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

Every time I see a child or adult with Down syndrome or some other physical or intellectual disability, I think immediately of the Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones was the name given to a Sunday school class my dad worked with and taught for about 15 years. The class was an outreach ministry to those with intellectual disabilities. Well, I thought I had it all figured out--how I am supposed to respond to people with disabilities. After reading the first chapter of Same Lake, Different Boat, I quickly realized that I have a lot to learn. As I continued to read the book, I took note of how many people connected with our little church are touched by some form of disability. We have one who has both physical and emotional instability, others who have troublesome limbs, one who has a form of autism, others who have suffered strokes, another who has a form of Lou Gehrig's disease, another who deals with seizures, and others. I've been scratching my head in some of these situations, wondering, How am I to be thinking concerning such and such a person's situation? What can I do? And what can I say? Same Lake, Different Boat is a biblically grounded, readable, and entertaining book addressing this vital issue of church life, namely, responding rightly to disabilities and to those touched by them. Stephanie has written to the church with the purpose of equipping God's people with a biblical view of disabilities, of informing God's people about the needs of families touched by disabilities, and of suggesting plans of action for each member of the body of Christ to help those touched by disabilities. I am amazed at how much I enjoyed and have learned from this treatise. By way of addressing this subject, Stephanie relies upon the Word of God, which has molded her perspective. Her many years of dealing with disabilities within her immediate family and within her church family and local community have also provided ample experiences of trial and error. She first unwraps her presentation by laying down a theological foundation for understanding disabilities, then by building an awareness of the realities families face as they deal with disabilities, then by detailing ways the church can effectively minister to all of its own special needs. The first major point of this book is the distinction between three prevailing views "as to what is true about the nature of disability and about the nature of the world at large" (p. 24). She calls the first view "The Historical View" and defines it as holding that "Disability Is an Abnormal Part of Life in a Normal World" (p. 24). This is the view that considers disabilities as problems, defects, and nuisances. This view underlies the historical records of neglect, discrimination, hatred, abuse, and even extermination. She identifies the second view as a reaction to the historical view, namely, "The Postmodern View: Disability Is a Normal Part of Life in a Normal World" (p. 25). This view is what began the re-introduct

Steph Hubach writes a book that has a focus of how we accept and embrace folks and families with disabilities... BUT that is just the tip of the iceberg! With her great sense of humor, vulnerable insights and stories, and clear theology and logic, Steph takes a subject and writes a book that will take the reader's heart to new places! This book is NOT just for dealing with disability in the Church... BUT for how all of us deal with some sort of "disability", be it being the "new family" in the church, dressing different then the majority of folks in the church, being young or old, coming from a different background, being single, being married, with children/without children, etc etc etc... how the Church needs to practice I Corinthians 12 and really be the Body of Christ that the world may see Him. That means that we all come to a place of a "new normal"... hard work, but "it is not optional", as Steph writes. As the reader, at first I thought this would help me in becoming aware of the physical/emotional/psychological needs of people who may come to worship and minister with our church. But, the Lord used it to open my own heart and show how each of us are "disabled" in one way or another because of our sinful natures and how each of us brings issues we are dealing with. Steph really challenges the Church and each individual to take all she writes and go beyond as we glorify God in all that we do. Really great reading.

Same Lake, Different Boat, written in a positive and encouraging tone, pushes us to be more aware of the opportunities to extend love and grace to those around us who are faced with the special challenges of living with disability. Because disability can take so many different forms, both visible and invisible, this book should encourage each of us to extend to others the grace we ourselves have received. Speaking from her own personal experiences, Stephanie Hubach writes with warmth about a topic for which new perspectives and learning will benefit all of us. In addressing the topic in a fresh manner, Stephanie challenges us to apply these perspectives more broadly than simply an organized ministry to the disabled, and reinforces the concept that one person can make a difference in the lives of others. End of chapter questions provoke further thought and reflection in applying the principles to real-life situations.

Stephanie Hubach has written an excellent book dealing with how we relate to and care for people who have fundamental and significant differences. While sharing experiences from her own relationships, she builds a theology of grace towards others that applies across a wide range of human experience. Her creative insights into understanding the age old question of dealing with suffering coupled with a unique view of reality stimulate a refreshing and thought-provoking discussion. Concisely written, personal in tone, she provides a solid basis for tearing down judgemental barriers and building effective communities among people with different needs. A must read for anyone interested in learning about loving and caring for "normal people in an abnormal world."