Malankara World

Today with Jesus

Disabled

by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada

Today's Bible Verse

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power of love and of spirit of self- discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Discussion

Are people of physical and intellectual disabilities contempt to death?

The disabled in any form are not safe in the hands of utility oriented modern society, even in the wombs! We judge and live with outward appearances. But the beauty and existence of mankind are measured by God in accordance with the hearts of his people. "People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). The undefeatable spirit cannot be pawned to the one night shop of make believe fearsome sustainability of life. We have no need to fear the present or future. Fear, uncertainty, shame, ridicule, doubt and numerous other forces are at war within us. If our life is full of stress, allow the holy spirit to fill us. "God’s spirit does not make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father" (Romans 8:15). Ultrasound and sex determination for any defects of the child in the womb done for the precaution and protection of the mother and child are becoming the destruction of the fetus in the womb itself. It is no wonder that surrogate mothers detach and disconnect the emotional and spiritual bond with the babies they surrogate!

Erafat Dotan - a woman in her 20’s, born to modern orthodox parents who had refused to abort her after learning that she had Down Syndrome. Dotan's life is an inspiring example of the power of human spirit. Petite, lovely and very bright, Dotan has interviewed famous physicians, prime ministers, presidents, and is due to go to Washington, DC, to interview more notable political personalities. Shalva, the association of mentally and physically challenged children, has subsidized the journalistic work of Dotan. Salva is headed by a priest and his wife, who have a 34 year old son who was born normal, but, in a rare accident caused by an improper vaccine, went blind and deaf, and was unable to function normally. Datan, makes her primary living working with Down Syndrome babies up to the age of 3 at Shalva. She says she was 'born very positive.' In 1983, Yagel, a world famous foetal imagery expert, delivered Dotan after her parents refused to abort their affected foetus. "It should not be down syndrome, but up syndrome," Dotan said as her mother looked on and beamed.

"The spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight." (Isaiah 11:2). We have to cultivate an all inclusive attitude towards life. In no way allow discrimination in any fields in the name of disabilities. Accept human beings as human beings with their inner worth. Fight for and stand for the disabled.

Prayer

 Jesus, we pray for all the disabled. You are the father and mother for them. Save them from predators in any form under all in any circumstances, especially in the womb. Raise a bold generation of people who stand for the disabled. Let our homes be a safe place for the disabled. We pray for Dotan and her parents and other bold people like them. All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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