Disability, authenticity, vulnerability

 This month’s recommendation is another podcast with Nicky Gumbel of Alpha, and the former Rector of Holy Trinity Brompton in London.

In this episode he interviews Shelbi and Jordy Shutt, who are leaders at Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon. Shelbi was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy as a teenager and is now in her 30s and has been married to Jordan for 10 years.

In the podcast they talk about how they got together as a couple and how from the outset they dealt with Shelbi’s growing disability, and how it has shaped their journey of discipleship together. The conversation explores, in a very open and honest way, the themes of vulnerability, disability, fear, forgiveness as well as marriage, friendship and ministry in the face of personal adversity

I found the discussion very moving. What shone through the stories of weakness and vulnerability was the faith of the couple, and their commitment to Jesus and the body of Christ, as well as their desire to make the most of the time they have together. 

Something that stood out for me was when Shelbi shared, very openly, about how coming to terms with her disability was a continuous and ongoing process that involved setbacks and joys, ups and downs. At one point, in describing how she was tempted to deny her condition by pouring herself into work and ministry, she said, “I’m trying to cope with having a disability by not being too disabled”. She described how she had to take time out from work and other commitments to deal with these emotional and physical challenges. 

Similarly, Jordan’s expressions of love for Shelbi, and the obvious joy he finds in his marriage and ministry partnership with her, were very inspiring.

Listen to the podcast here.