Embracing Inclusion: Finding Purpose in Every Ability
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to our summer series, "At the Movies," where we explore spiritual truths embedded in popular films. Today, we kick off with "Best Foot Forward," a series on Apple TV about a boy born without a left leg, based on a true story. This series is groundbreaking, featuring actors and crew members with special needs, and it carries a powerful message about disability and inclusion. We are privileged to have Joy Soprano, a member of our church and an actress in the series, join us for an interview. Joy shares her journey as a Christian artist in Hollywood and her experience working on "Best Foot Forward."
At Liquid Church, we have a deep commitment to families with special needs, seeing it as our calling to champion those with physical or developmental challenges. Jesus's ministry was marked by his care for the disabled, and we believe every person is uniquely made by God, deserving to be celebrated for their different gifts and abilities. Disability does not define anyone; rather, each person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
We discussed how Jesus's miracles often involved people with disabilities, emphasizing that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. When God doesn't provide a miracle, we can still be a miracle for others. This was beautifully illustrated by Carly, a young woman in our church with muscular dystrophy, who raised $2,000 for clean water projects in Zambia despite her own suffering. Her story exemplifies how God can give purpose to our pain.
In conclusion, we are reminded that every ability and disability has a purpose in God's plan. We are called to see the divine purpose in our challenges and to trust that God's power works best in our weakness. Let's continue to pray for healing and to be vessels of God's grace and glory here on earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Inclusion: "Best Foot Forward" is a testament to the importance of inclusion, featuring actors and crew members with special needs. It challenges us to see beyond disabilities and recognize the unique gifts and abilities that each person brings. This aligns with Jesus's ministry, where he welcomed and healed those with various disabilities, showing that everyone has a place in God's kingdom. [06:37]
2. Redefining Disability: At Liquid Church, we prefer the term "differently abled" over "disabled." This perspective shifts the focus from limitations to the unique abilities and gifts that each person possesses. It reflects our belief that every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, deserving to be celebrated rather than defined by their limitations. [32:15]
3. Purpose in Pain: Jesus taught that disabilities and challenges can have a divine purpose. When the disciples asked why a man was born blind, Jesus replied that it was so the power of God could be seen in him. This teaches us that our struggles can be used by God to display His glory and strength, even when we don't receive the miracle we hope for. [34:28]
4. God's Strength in Weakness: The Apostle Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" illustrates that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Despite praying for its removal, Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient and that his weakness allowed God's power to work through him more effectively. This encourages us to rely on God's strength in our own weaknesses. [40:56]
5. Being a Miracle for Others: When God doesn't provide a miracle, we can still be a miracle for others. Carly's story of raising $2,000 for clean water projects in Zambia, despite her own suffering, exemplifies this. Her actions show that even in the midst of our pain, we can make a significant impact and reflect God's love and grace to those around us. [46:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:07] - Introduction to "At the Movies" Series
[02:59] - Overview of Upcoming Films
[03:29] - Introduction to "Best Foot Forward"
[04:03] - Joy Soprano's Role and Interview
[05:48] - Background on Logan Marmino
[06:37] - Message on Disability and Inclusion
[07:27] - Joy Soprano's Journey and Faith
[16:38] - Logan's Inspiring Story
[22:34] - Advice for Aspiring Creatives
[25:18] - Joy's Upcoming Projects
[27:48] - Jesus's Care for the Disabled
[31:30] - Biblical Perspective on Disability
[32:15] - Differently Abled by God
[33:02] - God's Purpose in Disability
[34:28] - Jesus's Teaching on Disability
[35:42] - Cultural Views on Disability
[37:01] - God's Power in Weakness
[38:21] - Jesus's Miracles and Healing
[39:37] - When God Doesn't Heal
[40:56] - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh
[42:21] - Examples of Strength in Weakness
[43:36] - Carly's Story and Impact
[46:33] - Being a Miracle for Others
[48:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:14 (NIV): "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
2. John 9:1-3 (NIV): "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus, 'but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.'"
3. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NIV): "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 139:14, how does David describe the way God made him? What does this imply about how we should view ourselves and others?
