Jean Vanier, French theologian and humanitarian, founded L'Arche communities (http://www.larcheusa.org/):
Founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964, L’Arche communities bear witness to the reality that persons with intellectual disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality, and friendship. We make explicit the dignity of every human being by building inclusive communities of faith and friendship where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together. L’Arche USA exists to strengthen our local communities, welcome more people into our life and work, engage in advocacy on behalf of those often on the margins of society, and to raise awareness of the gifts of persons with intellectual disabilities.
After moving to Boston I had the opportunity to visit a L'Arche community in nearby Haverhill, Massachusetts. It's an interesting experience to spend the day with a group of people with whom you can immediately let your guard down. I discovered that I am a more carefree dancer in Haverhill... I also learned that community members--individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities--save their grocery money one day per week and send it to another L'Arche community in a third world country. They eat a simple dinner that night and a volunteer reads a letter or passes around a craft or gift from the international community with which this specific L'Arche house is paired. This act of solidarity brings meaning to the lives of community members, which is in contrast to the marginalized status they are often given in society.Additionally, L'Arche community members have various responsibilities--such as local jobs, house chores, and event planning. L'Arche homes are warm and intimate, which can be in contrast to other facilities and living environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964, L’Arche communities bear witness to the reality that persons with intellectual disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality, and friendship. We make explicit the dignity of every human being by building inclusive communities of faith and friendship where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together. L’Arche USA exists to strengthen our local communities, welcome more people into our life and work, engage in advocacy on behalf of those often on the margins of society, and to raise awareness of the gifts of persons with intellectual disabilities.
After moving to Boston I had the opportunity to visit a L'Arche community in nearby Haverhill, Massachusetts. It's an interesting experience to spend the day with a group of people with whom you can immediately let your guard down. I discovered that I am a more carefree dancer in Haverhill... I also learned that community members--individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities--save their grocery money one day per week and send it to another L'Arche community in a third world country. They eat a simple dinner that night and a volunteer reads a letter or passes around a craft or gift from the international community with which this specific L'Arche house is paired. This act of solidarity brings meaning to the lives of community members, which is in contrast to the marginalized status they are often given in society.Additionally, L'Arche community members have various responsibilities--such as local jobs, house chores, and event planning. L'Arche homes are warm and intimate, which can be in contrast to other facilities and living environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Vanier's vision for L'Arche creates a reality in which weaknesses are valued (http://www.jean-vanier.org/info/en/the_message/jean_vanier_on_becoming_human):
In exploring what it means to be fully human, Vanier invites us to observe the tension in our world between the pressure to achieve mastery or control, and our longing to find ways to live at peace with our own, and others’ imperfections. Where modernity privileges progress and perfection, Vanier has drawn attention to imperfection and fallibility as important and overlooked aspects of being human. Vanier believes that highlighting the universality and centrality of our shared fragility has the potential to unite us in commonality: “The weak teach the strong to accept and integrate the weakness and brokenness of their own lives.” Vanier’s narratives reveal how people really blossom when they are welcomed as they are, with their gifts and their weaknesses together.
Sometimes it's hard to imagine a world in which everyone could look at themselves in the mirror, recognize their fragility and brokenness, and still feel affirmed and loved (especially after working in a middle school for a year!). Vanier frames our vulnerabilities as spiritual gifts for those with whom we enter into relationships. That's kind of mind-blowing. A lot of times we view vulnerabilities as inconveniences or things that people need to work on, but Vanier encourages us to "become weaker": http://www.larcheusa.org/2011/08/jean-vanier-become-weaker/. In exploring what it means to be fully human, Vanier invites us to observe the tension in our world between the pressure to achieve mastery or control, and our longing to find ways to live at peace with our own, and others’ imperfections. Where modernity privileges progress and perfection, Vanier has drawn attention to imperfection and fallibility as important and overlooked aspects of being human. Vanier believes that highlighting the universality and centrality of our shared fragility has the potential to unite us in commonality: “The weak teach the strong to accept and integrate the weakness and brokenness of their own lives.” Vanier’s narratives reveal how people really blossom when they are welcomed as they are, with their gifts and their weaknesses together.
Logistically, this can be a difficult invitation to accept since people do have different boundaries and comfort levels. Additionally, sometimes people need more professional help and support--and it's often challenging to understand if/when our weaknesses become burdensome to others. But such a view of humanity--and relationships--is life-affirming, I think. To enter into a relationship knowing that you are loved despite--and perhaps even because of--your weaknesses is truly something special. Similarly, to disarm someone else with a smile and to greet them with the desire to know them and to love them is to create a meaningful reality--one in which we belong to each other.
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