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Hand in Hand With God
Witnessing on the Way

by Flora L. Williams, reviewed by Deborah-Ruth Ferber
Page Image
Book cover, image of hands praying over bible
Image Caption


Opening paragraph
​When Flora Williams suddenly found herself trapped in a Mexican tour bus, her sunny vacation plans turned to shock and horror within mere minutes.  What started out as a terrific getaway, soon resulted in months of hospital stays, doctor appointments, and a life-changing disability. Flora, an independent and active woman involved in church ministry, professorship, and music, soon found herself having to adapt to her many hobbies and interests to using only one arm.​​​
Page Content
 

 

Flora’s story is a testimony to God’s love and faithfulness even in th​e midst of trial and tragedy.  Despite initial depression and questioning, Flora’s ability to see the bigger picture and maintain a strong faith in God is a great witness to others who may find themselves in similar circumstances.  
 

 

One of the highlights of this book from a disability theology angle is the chapter  “Journey Through the Land of People.”  In this section, Flora describes two different common response to her injury: paradox and paradise.  In the paradox stage, Flora discovered that people often choose to respond to someone “differently-abled” (her preferred terminology) with shock, pity, curiosity and uncertainty.  In this phase, people either consider her “super-human,” or they rush in to provide “service.”  Conversely, in the paradise response, people respond out of humility, love, and service.  Flora writes, “Along the way, I met people with a kindred spirit, accepting me as a whole person, simply, honestly, connecting without judging, accepting me as I was.  They were seeing my internal spirit not my external loss."
“Along the way, I met people with a kindred spirit, accepting me as a whole person, simply and honestly connecting without judging, accepting me as I was. They were seeing my internal spirit not my external loss.”  

Even though I have served as an accessibility advocate for the past four years, Flora’s explanation offered me the invaluable perspective of someone who is differently-abled. This is a chapter I will refer to again and again in my own work, and I encourage other advocates to also become aware of this. 

 

 

Flora’s book is genuine and sincere.  It does not sugar-coat the harsh realities and difficulties facing people with disabilities (both in breaking away from societal norms and prejudices as well as the facing increased complications of performing more practical tasks).  However, she also provides hope and support for those with physical disabilities by encouraging us to learn new methods of adaptation.  

 

 

Although this book is a wonderful personal story and a great witness to her faith in God, my only caution would be surrounding some of the more graphic details she shares in her writing.  Flora describes the accident and accompanying medical appointments in great detail.  This is helpful in providing  greater context to her reality and allows the reader to enter into her struggles.  Nevertheless, for someone with a more sensitive disposition, the graphic details can become quite unsettling and uncomfortable.  Therefore, the reader should be prepared as they encounter the description and reality of the injury.

 

I highly recommend Flora’s book both for individuals with disabilities as well as caregivers, friends, family members, and community activists.  It is a book I believe belongs in every church library and wherever the message of disability inclusion is shared widely.  

Thank you, Flora, for allowing me to enter into your story and your life. 


Williams, Flora L. (2006). Hand in Hand With God: Witnessing on the Way. Baltimore, MD: Publish America.


 

 

 

 

​Deborah-Ruth Ferber is a Field Associate and regular contributor to Opening Doors. She is Pastor for Children and  Young Families at Trulls Road Free Methodist Church of Courtice, Ontario.

 

 


 

 In this issue

  • Universal Design...for Congregations!
    One size does not fit all. This edition of Connections features stories of congregations that have used creativity and ingenuity to design congregational life to fit the unique needs and styles of participants with disabilities.
  • Designing Worship at Expressions of Love and Praise
    Expressions of Love and Praise creatively redesigned worship into an experience that is participatory, meaningful, and vibrant for those with intellectual disabilities.
  • Designing Leadership
    Dan Longmore's pastoral leadership is shaped and enriched by his disability. Read more for an example of how churches can welcome the leadership gifts of those with disabilities.
  • ADN at Summer Conferences/Conventions
    ADN is participating in denominational conferences in June and July. Read more about how you can be involved.
  • Designing Communications
    Columbus Mennonite created an Icon Bulletin in addition to their regular bulletin for those in the congregation that are non-readers Check it out!
  • Becoming More Accessible Summer 2017
    ADN Executive Director Kathy Nofziger Yeakey calls on us to use divinely inspired creativity to break down barriers and promote accessibility.
  • Designing a Welcoming Space
    Most steps towards becoming a more accessible church are simple and easy to do. Dan Longmore, pastor of Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church gives tips to making people with disabilities feel more at home.
 

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