I have a confession to make: I’m a Strictly Come Dancing fan!
In this past season, I was so touched by the care that went into helping Ellie (who has Down’s Syndrome) fully participate in the show, from using visual prompts of cut-out figures of Tess and the judges around the rehearsal space to the patient encouragement of her dance partner. Those small acts of thoughtfulness made a big difference.
As the mother of an adult daughter with Down’s Syndrome, I’ve become accustomed to finding ways to make complicated information more accessible and relevant for her. It’s part of the everyday effort required to understand, communicate and feel included in a world that often assumes a certain ‘norm’.
Recently, I witnessed a beautiful example of generosity in both time and thought from Neil, a minister who was preparing a funeral service. The person who had died was a much-loved member of the congregation who had a learning disability. Many friends from his care home were planning to attend.
A standard funeral service might have been difficult for some to engage with but Neil was determined to create a celebration that was meaningful for everyone and included the diverse community who gathered – with or without learning disabilities.
He reached out to me at WAVE for Change for advice and I was deeply moved by his commitment to making the service a meaningful experience for all.
It took a little extra preparation, such as simplifying and rephrasing the profound words of the liturgy, adding thoughtful visual prompts to the service and creating an interactive activity that allowed people to participate without needing words. But the result was a service that was inclusive and heartfelt.
Afterwards, the care home manager said that in all her years of attending funerals for residents, she had never experienced one like it. It was a moment that truly reflected the love of Jesus for those who can often be marginalised.
Most of us won’t be planning funerals this Lent. But we will have opportunities to go ‘above and beyond’ in our interactions with people who may struggle to access regular worship or social situations.
So, whatever events or gatherings you find yourself part of this Lent, be mindful of the little touches that can help others feel included. Whether it’s using simple visual aids, explaining complex ideas in everyday language or slowing the pace to ensure everyone understands, it’s these small, generous gestures that make the love of Christ visible in our communities.
After all, Jesus modelled this perfectly in the parables by taking deep truths and expressing them with familiar pictures and life events that everyone could relate to.
This Lent, may we be inspired to do the same.
Bernice Hardie
Co-Founder, WAVE for Change
Reflect
‘“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”’
Matthew 25:34-36
Pray
- Pray for eyes to see people who might feel left out or unseen.
- Ask God to help you show kindness that includes and uplifts everyone.
- Thank Him that His love reaches every person and never leaves anyone behind.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Think of someone who you really admire but have never told. Send them a kind word or encouragement in a text, voice note or handwritten message. Your words might be the gift they didn’t know they needed today. |
About WAVE for Change
WAVE for Change builds inclusive communities where people with and without learning disabilities mix, form friendships and live life together as equals.
Having seen the benefits in north London through projects like WAVE Church and WAVE Café, the charity now helps others create inclusive opportunities in their own communities.
