How Does Kathleen Norris Show Disability Shaping Love, Lament, and Christian Faith?

Bestselling writer Kathleen Norris joins host Curtis Chang on the Good Faith Podcast to talk about her new book, Rebecca Sue: A Sister's Reflections on Disability, Faith and Love. They share the story of Kathleen's disabled sister, Rebecca, and how her journey through perinatal hypoxia, bipolar disorder, anger, and finally gratitude reshaped their family's faith. This episode offers honest wisdom on caregiving, grief, and aging parents and siblings, plus ideas for making sense of a loved one's disability through letters and reflection. Curtis and Kathleen also explore how churches can better include people with disabilities who are "hidden in plain sight," and why love, lament, and telling the truth about our flaws are central to a life of faith.

(01:49) - What did disability mean in the Norris family?

(04:00) - Discovering Disability

(08:52) - The Connection Between Love and Lament

(16:24) - Lessons Learned Caring For a Dying Husband

(20:09) - The Complicated Journey Caregiving and Dying

(29:00) - Admiring a Father's Determination

(31:36) - Championing Disability Rights

(37:27) - Tackling Disability Awareness in Community

(41:56) - Are There Connections Between This Story and Norris' Other Books?

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Mentioned In This Episode:

Kathleen Norris' Rebecca Sue: A Sister's Reflection on Disability, Faith, and Love
Listen to Amy Julia Becker (Good Faith episode 145)
A Brief History of the Benedictine Order
Understanding the Holy Fool

More From Kathleen Norris:

Kathleen Norris' The Cloister Walk
Kathleen Norris' Dakota: A Spiritual Geography
Kathleen Norris' Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.

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