A conversation about disability, restoration, and honor with Jennifer Ji-Hye Ko

Mephibosheth shows up in one of the sweetest scriptures in all of 1 and 2 Samuel, and yet the way he is treated over time also reminds us that we have much work to do in the body of Christ concerning our loved ones who are disabled.

This is one of THE most important conversations we have ever had on The Best Kept Secret. Thank you for being here.

This week, we are continuing to reflect on some of the themes in Session Four of Selah: Worship Invites Renewal.

And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

Today, Ty and I get to close out this season by featuring one woman who has impacted both of us. Today, I have the great joy to introduce you to Victoria Weatherspoon, someone who is consistently lifting others up. Get connected to her because she is definitely a woman you should know.

Jennifer Ji-Hye Ko (JenniferJiHyeKo.com) is a Disabled speaker, writer, poet, author of A Lamenter’s Pathway to Joy: Devotional Journal, founder of Disabled Christian Voices Ministry, and currently working towards becoming a certified Beyond Suffering (theology of disability) instructor with Joni and Friends Ministry. She has lived with multiple physical, developmental, and psychological disabilities since early childhood including the traumatic confusion of being a late-diagnosed Autistic.

Armed with over a decade of theological and biblical counseling education, as well as mind-body self-study, Jennifer continues to learn by chronically dwelling on the sacred ground of desperate fellowship with Christ in his suffering. Jennifer — supported by her husband, daughter, BFF, and service dog, Natasha Romanoff — strives to uplift and embolden hurting people with the comfort she has received from God.

• David’s choice to keep his covenant to Jonathan is one of the sweetest stories in 1 and 2 Samuel. I’d love to ask what stands out to you about Mephibosheth’s restoration and what you think we can learn from it today.
• You often speak about how people should develop a theology of suffering. Can you tell us about this?
• I was surprised to learn about the history of discrimination in the church against people with disabilities. Can you share a little about this history and the sin of partiality?
• What kinds of experiences have you bore witness to that show how someone might be welcome in theory but rejected in practice?
• What scriptures inform your work?
• What recommendations do you have for those who are struggling to worship through the challenges they have faced within their churches?

Want to find out what was going on in King David's life when he wrote the psalms He's known for? Grab your download here.