FEATURE STORY

When theology crashes with reality

Caring for a disabled daughter

By Daniel Salinas

LAM News Service

La Paz, Bolivia (LAMNS)–More than once theology has crashed with reality as we deal
with our ongoing family challenges-causing faith crises that can easily lead into mortal
doubt. When this happens we have three options. First we can toss our theology and faith
"out the window" because it does not make any sense; it is simply too painful.
Many have followed this deceptive path of "throwing in the towel." Or we can
leave our beliefs intact and keep on living, but, as if reality didn’t exist. This
spiritual schizophrenia is all too common among believers. "Just rejoice in the Lord,
brother, and everything will be all right." But the "less traveled road" is
when we struggle to balance our theology with reality-even when it takes time and tears.

My wife, Gayna, and I have gone through all the three options above at different
stages, to different degrees during the last five and a half years. The idea of a loving
God who always gives good things to his children has been hard to swallow at times. The
constant painful shouts and severe disabilities of our daughter, Karis, have been too big
a challenge. Broken dreams and shattered expectations. Daily disillusionment and constant
frustrations. A deep sense of powerlessness and total incapacity. All of these things have
wounded our faith and our souls in a way that only eternity will heal.

No pat answers

"Job’s friends" have been around us too. People with pat answers and a
predictable god. And the pain grows. Rejection and cheap compassion have been by far the
most common responses. And one more string of the rope, from which our faith hangs, tears
off. The night comes and one more day of weeping is gone. Heaven is closer.

Karis has seen the best and the worst of us. We love her deeply but reject forcefully
her condition. And sometimes our reactions have blurred the boundaries. Her total
dependence takes away our precious independence. Her lack of words leaves us guessing
about her needs and wants. Sometimes we get it wrong. Her twisting body leads us to see
the future, trembling with fear.

God’s grace and prayer

Today we wonder how we have made it this far and how much longer we can continue. Is
God’s grace the answer? What about the sincere prayers of many people? These are the
two elements that have kept us from total despair. We thought we knew what grace meant,
but we didn’t. God is way too big to figure out.

Karis is facing yet another surgery in the coming days. Her colon is deformed, enlarged
and swollen. This probably accounts for many of her digestive problems. Nobody knows if
the procedure will help her. It’s worth a try. But we keep our expectations low. We
now know better.

Karis’s condition has moved lots of people to pray. Many of them have never seen
her, but to them she is precious. We know that the spiritual support of those godly
warriors is crucial. Often we tire of asking God to heal her or to do something to change
her when nothing happens. But still-others keep praying.

Habakkuk’s words sound idealistic and they challenge my faith every day:

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the
olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and
no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my
Savior."

Would this still be true, even if he gives us a wheelchair for life?

SIDEBAR

Ministering to special children

"…Pero Tendr ¡s Alas" (But You Will Have Wings), a book by LAM missionaries
Daniel and Gayna Salinas, is based on the family’s experiences with their severely
handicapped daughter, Karis. They hope the book will encourage churches to minister to the
families of special children, who often are hidden from public view in Latin America.
"Writing this book was not easy, but we trust the Lord will use it for His
glory," says Daniel Salinas. The book may be purchased from the LAM by sending a
check for $10.00, plus $2.00 shipping and handling to Book Orders, Latin America Mission,
Box 52-7900, Miami, FL 33152. (Currently, the book is only available in Spanish.)

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This news story is supplied by Latin America Mission News Service. Permission is
granted to any publication, broadcasting organization, news service or web site to use the
information contained herein. Tear sheets or notification of use would be appreciated.
PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

This article originally appeared in the LAM magazine, Evangelist. A free sample copy of
the magazine may be obtained by contacting the Latin America Mission.

For further information, contact Latin America Mission News Service at , or at any of the contact
addresses below.

Kenneth D. MacHarg, Missionary Journalist

Latin America Mission

Email:

Web site: www.lam.org