Letter of the Day | Let not disability be a deterrent to thrive

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Living with a disability has its challenges; however, isn’t that what typical individuals face on a daily basis? What’s life without drama or the issues that affect us? That is quite atypical. I’ve never known what it’s like to live without cerebral palsy, walking on my own two legs, or talk without someone having to ask me to repeat myself a zillion times before they get the gist of what I’m saying (I really don’t mind); we can communicate via texting. Yeah, probably a speech impairment isn’t the most typical challenge for society at large, or is it normal to be transported in a wheelchair everywhere I go. Quite frankly, racism and murder aren’t necessarily normal, either. Well, at least, it shouldn’t be.

Crime and violence does have an impact on the way many people live their lives in Jamaica, as they cower in fear, while some living overseas vow never to return. Will we allow this unnatural act to steal our joy and our purpose? How can we as a people unite against this evil? What will happen to our country if we all allow the criminals to take our beloved ancestors’ legacy? Similarly, to efforts being made to fight against racism across the world, we should also seek justice and equality by refusing to conform.

In the same way, for me personally, cerebral palsy probably does have control over the way my life works, crime has its influence on society; but, oh man, is there joy deep down inside. Knowing that God created me just as I am, for purpose and on purpose. Perhaps, Jesus’s words were true as he healed a man who had no sight. It was for the glory of God to be made manifest. The fact that I have a disability doesn’t mean that I should sit around on my gifts, waiting for God to make me ‘normal’, while I could very well be using that which He gave to me. At the same time, do I not believe that a miracle could happen at any time?

How can you make your world a better place? Never dispose of your gifts and talents just because of a disability, or insecurity. What if it’s all for God’s glory? Challenges are bound to come, sometimes with full force, but in Christ I am – you are – more than a victor, overcomer, conqueror!!! Are we not free to achieve God’s standards?

RENE LAMBERT