Politics and Faith

So as you all know, the season of politics has come and gone. Listening and learning were the themes for me this time around. I learned so much about individuals with disabilities and politics. Considering people with disabilities when thinking about this country, how money is spent and given is extreemly important. I learned that majority of individuals with disabilities live off of Medicade and Medicare. This means that if there is a cut in the funding; this takes away from the money that is providing housing, food, shelter, jobs, education, etc. Medicade and Medicare helps to support a lot of people not just one group of people (old, poor, etc.)

Talking to individuals this season I also learned a lot when it comes to legal issues of regular every day life. Did you know that if two individuals with disabilities want to get married then thier funding is cut?  Yes, the funding is cut to protect the potential issue of the household making too much to be eligable for Medicade or Medicare. However, when there are two individuals who have a lot of health concerns and/or they can't have a full time job because of their needs and abilities, then this rule shouldn't apply. So I am friends with a woman who has been dating a man for several years and she can't get married. They have to stay in seperate homes and wait until they are able to have staffing to take them on a date. This ends up being not an adult relationship, but a 16 year old dating relationship with Mom and/or Dad suppervising. If you ask me, this is rediculous and insulting.

Throughout this political season and learning so much about how important politics can be for individuals with disabilities, I have been amazed at all of the concerns individuals with disabilities are worrying about and dealing with on a daily basis. Literally food, water, shelter, and medical concerns create constant question mark and hope that the government continues to help come up with funding to help them simply live. 

Its these kinds of worries and burdens that individuals are having on a daily basis and come into our congregations seeking peace and understanding from their spiritual families. How awful it must be to struggle to get the government, society, and the community's attention and understanding, but then go to a place that understands God's everlasting love and still be rejected.