What does a theology of disability look like in a broken but beautiful world? Dr. Chris Hulshof invites us into a deep, honest, and hopeful conversation about where we are in God’s story — a place he calls “life between the trees.”
Listen Anywhere You Find Podcasts!
If you like this, you may like…
- 150: Boundless Hope: Creating Church Spaces Where Every Child Belongs with Kim Botto
- 149: Inclusion for Every Age: Empowering Adults with Disabilities in Ministry
- 113: What is Religious Scrupulosity? An Interview with Dr. Chris Hulshof
Further Reading:
- Why, O God?:Suffering and Disability in the Bible and in the Church
- What God Has to Say About our Bodies: How the Gospel is Good News for Our Physical Selves
Living Between the Trees: Embracing Our Brokenness and Beauty
What does a theology of disability look like in a broken but beautiful world? Dr. Chris Hulshof invites us into a deep, honest, and hopeful conversation about where we are in God’s story — a place he calls “life between the trees.”
Finding Our Place on the Map
Much like a GPS or a mall directory that shows “You Are Here,” Scripture provides a spiritual orientation map rooted in two key landmarks: the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life in the Eternal City.
– Genesis 2:9 introduces the Tree of Life in the garden — a perfect world without sin or suffering.
– Revelation 22:2 shows the Tree of Life again — in a future, restored city free from brokenness.
Where Are We Now?
We live between these two trees, in a world marked by both incredible beauty and undeniable brokenness. That tension defines our present reality and informs how we think about disability, suffering, and ministry.
Truth #1: The Depth of Our Brokenness
We often underestimate just how deeply broken our world is — and how that brokenness touches every part of life.
– The effects of sin extend far beyond what we can see.
– We are all broken people living broken lives in a broken world, surrounded by other broken people.
– Yet, this brokenness is often overshadowed by the beauty around us — sunsets, oceans, and mountains that remind us of God’s creative brilliance.
“We rarely sit at the beach and think, ‘this is beautiful… but broken.’”
Truth #2: The Glory of Our Bodies
Even in our brokenness, we are intricately and purposefully made.
– Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
– Each body — regardless of ability or condition — is handcrafted with divine care and intention.
– There are no mass-produced bodies in God’s design.
A Personal Reflection
Dr. Hulshof shares his son’s story — a child living life with half a brain, functioning in ways that astound doctors.
– This story highlights the marvel of human design, even amidst disability.
– Medical experts admit there’s still much they don’t understand about the brain — a humbling testament to God’s workmanship.
Truth #3: The Tension Between Brokenness and Beauty
Disability ministry, and theology in general, often calls us to hold two truths in tension:
– We are fearfully and wonderfully made.
– We are deeply and tragically broken.
Rather than resolving this tension, Scripture invites us to embrace both.
– Avoiding either truth weakens our theology.
– Honoring both gives us a solid foundation for disability ministry and for relating authentically with others.
The Building Blocks of Disability Ministry
From this theology arise two critical principles that shape effective, compassionate ministry:
1. Shared Brokenness
– Everyone is broken in some way — not just those with visible disabilities.
– Recognizing shared brokenness removes barriers and builds connection.
2. Shared Beauty
– Every person is a masterpiece of God’s design.
– Seeing others as God’s “marvelous workmanship” fosters respect and celebration.
Ministering With, Not Just To
Recognizing both our brokenness and our beauty leads to ministry that is relational rather than transactional.
“We can begin ministering with people rather than just ministering to them.”
Final Encouragement
Wherever you are in your journey, remember:
– You are not alone in your brokenness.
– You are not forgotten in your beauty.
– You are seen, known, and wonderfully crafted by a God who invites you into community and healing — even between the trees.
