During Easter week of this year, on a rainy morning, I was stepping out of the office at the auto repair place, when I misjudged the step down to the street, twisted to the left, felt a crack, and ended up face down on my hands and knees. From the feel of things, it was serious. A couple of hours later, in the ER, my fears were confirmed: I had a hairline fracture of the bone in my ankle. Next step: a cast from my toes to my knees, for six weeks.

My time on crutches, followed by four weeks or so in a Velcro boot, forced a huge change in my routine. Suddenly, things seemed farther away, obstacles were everywhere, and stuff was always falling someplace I couldn’t reach. I lumbered along, unable to do some of the things which I normally perform with speed. I was dependent on others to a greater degree than usual. I had to ask for help—something I do not like to do!

Many times throughout these past couple of months, I found myself wondering: What would it be like to have a permanent disability? My brief time with cast and crutches, slowed down and burdened, can in no way be compared to those who must face some permanent, major obstacle to movement, speech, hearing or sight. But this period did immediately change my awareness. I began to see handicapped signs, to be frustrated with doors, sidewalks, bathrooms, and other things in the physical environment which can present barriers to those working with a disability.

Our ACR series on the Beatitudes, particularly this month, is intended to raise awareness about those who face various challenges physically, socially, economically, as a way of understanding Jesus’ Beatitudes a little better. My own brief time with a minor physical challenge did that for me. I’d like to hope the learning that came with it will remain. I am inspired by the people we interview on the program--they have plunged into work and ministries which others may avoid. For me, they are models in living the Beatitudes. We're honored to bring you their stories.