent. TRIPIL won’t stop fighting for justice, and I’m thankful to be a part of  this fight. My fellow Christians may not understand to disability struggle, but I must press on for me not to would be disobeying the Lord.God bless