AnomaLI

stay alive

stay safe

Drink some water

eat something

get back into the things you love

Unclench your jaw

do some self-care

Take a shower or bath

Saturday, 2/21 — Matthew 18:1-7

[Jesus] called a little child over to sit among the disciples, and said, “I assure you that if you don’t turn your lives around and become like this little child, you will definitely not enter the kingdom of heaven. …Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” - vv. 2, 5 

When you are disabled, neurodivergent and/or chronically ill, you constantly feel that your needs are an imposition. You learn not to ask for “special” accommodations. That is what the world teaches you. 

What Jesus teaches us is the exact opposite: The most vulnerable ones are the standard. The ways of the Kingdom are built to serve them. Because the simple logical truth is: when their needs are met, everyone’s needs are met.  

“When Black lives matter, all lives will matter.”  When a place is accessible, everyone profits.  We won’t be free until we are all free. 

Growing up, especially when you are a part of a marginalized group, you internalize bit by bit that your most essential needs will never be the standard. Jesus is very clear that this is a sin committed against you. It is hard work “turning your life around” and unlearning those things. It can help to remind yourself that by demanding your own rights, you are actually helping everyone.

- Laura Sommer

Alysa Liu (USA)