Breaking Barriers - Spring 2016

Adjusting to Acquired Disability. Some people have lived with a disability since birth or early childhood, but others acquire a disability later in life. We hope this issue will help readers understand the grief and the life lessons that disability can bring so that they can respond with empathy to those with an acquired disability and to their loved ones. 

Summer 2016 — Living with Seizures. About two percent of adults have a seizure sometime in their lifetime. About one-third of these people experience more than one. Do you or a loved one live with seizures, or did live with seizures for a period of your life? Please send us a note describing your experience by May 20. 

Yearning, Treasuring, Hoping
Still Seeing God Anew
In these two articles, father and daughter, Eric and Jenica Groot-Nibbelink, reflect on the difficult changes and surprising graces that resulted from Jenica’s extensive injuries resulting from an auto accident.

When Disability Suddenly Strikes
Choosing to Bless God’s Name
Husband and wife, Jeff and Julie Yonker, describe the challenges in learning to live with Jeff’s paralysis as well as the comfort and opportunities God gave them in this journey.

Prayer that Overcomes Limits
Linda (Visscher) Roorda describes a miraculous answer to a prayer offered by her husband Ed, who is blind.

Aphasia: Source of Frustration
Reg Laws has to deal with assumptions people make about his stammering speech and with his own frustrations, but Christ’s peace keeps him from bitterness.
                
A Good Attitude Helps Others
Molli Brunsting’s transverse myelitis has caused her to use a wheelchair or scooter, but it has not dampened her spirit. 

ALS Brings Traumatic Change
Jim Curry’s ALS has taken many basic abilities and most of his plans for the future, but he professes, “I will trust in God, who knows the future, to call me home.” 

Editor’s Note: Help Me Understand . . . 
Mark Stephenson urges readers who know people with acquired disabilities to eschew advice-giving and instead minister with their presence and open hearts.