Tuesday mornings, Bethany and I take our books to McDonald s for breakfast and some off campus home schooling 😉

“Mom,” Bethany whispered after we got our order, “what’s wrong with that man? Why is he so little?”

I realized with a start, that although I want people to be knowledgeable about down syndrome, that I’ve been shortsighted about teaching Bethany about the realities and existence of disabilities.

“Nothing is “wrong” with him. He’s a person- just like you – just like me.  But his genetics make his body small.  It’s called dwarfism.”

“O.K.  I was wondering. He’s nice but he’s really little.”

I searched for more words- explain better.

“Everybody is different Beth- and yet, we’re really all the same.  It’s important to remember that God made everybody in His image.  That’s the most important thing ever.  We’re supposed to respect everybody no matter what they look like- and love them with God’s love.  Different isn’t bad- it’s just different.”

This little conversation got me thinking.  I try to be inclusive by “ignoring” or “overlooking” people’s differentness.

I thought if I just “ignored” or “overlooked” people’s differences, I was modeling a “kind” acceptance.

Now I wonder if true acceptance, understanding and compassion can be realized if I don’t really see each individual- each person as a whole- beauties, flaws and all?

I’m changing.  After this conversation I’m going to be more proactive to point out “disabilities” or “differences” in people so I can teach Bethany a core principle in life.

God made us all.

Everyone is different and unique.

  We are ALL the work of His hand.

Here’s 3 things I’m going to intentionally incorporate with Bethany as I help her understand people; their disabilities, challenges, or limitations.

1) Imago Dei- ALL are created in God’s image

Before we rush to judge, size up, define, label, disrespect, or pigeonhole people- We must begin with this truth:

All mankind is created in the image of God.  We are the work of His hand.

[Tweet “Every #person has the #fingerprint of God in their soul. #created”]

All.  Not some.  Not part.

ALL people we encounter were created by the loving hand of our Father God.

We’re related to each other by genetic DNA and Heavenly Paternity.

No matter what color their skin, if they have no arms or legs, if they’re brilliant or not so brilliant, no matter their genetic make-up-

2) See People first-

We have to build on the truth that people are people first.

Malachi 2:10 poses a startling question!

“Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other by dealing treacherously, violating the covenant of our ancestors?”

It’s time to see people instead of disabilities.  We are more alike than different, we share our common Genesis.

I want to teach Bethany that not only are people- people first- but every person deals with visible or invisible challenges.

So no more labels first- people have a name.

If you want to read more about People First Inclusiveness- click Here.

[Tweet “Labels are for #cans- #People should be called by their #name. #PeopleFirst”]

 3) Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

They used to teach the Golden Rule in School.  Jesus said it.  He expects us to live it.

“Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

My mom used to say, “Try walking in their moccasins for a day before you judge them.”

We need to learn to put ourselves in another’s situation- if we had Alzheimer’s, a stroke that left us unable to talk, or if we became deaf or confused or disabled physically- how would we want to be treated?

The final thought that ties it together- the beginning and the ending point:

We are all Imago Dei.

And we are mandated to live out the Imago Dei by loving others; for God is love.

Surprising Treasures: So God created human beings^[d] in His own image.  In the image of God He created them;
    male and female He created them.  Genesis 1:27

²⁶ From one man^[a] He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. Acts 17:26