Whether you’re at church or in your neighborhood, reach out to someone who’s isolated or unseen. You can help them make new friends – and you get to be one of them.
It’s October the 1st, and it’s a month for learning about Down syndrome.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I want to share an experience that my friend Suzanne Williams had with a young person who has Down syndrome. Suzanne writes, “Christine sat on the blob, that’s a floating trampoline on the lake, waiting for me to jump from the tower that warm, summer day at Young Life Camp. I was a senior in high school and hadn't had much interaction with Christine before this moment. She clearly had an intellectual disability, and she spent a lot of time alone. As I waited for my signal to jump—a move that would send Christine flying and splashing into the water—I had a stark realization. This feat on Christine's part was exceedingly brave, but no other teenagers were lining the lakefront beach to witness her courageous act.
“Suddenly, as if on cue, our Young Life leader rallied what seemed like hundreds of teenagers who came running. Cheering for Christine, the beach exploded with shouts of praise and encouragement. Closing my eyes, I jumped, and Christine was launched into the water—into the outstretched arms of dozens of kids and counselors waiting to embrace her. Swimming in the lake, I reflected on the scene I had just taken part in. At this moment, we had switched places: I was the one who was alone in the water while Christine ran up and down the beach surrounded by a community of friends. It was the first time I realized that people living with disabilities are often isolated and alone. While I had spent my week at camp reveling in the company of dozens by my side, Christine had mostly kept to herself. It wasn't that people didn't like Christine. It was just that people didn't think about her—at least I hadn't.”
Well, Suzanne continues to write. She says, “We became the body of Christ at camp that day; Christine's willingness to invite us into her adventurous experience prompted many friendships with her. Together, we reflected the heart of Jesus. And it's an invitation that's open to all believers—everywhere. As the Church it's our job to notice everyone—to celebrate differences, walk alongside and receive with open arms people living with disabilities through the gift of friendship. That experience in high school so many years ago has stuck with me. My eyes were opened to people with disabilities. And that day was also a gamechanger for Christine, too. All of a sudden, Christine was seen at school. Kids were quick to high-five her and congratulate her on her accomplishment. The girl that no one noticed suddenly had friends and I got to be one of them [writes Suzanne Williams].”
Oh, and Suzanne, if you are listening today, I want to thank you for writing that story. And for those who are listening also, I want you to know that I came to Christ through Young Life way back in 1964. But long after I broke my neck, I got involved with Young Life Capernaum; in fact, I sit on the board and my friend Suzanne Williams who wrote this article about Christine and her – well, Suzanne now serves as vice president of Young Life Capernaum where teens and young adults with and without disabilities discover authentic friendship, growth, and purpose in life. There are lots of opportunities to serve people who have disabilities.
Why did I share Suzanne’s story about Christine? Well, there are people in your church and neighborhood who are isolated, and they are unseen. You perhaps know some in your own congregation. So, this Sunday reach out to them, would you? And make them known. Make the person that nobody notices suddenly find friends. And you get to be one of them.
© Joni and Friends