He is Able

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One morning a few years ago, Isaiah woke up early so he could go volunteer with a baseball league for kids with physical and developmental challenges. 


He told me that he had a great time and was really impressed with the kids. 


Then he told me about the father of one of the boys who had sustained a brain injury at the time of birth. According to Isaiah, the man walked up to him and said, “I know you’re disabled.” 


“What? That’s what he said Isaiah? He just walked up to you and said that?”


Isaiah was upset. “Yeah, and he didn’t have to say that. I didn’t really like it.” 


“I know. I’m sorry Isaiah.” My heart cracked open, and my eyes filled with tears. 


He asked Isaiah what happened to him, and although taken aback, Isaiah was gracious and told the man his story. The man then invited him to join the league, and let him know what days they met. He had the very best of intentions and thought he was being kind and helpful but . . .


Isaiah looked at me and said, “Mom, I’m not going to do that. No, no.” 


“No you’re not, and that’s okay,” I choked back the tears. “You are not disabled. There is so much you can do.” 


“I know. I know Mom,” 


My head swirled with thoughts, and my heart with emotions. I couldn’t believe he called Isaiah disabled, You don’t just walk up to someone and call them that. 


I began to find a whole new perspective on the word. Isaiah is not “disabled.” He is perfectly able. He is able to show love and compassion. He is able to help others. He is able to use his God-given gifts. 


He is able. 


I thought about my friends with special needs. I thought of those with disabilities. They have some disabilities, but they are able. I thought about how they view themselves, versus how the world views them. It occurred to me that they too are ABLE in so many ways.


I never want Isaiah to feel defined by any kind of “disability.” I don’t want him to think that’s all people see when they look at him.  


There is no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed by such difficulties, and it’s important to know we are not defined by such things. 


Isaiah is able because he serves an able God. Isaiah is able because of a God who is at work within him. When people see him, that is what they should see. That is what defines him. 


So many live with physical, mental and emotional struggles. Many struggle with various issues, like depression, chronic illness, low self-esteem, weight, addiction, loneliness, issues of control, etc. Understand, that is not who you are. Those things do not define you. 


You are able. The God inside of you is able, and He is for you. 



“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21

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