2. In John 9:1-3, what question do the disciples ask Jesus about the man born blind, and how does Jesus respond? [34:28]
3. What does Paul say he learned from his "thorn in the flesh" experience in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9? How did God respond to his prayers? [40:56]
4. How does the story of Carly raising $2,000 for clean water projects in Zambia illustrate the idea of being a miracle for others? [46:33]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "fearfully and wonderfully made" according to Psalm 139:14? How does this perspective challenge societal views on disability? [33:02]
2. How does Jesus's response to the disciples' question in John 9:1-3 redefine the purpose of suffering and disability? What does this teach us about God's power and purpose? [34:28]
3. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Paul talks about God's power being made perfect in weakness. How can this principle be applied to our own lives, especially in times of personal struggle or disability? [40:56]
4. How does Carly's story of raising money for clean water projects despite her own suffering demonstrate the concept of finding purpose in pain? What can we learn from her example? [46:33]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Psalm 139:14. How can you remind yourself daily that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made"? Are there specific actions you can take to celebrate your unique abilities and those of others? [33:02]
2. Jesus said that the man was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him (John 9:3). Can you identify a challenging situation in your life where you have seen or could see God's work being displayed? How can you shift your perspective to see God's purpose in your struggles? [34:28]
3. Paul learned to boast in his weaknesses because it allowed Christ's power to rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9). What is a current weakness or struggle you are facing? How can you invite God's strength into that area of your life? [40:56]
4. Carly used her pain to make a significant impact by raising money for clean water projects. Is there a way you can use your own challenges or experiences to help others? What specific steps can you take this week to be a miracle for someone else? [46:33]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of inclusion and seeing people as "differently abled" rather than "disabled." How can you practice this perspective in your daily interactions? Are there specific changes you can make in your language or behavior to be more inclusive? [32:15]
6. Reflect on a time when you prayed for a miracle and didn't receive it. How did you respond? How can you find purpose and be a miracle for others even when your prayers seem unanswered? [39:37]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of community and support for families with special needs. How can you contribute to creating a more supportive and inclusive environment in your church or community? Are there specific actions you can take to support someone with special needs? [31:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Inclusion
Description: "Best Foot Forward" is a powerful example of the importance of inclusion, featuring actors and crew members with special needs. This series challenges us to see beyond disabilities and recognize the unique gifts and abilities that each person brings. This aligns with Jesus's ministry, where He welcomed and healed those with various disabilities, showing that everyone has a place in God's kingdom. Inclusion is not just about making space for people with disabilities; it's about celebrating their contributions and recognizing their inherent worth.
At Liquid Church, we are committed to families with special needs, seeing it as our calling to champion those with physical or developmental challenges. Jesus's ministry was marked by His care for the disabled, and we believe every person is uniquely made by God, deserving to be celebrated for their different gifts and abilities. Disability does not define anyone; rather, each person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. [06:37]
Romans 12:4-5 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has a disability or is often overlooked. How can you include and celebrate them in a way that honors their unique gifts and abilities today?
Day 2: Redefining Disability
Description: At Liquid Church, we prefer the term "differently abled" over "disabled." This perspective shifts the focus from limitations to the unique abilities and gifts that each person possesses. It reflects our belief that every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, deserving to be celebrated rather than defined by their limitations. This redefinition helps us to see people as God sees them, focusing on their strengths and potential rather than their challenges.
Jesus's ministry was filled with moments where He redefined societal norms and expectations, especially concerning those who were marginalized or considered "less than" by society. By embracing the term "differently abled," we align ourselves with Jesus's example of seeing and valuing every person as a unique creation of God. [32:15]
1 Corinthians 12:22-23 (ESV): "On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor."
Reflection: Reflect on your own perceptions of disability. How can you shift your focus from limitations to the unique abilities and gifts of those around you?
Day 3: Purpose in Pain
Description: Jesus taught that disabilities and challenges can have a divine purpose. When the disciples asked why a man was born blind, Jesus replied that it was so the power of God could be seen in him. This teaches us that our struggles can be used by God to display His glory and strength, even when we don't receive the miracle we hope for. Our pain and challenges are not without purpose; they can be a platform for God's power to be revealed.
