Greetings
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part … But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.” 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18 NLT
For the most part, this was a prepatory metaphor related to complementarity in the Body of Christ; however, there is merit in this message as a stand-alone. Our body is a finely crafted well honed creation. And the synchronization of our working parts often warrant limited attention until something goes wrong.
The psalmist says we are fearfully and wonderfully made; and just think, we are each of us born with most of our parts in the right place. Not all of us truly appreciate this. We get sidetracked by unrealistic standards of beauty, and before you know it; parts are removed, reshaped, enhanced simply because we are dissatisfied with some minor detail.
There are others, however; who live with disabilities. Parts of the body which aren’t synced with each other; which are missing or just plain misfunctioning. Unfortunately, some of us – again operating from unrealistic expectations of beauty – fail to appreciate the beauty of persons living with disability. We insist that the disability be concealed and/or we treat persons living with disabilities with scant regard.
But if God fashions each of us in God’s likeness, and frames us just so; what is to be our response to be to
A. Persons living with disabilities
B. Our own ‘imperfect’ bodies
I would like to suggest that it begins with Love. Love those who are living with disabilities – visible or otherwise. Affirm their humanity; afford them their dignity. Assist if/when required and acknowledge the gift of their other abilities.
And for ourselves – Love our bodies. Recognize the value of each body part and try to ensure that we take care of ourselves.
Most of all, remember that every single one of us is a gift from God; let us appreciate the gifts of ourselves.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
