The Chair
Resurrection Band Lyrics

Paralysing facts, countless diseases,
There are many serious illnesses and disabilities in this world.

Semi-mobile, semi-useless subhuman,
People with disabilities are often treated as if they are less than human, and are often unable to move around easily.

So many startled eyes say it: "Only an occasional ray of light...but feel free to subtract any ray of hope."
Many people don't have much hope for a brighter future when dealing with disability, and often feel as though they are stuck in a hopeless situation.

Disabled, confined, labelled and shelved,
People with disabilities are often restricted in their daily lives, and are often labeled and put in categories.

Minus limbs, minus movement, minus worth,
People with disabilities are often seen as being worth less than everyone else because of their physical limitations and restrictions.

"So sorry," they say, but they forget me,
Many people may feel as though they are forgotten by society or by their support systems.

Once a year they buy themselves that right.
People may feel as though others only think of them once a year or on special occasions, and then forget them for the rest of the year.

We won't understanding, not pity,
People with disabilities don't want to be pitied; they just want to be understood and treated with respect.

We need love, not occasional headlines,
People with disabilities need more than just a cursory mention in the news; they need love, understanding, and ongoing support.

We've been used, abused, and aborted for years,
People with disabilities have often been treated as disposable, unimportant, or as a burden on society.

And I've learned not to expect respect for my tears.
Many people with disabilities have learned that others may not take their emotions seriously, or may see them as a sign of weakness.

Regular check-ups, needles and charts,
People with disabilities often need to undergo frequent medical check-ups and procedures.

The nodding of heads and the shedding of hearts,
Medical professionals and others may have sympathy for people with disabilities, but may not truly understand what they are going through on a day-to-day basis.

My legs are defenceless, this chair is my cell,
Many people with disabilities feel trapped or confined by their physical limitations and may rely on wheelchairs or other assistive devices to get around.

My food is my medicine, reality hell.
People with disabilities may require specific diets or medications to keep them healthy, but this can be a source of frustration and make them feel like they are living in a literal 'hell.'

Sometimes I feel so removed,
People with disabilities may feel isolated or like they don't fit in with others.

Lost in a maze of self-pity and dreams,
Sometimes, people with disabilities may start to feel sorry for themselves or have unrealistic dreams and expectations.

No one regards me, I just don't belong,
Others may not give people with disabilities the respect or attention they deserve, and they may feel like they don't fit in anywhere.

They don't know how to act around me,
Some people may not know how to interact with people who have disabilities, which can make social situations awkward or uncomfortable.

Until you came to me, Lord, I had so little to live for,
Many people with disabilities find support and comfort in their faith, and may believe that God has given them purpose and meaning.

'Til you came to me, Lord, I had nowhere to turn,
People with disabilities may feel like they have nowhere to turn for help, but find solace in their faith.

Jesus, you alone have helped me to grow beyond my circumstance and despair,
Many people with disabilities find strength in their faith to overcome difficult circumstances and feelings of despair.

My suffering can't compare to what you took willingly,
People with disabilities may find perspective and strength in their faith, knowing that Jesus suffered more than they can imagine.

Sacrifice nowhere near what you gave on that tree,
People with disabilities may feel humbled and inspired by the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.

I can see though I'm blind,
Some people with disabilities may have religious or spiritual experiences that help them 'see' things more clearly, even if they are physically blind or have other limitations.

Loving one at a time, there is so much that I can do.
People with disabilities can still make a difference in the world, one person at a time, through love and kindness.

Giving love and following you,
People with disabilities may strive to follow Jesus' example of love and kindness.

I'm so glad you care,
People with disabilities may find comfort and support in their faith, and believe that God cares for them.

Let my love flow free on this chair.
People with disabilities can still love and be loved, even if they are confined to a wheelchair or have other physical limitations.