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Beatitudes for Friends and Family

November 22, 2012  |  Ginny Thornburgh

During this Thanksgiving week, I am drawn to a prayer that is often used at Religion and Disability conferences. The author is unknown.

 "Beatitudes for Friends and Family"

Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help us persevere until we are understood.

Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for we find havens of relaxation in your companionship.

Blessed are you who never bid us to "hurry up", and more blessed are you who do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us, for often we need time - rather than help.

Blessed are you who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures, for the delight we feel when we surprise you outweighs all the frustrating failures.

Blessed are you who ask for our help, for our greatest need is to be needed.

I will never forget a conversation I had with my beloved mother when she was 92 years old. At that point in her life she had a series of disabilities including poor hearing, poor vision, an unsteady gait and incontinence. One day I asked her: "Mom, what is your most difficult disability?" She thought for a moment and then answered in a strong voice: "No longer feeling useful."

May we work to create a world where all are valued, all are enjoyed, and all are given opportunities to be useful.


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Comments

Submitted by Grant at 08:13 PM on November 27, 2012
Thanks for sharing this and giving a personal example. It is difficult to understand what people with disabilities go through. We must help people to be independent as possible and help them maintain a feeling of self-worth.
Submitted by jo24da at 10:27 PM on November 26, 2012
Thank you for sharing this prayer- my first time reading it! People with disabilities are faced with many challenges and barriers and it's those people with great hearts, patience, and the ability to strive for equality that can help make a difference in their lives! No matter how great or small the act can be, whether it be assisting or listening, its truly appreciated.
Submitted by Patty1930 at 04:00 PM on November 23, 2012
In this season of Thanksgiving, I'm sharing "Beatitudes For Friends And Family," with my family, friends and colleagues, via e-mail and via Facebook.
Submitted by gpv at 03:44 PM on November 23, 2012
Everyone must be open toward respecting everyone. Society loses when some aren't respected or are treated with less value. I loved the prayer & I'm sharing on facebook.
Submitted by Mark Perriello at 04:10 PM on November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our blog readers. We are blessed to have your support and stronger because of it. Mark

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