When I was in high school, it was common to hear people around school use the word "retarded" as an adjective to describe something "stupid," "dumb" or "terrible." What I did not expect was to hear it used so often here at Biola. Since I have been here at Biola I have heard countless people use this term on a daily basis — kids in the cafeteria, a few of my close friends and even a speaker that I heard while on a retreat.

While the word "retarded" has become synonymous with something unpleasant or unwanted, it is actually a medical diagnoses that is a reality for many people from birth. Though the word "retarded" might not describe a harsh reality to most of you, there are many out there that are faced with struggles due to disabilities everyday, and some of those people are quite close to me. 

Some of the interactions I have had with the mentally challenged include a close friend of mine who has a 26-year-old sister whose mental age is less than two years old. Her parents work tirelessly to care for her. I myself worked with kids with special needs in high school. I spent a total of five weeks over three summers serving kids and adults with mental or physical disabilities. All of this has led me to care deeply for those with disabilities and those living to take care of them. 

When I arrived at Biola and heard students use this term carelessly, it concerned me. While there are students on campus that clearly care for those with disabilities — as seen in our Biola Buddies organization highlighted during Torrey Conference — there are also those who seem to be uninformed about what it means to be someone who deals with some form of retardation. Those who have mental and or physical disabilities must often rely on others to do everyday tasks that most of us can do ourselves. Most of them won't have the opportunity to live away from home, go to college, or even drive a car, but I can say that some of the nicest people that I have met on this earth are those with some form of retardation.

It is important to realize that all of us have been made in the image of God, and that in no way excludes those with disabilities. In fact, I have seen some of the clearest images of God displayed through people I have met with Down Syndrome, autism and other forms mental challenges. From them I have seen the most sincere forms of compassion, love and service in ways I have never seen from someone who is "normal." So the next time you want to use the word "retarded" to describe something bad, remember that you are referring to a loving person made in the image of God, and not someone who is in any way "stupid," "dumb" or "terrible."