Speaking for Those Who Have No Voice
All of my adult life, I have heard people speak and preach about how as Christians we have an obligation to speak up for those who have no voice. The meaning of this was that we were to defend the unborn babies being aborted by the thousands and even millions. There were those who felt that everyone should join Operation Rescue. And then at one church where we had our membership, we were encouraged to participate in a march or at least a silent protest on Right-to-Life Sunday (the Sunday closest to the date of the Roe v Wade decision).
We–Chewydad and I–had family members get in our face and ask us exactly what we were doing to personally end abortion. We weren’t going to D.C. for the Right-to-Life march, and we didn’t picket abortion clinics. We might as well have been helping people get abortions in these well-meaning people’s eyes.
Some of the more radical tactics have died off, but there is still a movement among evangelical churches to pressure members to vote for only pro-life (Republican) candidates. The argument is still that as Christians we MUST speak up for those who have no voice. We must defend those who cannot defend themselves. I am starting to resent that pressure.
And I have a question.
Where are the Christians who have fought to give Brig a voice? Who has defended his right to be educated with his typical peers? Who has walked through IEP meetings with me, when I’m tearing my hair out because someone at the meeting doesn’t even want to allow him to walk through the halls of his high school without an aide present? Who sat with me while I was told that because of George W. Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” plan, my child cannot possibly receive even an occupational diploma from high school, but will only be eligible for a certificate of attendance?
Who is defending Brig’s right to have more than $2000 to his name and still get medical insurance? He will never be able to hold down a full-time job, he can’t remain on our insurance, and the only way to see to it that he can receive the medical care he (and others with disabilities) need is through Medicaid. Who is helping see to it that Brig will be able to have housing and a care-giver? I mean, we are setting aside money for that ourselves, but who is defending the disabled poor who cannot do that?
Who is standing up and giving a voice to the widows and orphans? The disabled? The poor? Sure, some of those have a “voice” and can vote, but some can’t. And some need a stronger, louder, and richer voice. Because let’s face it, money talks. If a homeless man walks into City Hall and demands change, he’ll be laughed out of the building. But let the richest man in town walk in, and people will be all, “Yes, sir. How can we help you sir.” So who of us that has respect because of our assets is defending and helping those who cannot help themselves?
As I have been reminded, no one candidate is going to be and do everything I find important. I am going to have to decide which issues are top priority for me. After years of defending pro-life candidates in the voting booth, I am coming to a point of needing to speak for others. Like Brig. And that is why, although I have in no way decided who I am voting for or even which party I prefer, I keep mentioning the name Obama. I can’t help but be impressed with him. Take a look at his Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities. If nothing else, at least I can say thank you to Obama for desiring to empower and give a voice to Brig and his peers.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:22 am
So much of what you say here that you have had to struggle with and think about with Brig is still so new to us. And it is scary to think about some times. We are still just beginning this road. We do not have a formal or proper and complete diagnosis for Lottie (she is 6), but we know she has disabilities and some very special needs. There are times when I have to back away because it is all to heartbreaking to think about, but I know I have to come back to it, because it must be thought through.
Just last night hubby and I were discussing some of these things for her: who is going to help her when we are gone? Will she overcome this and be a “normal” adult, able to hold down a job? Will she “max out” at some point? If so, when will it be? How am I going to handle puberty with her, she still has so many physical issues with the bathroom process? The list goes on and on. So many questions.
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I read somewhere about this guy who had an amazing prison ministry. So amazing that people were seeking him out to help with their causes. And his response was always something like “Your cause is good and worthwhile, but it is not MY cause,” which I take to mean that he knew where God had put him and knew well enough when to say no so that he could keep being effective in his own ministry.
It was a huge revelation to me that passion for a cause quickly turns to guilt-tripping others who don’t give into pressure techniques. Most people have good intentions; just misguided ones. I wonder if they think by pressuring you they are doing that much more for the cause. Kind of like Christians who go WAY too far with the ‘witnessing’ and get so bent on not missing an opportunity that they lose all perspective and start hitting people over the head with Bibles. Or like Amway. But I digress…
Anyway, great post–your advocacy for your son is a beautiful ministry, both to him and to those around you. That’s as ‘pro-life’ as it gets.
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Thanks for this. I get so fed up with the legalism in the church. Do they really believe that our wonderful, all-encompassing Savior who created this world and everything in it would be limited by a political party? And yet, as with so many other things…if you don’t align yourself with the status quo or the line being preached from the pulpit, you are ostrasized.
I will be voting for Obama should he get the nomination. It isn’t the first or last time that I’ll beg to differ with my fellow Christians, who shout compassion from a picket line but think the homeless on the corner should just go get a job, already.
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I agree with you. I am a special ed teacher and fight for ‘my babies’ all the time!
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Hmmm. We also have a dear child with special needs — only medical, rather than educational. (I realize there are often medical needs with Downs, but for the sake of thinking out loud, I’m going to go with apples and oranges, rather than fruit salad. DC is also academically challenged by whether or not we can keep up with appropriate materials — body has issues, brain is on turbo-charge!) Homeschooling is our **only** option…and it will take a unique set of circumstances for dear child to find $$ employment one day…and living unassisted is unlikely. So…we are paying $$$ for public schools which we can’t access, more $$$ to provide our own curriculum, $$$ in taxes because DH is pretty well employed…and…I’m thinking I need to vote my conscience rather than my pocketbook. I’m not exactly arguing with you…just saying I can understand, and still reach a different conclusion. I think. I’m sure about the different conclusion part — and pretty sure I understand much of your perspective. “Choosing life” should mean doing something to help those who’ve made that choice!
It’s the first time I’ve ever left a comment on a blog before (other than to let someone know I’d be praying) - so just think: you’ve influenced me to put forth my stance…even if you might consider it a step in the wrong direction!
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
When you’re right, you’re right. Its not just about the unborn. Its about the Brigs of our country and world as well. There is so much about our government that clearly needs changing. There is so much about the church that needs changing too. I’m glad that God has placed my family in fellowship with yours. Come quickly, Jesus!
January 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
You have been reading my mind the past few weeks, and you speak so much more eloquently than I can manage! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your journey.
-A
June 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
You said what has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time. After a prenatal dx of DS 11 years ago for my daughter, we decided to continue the pregnancy. But where did all those conservative Christians go when I REALLY needed some help? So incredibly frustrating.