The first half of my Christian Interior Life course in a picture Western Theological Seminary

"Disability is an opportunity to explore, redefine, and make new stories about what it means to be human." Rosemarie Garland-Thomson #ITD22

Human interdependence—not a perceived equality of needs, but rather the universal reality of having needs—is central to a sacred understanding of friendship. comment.org/the-beauty-of-… via Comment #disabilityawareness

If you are going to enter into the suffering of those who have been traumatized, you have to learn how to sit with and listen to fear, anger and great grief with compassion and understanding.  You will also have to learn how to do it for far longer than you prefer.

Given the numbers of suffering and traumatized people, the trauma of this world is one of the supreme opportunities before the church today. Worshiping God means, in Jesus’ name, we listen and attend to those who are suffering. We MUST enter the trauma of shattered humanity.

Starting 2/7, we'll be meeting over Zoom every other Wednesday from 7-8pm Eastern to discuss chuck degroat's When Narcissism Comes to Church. It isn't too late to join! Just DM me before we start with your email address and I'll send the info.

1. Don't do ministry to people with disabilities (and their families) out of pity. See Elim Christian Services 5 Stages of Changing Attitudes for more on this: wheaton.edu/media/wheaton-…

Trauma does not heal apart from being spoken and it needs to be heard in the context of a safe relationship where the dignity of the one crushed is restored.

Broken to Beloved Summit - starts this Tuesday! Register now - brokentobeloved.org/a/2147766946/F…

Looking forward to this book study over Zoom! You can join too. Just send a DM to Timothy Isaiah Cho

My new course with Seminary Now Disability and the Church, is available today. The first three episodes are free. Sign up here: seminarynow.co/disability

I often hear from folks asking what it'd take to make their church or org abuse-proof. They're looking for strategies and behaviors, and that makes sense. But it all begins with the cultivation of safety - not just interpersonally, but within. So, I'll often say, "Start with

Suffering people often need others to have faith and hope for them. Admonitions to hope or trust only often result in despair; if the sufferers were able, they would do so.  It is often helpful to say, “I know you struggle to hope right now. I will hope for you.”

Starting on 6/26, we'll be meeting every other Wednesday over Zoom to discuss Scot McKnight and laura barringer's A Church Called Tov. If you'd like to join, send me a DM with your email address and I'll add you to the list!

When I ask people who come to me for counseling what they expect the first step will be amidst the trauma they’re carrying, most invariably say “You’re going to want me to dig up what happened, tell you all about it, and confront those who hurt me.” And most are surprised when

“The spiritual journey is a struggle to be ever more available to God and to let go of the obstacles to the transforming process.” -Thomas Keating

When you sit with a griever, your work is to be with them where they are, not drag them out where you are more comfortable.

.Congresswoman Jen Kiggans Mark Warner Senator Tim Kaine Medicaid is a lifeline! People with disabilities, like myself, rely on Medicaid for health care & services to support them in their daily lives. Any cuts to Medicaid hurt those who rely on it. #ProtectMedicaid & save lives!