Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability

by Stephanie O. Hubach

In a fallen world, we all experience brokenness. In our humanity, we all experience limited ability. We're in the same lake, sharing a common story—but because our experiences differ from person to person, we're not in the same boat.

When it comes to people with disability, however, we often act like we're in different lakes. Disability can seem frightening, abnormal—or even irrelevant to those who do not experience it. But Stephanie Hubach argues that there is a better way to think of disability, a better way to understand the challenges facing those touched by disability, and a better way to understand the role of the church in the lives of people with differing abilities. She pinpoints what is true about disability, in contrast to common secular views, and what we need to rethink and relearn in order to support one another and make God's kingdom truly accessible to all.

This revised and updated edition includes new chapters on growing in grace and journeying into maturity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Disability, Counselling, Religion

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2020

Reviews

[Loraena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is outstanding! As the parent of a child touched by disability, I found it deeply moving, thought-provoking, and encouraging. Stephanie helps us process what disability is. Answer: it is a normal part of life in an abnormal world - part of the brokenness that happened when sin entered the human experience.

She unpacks in deeply personal and meaningful ways how we can think about disability, how to personally interact and engage those with a disability, and how to systemically support them and their families, particularly in church settings. It's both deeply theological and deeply practical and very comforting.

More than an approach to disability, it encompasses a philosophy of ministry and relationships I deeply wish more of us had.

This new, revised and expanded edition was much needed.

[Erin Ching · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this one! Gave a good framework for thinking about disability, very gospel centered, extremely balanced in a way that's rare to see.

[Eddie Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. Filled with heartwarming and even hilarious personal stories, they served as good launchpads for considering what ministering to and with people with disabilities looks like in the Church. I would provide a gentle correction, first brought up by George Hammond considering her paradigm of disability as a normal part in an abnormal world: “By the metric of either the original intrinsic goodness of creation, or by a simple accounting of the majority of the population, disability, and particularly cognitive disability is clearly an abnormal part of an abnormal world” (Hammond 121). This is not meant to be pejorative, but is rather a theological reflection based on God’s creational design, and how things have come about in a fallen world, by His providence.

[Gerald Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent of an adult who has Down Syndrome I was interested to read someone else’s story especially within the context of church experience. I was also interested as someone who is involved in a church ministry to adults with a learning difference. It was encouraging and also helpful to know that we are probably operating along the right lines. I especially liked what are the additional chapters in this revised edition. Highly recommended especially if you’re not sure what the biblical perspective on disability is.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful resource. Hubach writes from her own experience as the mother of a son with Down syndrome, and helps us to understand a Biblical view of disability. She gives us a solid framework for welcoming and walking alongside people and families touched by disabilities, both in our personal lives and, most importantly, in the church.

[Kenzie Buchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO good. And not just informative and text-book like. Very emotionally and spiritually evocative! I recommend regardless of your interest in special education. I recommend as a believer who wants to see every individual honored and appreciated as an image bearer.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very challenging look at disability in the Biblical context. Far from prescribing specific solutions, Hubach keys in on the underlying thematic issues we have culturally. The exegesis of John 9 is of particular interest, and something I had easily overlooked.

[David Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible book on how to think about disability ministry

[Hannah Gazan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and real ways to walk alongside those who are suffering. Gave me space are promptings to reflect and learn!