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Writer's pictureMaria Reginaldi
May 10, 20224 min read

God is Able + Theater Advocacy

In this week’s podcast Kelsey Fowler talks about her brother, Micah and his incredible story surrounding disability and community – specifically in theater and the arts. I was struck by Kelsey’s honesty in recounting how her family eagerly prayed for her brother’s healing and received no answer… or, rather, not the answer they wanted at that time. How there was heartbreak, hurdle, and hardship for the Fowler family, but how God used an earthly disability for His eternal glory.


It was clear that God is so intricately using Micah’s life for visibility, inclusivity, encouragement, and a myriad of other things – revealing His Holy perspective on differing physical abilities - “this is who this person is made to be” (Kelsey’s poignant words).


I’ve been reflecting on this idea, and I invite you to dig deep, and ask these questions alongside me:


  1. How do I view those who are differently abled and touched by disability? If you don’t have a fully articulated answer off the top of your head, that’s fine! But let’s start with this basic question and go from there.

  2. How does modern society view those who are differently abled and touched by disability? Let’s zoom out. Society impacts ALL of our views – some for the worse (the struggle of living in a sinful world), but thankfully, our Gospel worldview can redeem tainted ideas by God’s truth and original intent for creation.

  3. How does God respond to those who are differently abled, and does He have anything to say about people touched by disability? This one might take some research, but we can see what Jesus has to say after meeting a man born blind. And, as per usual, Jesus has some pretty good insight for His people.


Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Uncle Johnny, who is touched by disability and is the most precious human on the face of the earth. To this day, he always carries either a Beatles coaster or Wonder Woman figurine in his polo shirt front pocket. He is always the life of the party, never found without a grin on his face. In our family, he is simply a valued member, not a person defined by disability. His life consistently teaches me that a person’s varying physical or mental differences does not bar them from having a seat at the table – that there simply is no standard of ability needed to sit at all.


Sadly, I think our modern culture is slow to open an invitation to folks of differing abilities. In my opinion…we may need a change in perspective. Here is an insight from author and mother, Stephanie Hubach from her book Same Lake, Different Boat,


“In American society, we have come to expect to be compensated for our difficulties in life…sometimes we can fall into the trap of viewing disability in a similar way. Instead of seeing it as a normal part of life in an abnormal world, it can be viewed as an unlucky tragedy that requires some type of compensation.”

So we pray for healing, right? Things aren’t supposed to be hard, right? What if Jesus presents another way…?


As with most things, it is always best to look at Jesus!


A defining part of His ministry on earth was toward people with disabilities. He was always found curing disease, restoring bodies, healing mental illness, and even raising the dead. While these miracles profoundly blessed these individuals, their common purpose was Jesus’ glorification and revelation of His character. Promptly after healing a man born blind (which, first off, woah), Jesus says, “This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3). Jesus was so intimately in tune with this man’s life that He knew giving him sight was the best way to connect him with God the Father. Those in the disability community are seen by God. Known in every way. Created by Him, with a specific story and unique existence, for His glory and connection with Him. Gives “healing” a whole new meaning, right?


So where is your heart, friend? You might be struggling to understand your own disability or make sense of a recent diagnosis. Or maybe you are being stirred to action as a story-teller and you are inspired by the Fowler's story! No matter what this conversation has sparked in you, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s praying for the first time, supporting a piece of art by or featuring an artist in the disability community, having a conversation about inclusion, or getting involved in a theatre company with inclusion at its core – open your heart. This is a beautiful world, full of diverse, sparkling, unique individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences that absolutely matter. Their stories and your story matters because God is the distinguished author. I’ll leave us with this: an offering for meditation. Pour over David’s words in Psalm 139: 13-16,


“For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.


I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.


My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.


Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.”


This prayer of praise, friends, is universal. What a wonderful Creator we serve.



Resources and Artistic Offerings/Inspirations to learn more and engage with the Disability Community:






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