Carly's story of raising $2,000 for clean water projects in Zambia, despite her own suffering from muscular dystrophy, exemplifies this truth. Her actions show that even in the midst of our pain, we can make a significant impact and reflect God's love and grace to those around us. [34:28]
John 9:2-3 (ESV): "And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'"
Reflection: Think about a current struggle or challenge in your life. How might God be using this situation to display His power and glory through you?
Day 4: God's Strength in Weakness
Description: The Apostle Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" illustrates that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Despite praying for its removal, Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient and that his weakness allowed God's power to work through him more effectively. This encourages us to rely on God's strength in our own weaknesses, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us.
When we face our own "thorns," we can take comfort in knowing that God's power is at work in us, even when we feel weak or inadequate. Our weaknesses are not a hindrance to God's work; they are an opportunity for His strength to be displayed. [40:56]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you rely on God's strength and grace in this area today?
Day 5: Being a Miracle for Others
Description: When God doesn't provide a miracle, we can still be a miracle for others. Carly's story of raising $2,000 for clean water projects in Zambia, despite her own suffering, exemplifies this. Her actions show that even in the midst of our pain, we can make a significant impact and reflect God's love and grace to those around us. We are called to be vessels of God's grace and glory here on earth, making a difference in the lives of others.
This perspective shifts our focus from waiting for a miracle to being proactive in making a difference. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to those around us, even when we are facing our own challenges. [46:33]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling. How can you be a miracle for them today, offering support, encouragement, or practical help?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I love how movies can kind of communicate these deeper spiritual truths, but like in a cinematic way, you know? There's like something about sitting in the dark and seeing the story unfold before your eyes on a big screen that really makes it come to life." [01:00] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So I want to encourage you. Invite the movie lover in your life to church this month. We're going to have a lot of fun. Oh, I can see somebody already started. We got your popcorn. Did you get popcorn on the way in? Feel free to munch away, okay?" [03:29] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We really feel like it's our privilege and passion. To serve families with a variety of special needs. From autism to ask burgers. Down syndrome. Cerebral palsy. M.S. You name it. We got it in our church. And we don't see kids like Logan as disabled. Rather, we believe each one is differently abled by God." [32:15] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Disability does not define you. You were made in the imago Dei, the image of God, handcrafted, custom made by a loving father, and you are his masterpiece. That's what defines you. You're a son or daughter of the king, precious in God's sight, dearly beloved." [33:02] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When God doesn't give you a miracle, you can be a miracle for someone else. For instance, the apostle Paul, I don't know if you're aware of this, the apostle Paul had a disability. Do you guys know that? We don't know what it was. Some scholars say it was glaucoma. He couldn't see well. Others say it might've been malaria or migraines or epilepsy." [39:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus had this unique vision for his church. He said, I'm going to create the one place in the world where people with physical limitations or emotional issues or intellectual delays are completely and unconditionally loved and accepted. And celebrated as people of glorious glory. And with holy spirit. With sacred worth." [31:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So understand, God doesn't give us pain, but if you give God your pain, he'll use it for his purpose. Amen? Every ability, every disability has a purpose in God's plan. So you may not, you didn't ask to be born without a limb or the ability to walk, but God will use it for his purpose if you ask him." [37:01] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul uncovered a kingdom secret. That God's power doesn't work best in your strength. It works best in our weakness. Amen? When we're weak, that's when God is extra strong for us. I'm just telling you, I see this every single Sunday at this church. When I walk into the atrium and I am greeted by my friends with special needs, some of them dealing with chronic pain all week." [40:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Carly gave her pain to God, and God gave purpose to her pain. That beautiful woman of God in a wheelchair, she just oozes the joy of Jesus, and she's joining Jesus on mission. She's changing lives on the other side of the world in the middle of her suffering." [46:33] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Parents, eyes on me. Listen. Your child is not disabled. Your child is differently abled. Gifted by God for a special purpose. We need eyes to see what God is doing. Jesus says this. He says, we must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us. The night is coming and then no one can work." [38:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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