This week I have been reading the Exponent blog's posts about disabilities and creating #EqualAccess at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Yes, I read from the feminist, liberal, moderate, and conservative blog posts on Church culture.) Several posts repeat the message that disabled people do not want to always to healed in the next life and that we are going with identity first language.Labeling Language and Disabilities
I personally prefer "identity" language instead of the "person first" language just because person first language has always been clunky. For example, "Look at that woman with bipolar" vs. "Look at that bipolar woman." I am fine with "bipolar woman" describing me. Bipolar is in the adjective slot of the sentence still describing me, but with fewer words than "woman with bipolar."
Even though I prefer "identity" language, I still separate bipolar from my overall identity as a child of God. I have other compartmentalized identities, but each of them stays mentally in their slots. It is how I choose to handle the different roles or trials I need to deal with one at a time. Otherwise, I become overwhelmed.
In my linguistics class, we discussed how every few years the terms for disabled or race groups would change. The reason why these terms would change is because people had negative feelings about the people. So it doesn't matter what term anyone really uses if the negative feelings continue. We have to change our hearts to love the marginalized groups.
As far as using terms to describe a group of people, I think it is best to find out from that group or individual. You can look at official usage on websites too.
Being Healed in the Next Life
I wonder how much of my personality is bipolar. I don't know. I don't want to give up my personality in the next life. So I can understand why some people may not want to be "healed" in the next life because they feel complete with who they are now. Their disability doesn't limit them in their minds, only the rest of the world thinks so. Thus, I can see how being healed in the next life can be a hurtful teaching at church.
Do I want to be healed in the next life?
Yes. I want to be healed of bipolar in the next life. I consider my bipolar a disability that has limited my ability to work, go to school, rear my children, lose weight, vacation, and make meaningful relationships. I also consider bipolar--not a blessing--but an experience that has shaped who I am. I am more empathetic because of my experience. I can relate to other people's emotional anguish. I have made some friends because of my bipolar. It's a mixed bag.
Would I want to be healed of bipolar now?
Maybe. I believe it's possible and God can do it, but He hasn't. I don't believe He will heal my bipolar in this life because I believe this is my burden to bear. I believe I have been healed of other illnesses, but I have never asked to be healed from bipolar. It is just a normal mental illness from genetics and environment. I don't feel I need to be healed currently because I have medicine, counseling, and other methods to cope.
