Divinely Disabled: It’s About More Than Simply Inclusion

Have you ever felt like your faith journey and your life with disability were on two separate, disconnected paths? I have. For many in the disability community, that feeling of separation is a daily reality. Perhaps you’re a parent, a caregiver, feeling isolated and exhausted, looking for a church that truly sees your family. Or maybe you’re a pastor or church leader, eager to lead your congregation in ministry but feeling ill-equipped to meet the needs of those with disabilities. This isn’t because the church is malicious; often, it’s rooted in a long history of misunderstanding, where people saw individuals with disabilities as objects of charity, pity, or a project to be fixed. But the truth is, people with disabilities don’t simply receive ministry—we are essential members of the body of Christ. We bring unique gifts, talents, and perspectives vital to the church’s wholeness.

I’ve lived this journey for over 30 years. Navigating various church settings, I consistently felt that we could better minister to and include individuals with disabilities. Professionally, I saw the same disconnect: people in the broader church community weren’t having meaningful conversations about disability. The disability rights movement has taught the world the importance of accessibility and self-advocacy, giving the church a unique opportunity to lead by example. We can integrate these lessons with our faith to create a truly welcoming space. I believe we have a unique opportunity to build something new together, a place where everyone belongs.

Divinely Disabled isn’t simply about creating another siloed ministry. It’s my invitation to you—whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member, a caregiver, or a church leader—to weave disability into the broader tapestry of faith and ministry. I want to explore timeless themes like wholeness and living by faith in a world full of imperfection through the unique lens of disability. We’ll discuss how the gifts of every person are necessary for the unity and health of the church. This resource is for everyone: it’s about providing practical, biblically-grounded insights that promote genuine inclusion, recognizing that this is often a starting point, not the end goal. The real work is about creating a sense of belonging—a space where every person isn’t simply welcomed, but is a celebrated and necessary part of the community. I want to work with you to build a church where every member, from the congregant to the pastor, is seen for the gifts they bring.

My experiences in both Christian and secular environments give me a blended understanding of how faith and the disability rights movement can inform each other. This is a collaborative space, and I want to hear from you. Divinely Disabled isn’t simply about my story—it’s about our shared journey. This website is my effort to begin the conversation, not by reinventing the wheel, but by creating a central space for resources. In addition to my book, coming out in fall 2026, I have other resources in the works. I plan to also highlight existing resources and collaborate with others who have something to say about faith and disability. This is not only a space for my book or for my own resources, but also—and most importantly—for you, your family, your fellow caregivers, and your congregation.

I invite you to share your experiences, thoughts, and questions. What has your faith journey been like? What topics do you feel are most important for us to discuss at the intersection of faith and disability? Your input is crucial in shaping the future of this website, and I want to build a resource that truly serves our community.