Hope Is For All
According to statistics, about one billion people worldwide have some type of Special Need, and what makes this worse, is the reality that this ‘people group’ is also one of the most excluded groups in our society.
I went to a conference some years ago which focused on trying to enable church services to meet the needs of those with special needs, within their congregations. This has become a huge movement, but even here, the battle remains.
It seems the well-being of persons with disabilities is the last thing ‘other’ people want to think about. Life is busy and we all have problems. Yet, each of these persons have something to offer, in most of the different areas within our society. In the political arena, socially, the economic field, or even on the cultural stage, each person should be able to participate in whatever way they are capable.
While progress is being made, inclusion, however is still a far off dream for many with disabilities, across the world and even in some places here in the United States. Many disabled are exploited, discriminated against, marginalized, and vulnerable against their rightful place in society. They are at risk for optimal health care, rehabilitation services, social isolation, along with other circumstances which works against their personal human rights.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is designed to raise awareness and promote the entitlements and welfare of those suffering with disabilities. Flyers, brochures, and other promotional material is created; presentations are given and findings are shared with governmental political offices, civil groups and others who are sensitive about their plight and have the where-with-all to make proclamations and set in motion, the mandates necessary, which will empower the people to make a difference for those who need it. Leadership and participation is vital, if changes are going to be made.
Christmas is only a few weeks away. One of the characteristics that is “Christmas”, is hope. It is important to the well-being of those within the ‘Special Need people group’, to be able to have hope. They need to know they are a value to their families, neighborhoods, communities, work places and to themselves.
It’s also the time of year when depression rises, as people miss loved ones or even feel isolated from society. Celebrations are the ‘order of the season’ and many are not invited because they are viewed as different and incapable of interacting with the required etiquette, of some of the other guests there. Sometimes the scars go so deep, they feel rejected and unworthy of living.
Hope. As we acknowledge ‘International Disability Day,’ I suggest we offer large doses of ‘hope’—- particularly Christmas Hope— that we each are a valuable member of society, regardless of our limitations and our exceptionalities! We all have the opportunity to bring our best to the manger—just as The Wise Men did centuries ago, as we accept each other as ‘perfectly’ created, with special gifts to share.
Reach out this Christmas season to those who feel forgotten and often labeled an outcast, at least in terms of social interaction. We all need to feel loved, the warmth of another person being kind, and hope, —which can be the best gifts of all.
Photo Credit: https://hopeforthebrokenhearted.wordpress.com/2016/12/25/prayer-for-dec-25th-2/