VIEWPOINT
To Belong How my son’s experience with disability is teaching me the true meaning of inclusion. BY CAPTAIN JOYCE DOWNER
I
was drawn to The Salvation Army as a young adult by a desire to belong, to be a part of something meaningful. I witnessed corps members worshipping together on Sunday morning, connecting for a meal together during the week, and consistently serving the community side by side. I saw faith lived out in action, and found a space where I could meaningfully connect, where I could belong. Perhaps, more specifically, the appeal
me in countless ways that the desire to belong is not unique to me, but is found in all of humanity. However, it is as I watch my youngest son, Theo, who is growing up with disabilities and complex medical needs, that I feel most deeply the desire to do more than I have been doing. I want him to be welcome in all spaces, along with any disabled person. The World Health Organization states that approximately
all those who also deserve, but do not receive, the same access to education, work opportunities and adequate health care as those who are not disabled. And that is not OK. To know Theo is to love him. Theo is an engaging, sociable three-year-old. He is a strong communicator, who leaves little question as to what he wants from you, even if he doesn’t use verbal words. When Theo looks at you, you feel truly
“God doesn’t see Theo’s differences or disabilities as a mistake; he sees a person who has inherent value, his perfect creation, and has an indescribable love for him.” Theo is the youngest son of Cpts Joshua and Joyce Downer
for me was seeing the church sign, which read “Everyone is welcome,” lived out practically and purposefully. I saw individuals whom I knew had not felt welcome in other spaces find a place of belonging in the small corps where I also found a space to belong. Today, many years later and thousands of kilometres from that place, I feel gently but steadily convicted by the Holy Spirit of my personal responsibility to ensure all are welcome in the places where I live, serve, minister and soldier within The Salvation Army. I am compelled by my own desire to belong, to be seen and understood, to contribute meaningfully, to be loved in my imperfection. The Lord has also reminded 22 December 2021 Salvationist
15 percent of the global population lives with some form of disability. That is more than one billion people worldwide, and that number is growing. Loved by God Theo’s full name, Theophilus, means “loved by God.” God doesn’t see Theo’s differences or disabilities as a mistake; he sees a person who has inherent value, his perfect creation, and has an indescribable love for him. Through Theo’s presence in my life—compelling me to know more, listen better and do more—I have been reminded that God’s love extends to the billion other “Theos” in the world. My love for my son has opened my eyes to
seen, as if he can see right into your soul. And when he smiles at you, you feel loved. Through my ministry opportunities pre- COVID, Theo got to meet a lot of people. And when he became very sick with a respiratory virus as an infant and faced an extended hospital stay, Theo’s fan base and prayer support grew. We have been blessed by the depth of love and care offered to him, recognizing that that is not the reality for all people. That being the case, I want to invite you to see Theo and every other person with disability in the fullness of who they are, not despite their conditions, not because of them, but for who the Creator has made them to be as part of God’s kingdom.
