Today I am somehow overwhelmed with thanks giving to God for my ability to have legs to walk. I can not only walk but I can run. Yesterday evening I was at a gas station inside the store getting my receipt that would not print at the pump. When I walked out of the store to go back to my car I waited as I watched a blue car drive in front of me and position itself at a pump. The driver seemed to stop so I proceeded to walk behind her car to get to my car. Just as I did the blue car suddenly and quickly reversed as though the lady driving it had changed her mind and wanted to choose the pump behind her. Everything happened so fast. The blue car hit my right hip and thigh – just a tap. I quickly responded by putting both of my hands on the side of her car and pushing myself backwards so that I would not fall under the wheels of her car. I was okay. The lady frantically apologized. I reassured her that I was okay and gracefully smiled.

This morning I got up early to do my daily run. I got ready for work and then walked across the Starbucks parking lot to get my usual mornings chai tea. It was then that I was reminded of yesterday evenings event at the gas station and how God protected me. He has allowed me to keep my legs and to not only be able to walk with them but to run.

Why, however, are some people not able to use their legs? Who am I to be one to be blessed with the use of my legs? These are the kinds of questions so many people wonder about God. Why are some people born blind? Why do babies die? Regarding the legs, through the past several years of my serving refugees with disabilities and after my help with a neighbor friend in a wheelchair, I have come to realize that many people who have had to live with the challenge of not being able to walk do not see them self living life with any less of a blessing. Some see them self as more blessed. They certainly do not pity them self and do not want others to either. They often do not see them self as any different than others only a little more challenged to accomplish some things in life. As I have come to know more people with disabilities who have become my dear friends, it is sweet to admit that I do not even recognize their physical disability when I am with them. They are moving through life just like me.

I will say that the refugee people I have met who have disabilities have often endured so much. Many were victims of crime, in tragic war accidents, caught in the crossfire of hate crimes and injustice or just very unfortunate to not have good medical attention. I am reminded of those refugee friends today and pray that God will continue to enable Asha’s Refuge to serve them in a manner that we can help them appropriately in their circumstances. We want them to learn to function well and with great success despite their challenges. We are excited about partnering with local organizations that are skilled and experienced with helping people with special needs. We are trusting God to show us the way and prayerful He will continue to open our hearts to the least of the least of these. And each day that I am able to freely walk or run, I hope I am also reminded to be thankful.

(Asha’s Refuge currently serves clients with Challenging Illnesses, Cerebral Palsy, debilitating Birth Defects, mental disorders, and an array of other Complicating Disabilities. Several are children).