Looking back and forth at two stories of “disability” expands my view of  life and love.

Steve Roloff lives life by looking at the abilities and opportunities he has.  He know they are different and difficult but they have meaning and will make a difference in the world. He looks past his disabilities and calls them different abilities.

His vision for the Broken Tree Community Ministry is “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is significant, in other people’s lives so they may see the value in their own lives and not live unproductive lives.”

“I wanted to love her, but I did not know how…  As I held her, I saw that her perfect vulnerability would require a more perfect agape, love.  Bella’s very life demanded it.  I initially feared this dependency, partially out of selfishness and partially out of unfamiliarity.”  Elizabeth, Bella’s big sister wrote those words.

With the uncertainty of Bella’s special needs and life expectancy, her Dad, former U.S. Senator and current Presidential Candidate said, “What I know is that Bella is who she is, and we’re going to love her just the way she is.  I think its wonderful that all she’ll ever know is love.  Our love.”

These stories make me think of Jesus as Paul describes him in Philippians 2 and the challenge to each of us.   “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ Jesus…He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…”

That is how to live the Big League life, full of meaning, opportunity and love.  The Big League life will change the world.

Check out more of Steve’s story at www.brokentreecommunity.org.  Get the book, Bella’s Gift.