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Book Reviews
His Name is Joel: Searching for God in a Son’s Disability
Kathleen Bolduc lets us into sacred and vulnerable space in her life, her struggles and joys as parent, mother, and wife, and her wrestling with God. (This book) is not overly pious. She does not play martyr or saint. She does not pretend to be a model for others. She does not try to explain it all and certainly does not pretend to be in control.
What she does do is arrange eight years of transforming moments and memories into a series of vignettes, each paired at the beginning with a scripture quotation (most from the Psalms) and ending with a short meditative prayer that seeks to integrate the passage of scripture and the “living passage” of that particular experience or event. Henry Fosdick said that a preacher should have the Bible in one hand and the New York Times in another. Kathleen Bolduc holds her life, and her family’s life, in one hand, a Bible in the other, and shares with us the sometimes clashing, sometimes confirming, often revealing process of bringing the Story into focus with her story. It reads and feels very real, very honest, very unpretentious, and thus, very holy – just as she, in fact, would say she learned to “read” her son.
Bill Gaventa, M. Div.
Director of Community and Congregational Supports at eh Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. Co-editor, Journal of Religion, Disability and Health
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“I wish everyone could read this book! It is a work of art, a timeless meditation, a wise insight, a deep sigh, a fresh breeze, a good chuckle, and a healing therapy, all rolled into one. In 127 pages, easy-to-read-in-5-minute pieces, Ms. Bolduc gives an honest, straightforward tour through the inner and outer experience of a parent whose child has a disability. This is no sugarcoated piety, or politically correct propaganda. Instead, it is a rich taste from the banquet of life, seasoned with the bitter as well as the sweet, and in the end, extremely satisfying.
Ministers, therapists, counselors, teachers, neighbors, and others who know a family with a child who has a disability will be gently moved and powerfully inspired by the lessons taught here. They will gain a renewed appreciation for the many simple, but deeply meaningful ways that they can support and help families through their struggles. Professionals and friends will be surprised and energized by the realization they already possess the skills they need to help, if only they will listen, be open, and befriend. I would consider this a “must read” for anyone with any motivation to walk in faith with persons who have disabilities and their families. You’ll be so glad you did!”
Reverend Sarah Eastes, Director of Training and Public Education Council for Retarded Citizens, Louisville, KY. Author of Agenda for Real Life.
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A Place Called Acceptance: Ministry with Families of Children with Disabilities
“Families of children with disabilities have a deep need for compassion and acceptance, as well as for practical assistance, from their church families.” So writes Kathleen Deyer Bolduc in the introduction to this useful book. A mother of a son with “multiple handicapping conditions,” Bolduc has assembled timely information geared toward helping congregations become more welcoming, accepting, and supportive of children with disabilities and their families.
Practical and tightly written, the book includes musings on disability and theology, a look at the “wasteland of grief,” explanations of how disability impacts the family, and steps for making a congregation into “a place called acceptance.” One appendix lists resources while the other addresses the tough topic of “general disability etiquette.” Many of the handouts can be photocopied for group study use. A Place Called Acceptance helps congregations minister to a segment of our population not often reached. It does so by giving practical advice and encouraging congregations to see that these families want what every other member wants – meaningful worship, spiritual
growth, fellowship, and acceptance.”
Congregational Resource Guide: Resources for Congregations www.congregationalresources.org
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| The photograph of Joel and Kathy is courtesy of The Cincinnati Enquirer. |
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