[reason 277] finding nevertheless

 

I've been missing community lately. I've been missing being part of something bigger than and beyond my immediate family. 

We used to be part of an arts space - we used to be incredibly involved in that space - but after taking a break during 2020, and after trying to reconnect and participate, it just wasn't what it had been before. The community we left was drastically different when we tried to return. Different and unable to meet the needs of those of us with disabilities.

We used to go to church. We were incredibly involved in the church, singing in choir, helping run and making many meals for Sunday School, leading art nights and a puppet ministry and a movement ministry. And then as the church began talking about welcoming all, we were made to feel unwelcome and not cared for by the body of Christ in which we were so invested. The only contact we've had in a year and a half, after a traumatic (for me) meeting and broken promises to have more discussions about being inclusive to all abilities, has been a couple "thinking of you" messages on social media a week or two before Stewardship time and solicitations for funds and help. 

My heart broke with the realization that these spaces that we thought were so welcoming and amazing are unable to meet the needs of their disabled members. My heart aches for a community that is truly welcoming and inclusive of ALL - all genders, all sexualities, all ages, all abilities, all religions, all cultures, all skin colors, all sizes, all people. Because all are welcome is different from all are included and uplifted.

Nevertheless, Where I once felt loss and heartbreak, I now just find that I'm sad for the places and the people there, that both their actions and their inaction excludes what could be vital members of their communities. That they give lip service to inclusivity, while failing in their actions to actually include everyone.  

We have our family, which is made up of children I birthed and family members that came into our lives in various ways and are now permanent fixures in our family. We have amazing friends who fill our lives with fun and adventure and opportunities to get out of our comfort zones. We get to be creative together, each doing our own things and sharing our talents with each other. We get to try new things and seek out chances to learn and grow. We have time - time to just be; time to not feel rushed or obligated; time to rest; time to explore; time to take care of ourselves and others. 

Let us love not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:18