What if the goal isn’t helping someone with a disability do things like everyone else, but helping them discover how they were uniquely created to do them? Becke Medina was born with TAR syndrome, a rare disability that affects both of her arms. From an early age, she learned that the world would sometimes see her limitations before seeing her. But with parents who encouraged her independence and a father who taught her, “You’re trying to do it like everyone else,” Becke began discovering that doing things differently didn’t mean she couldn’t do them. In this conversation, Kim and Becke talk about growing up with a disability, learning when to advocate and when to walk away, and why curiosity and questions are better than staring or making assumptions. Becke also shares how the Church became a place where she discovered friendship, belonging, identity, and ultimately Jesus. Now helping build disability ministry herself, Becke challenges churches to stop overcomplicating inclusion. Instead of waiting until every program, accommodation, and answer is in place, start with the people already there. Ask questions. Listen. Invite families in. And create a church where every person knows they are loved, needed, and created by God on purpose for a purpose. In this episode:

• How a pair of adapted scissors changed Becke’s childhood
• Why doing something differently doesn’t mean doing it wrong
• Helping children respond to disability with curiosity instead of fear
• Teaching kids how to ask questions
• Why churches may be overcomplicating disability ministry
• The difference between being accommodated and truly belonging
• Why people with disabilities are essential to the Body of Christ
• Creating a culture of love from the parking lot to the sanctuary
• Why every child is worthy of love

“Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely” by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they’ve experienced trauma. We’ll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.