Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4 (NRSVUE)
If one member [of the Body of Christ] suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. – 1 Corinthians 12:26 (NRSVUE)
“I don’t need the microphone. Everyone can hear me. I’m loud enough!” How many times have you heard this? Or maybe you couldn’t hear it because…
Yes, you do need the mic. You might not need the mic to speak, but others need it to hear.
Sometimes microphone resistance has an air of bravado, awkwardness, or technophobia. Yet underlying all of that is ableism. When we use our own ability — or our current, temporary lack of disability — to assume the abilities of others, we center ourselves, dismissing and dishonoring others. Nurturing a covenant that honors all members of the Body requires a dialogue instead of a monologue, moving us from “I don’t need it, so no one else does” to “I don’t need it, but others say they do.”
Paul’s words to the Philippians offer a counterpoint to and continuation of “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12), inviting us to set aside our assumptions, preferences, and even discomfort so that the needs of many are met. When even one member’s needs are dismissed, the whole Body suffers. But when one member’s needs are met, the whole Body benefits.
So yes, we do need the mic so others can hear what we’re saying. Even more, we need to pass the mic so we can amplify the Body’s rejoicing.
Move us from self-focused assumptions to other-informed radical inclusion. Amen.
*For resources on accessibility and inclusion, visit UCC Disabilities Ministries (uccdm.org).
