What does it really look like for the Church to make room for EVERY person in the Body of Christ? Not just make room for them to attend—but to belong, serve, lead, and use the gifts God has placed inside of them?
Today on the Anchored by the Sword podcast, I’m sitting down with Nadia Ibrahim Mossberg, author of Divinely Disabled: A 30-Day Devotional to Discovering God’s Heart for the Disability Community.
Nadia was born with cerebral palsy, and as a teenager she wrestled deeply with the realization that her disability was going to be part of her life. Growing up, she didn’t see many people with disabilities represented around her, and there were parts of that journey she carried quietly. But God used the joy and faith of a camp counselor to draw Nadia toward Him and begin showing her that her life had purpose.
And what a purpose it has become.
Nadia went on to spend 22 years working in federal policy, including positions with the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Department of Defense. Her own experiences navigating barriers to employment and independent living helped fuel her passion to advocate for other people with disabilities.
In this conversation, we also talk honestly about another place where barriers still exist:
The Church.
Nadia shares about ableism, inaccessible spaces, misunderstanding disability, and even the spiritual harm that can happen when someone is told, “If you just had more faith, you would be healed.”
We also talk about what inclusion can actually look like. Here's the thing—it doesn't always require a huge disability ministry, an enormous budget, or some complicated plan.
Sometimes it looks like giving someone a ride.
Inviting them to lunch.
Making a Bible study accessible.
Listening when someone tells you what they actually need instead of assuming you already know.
And maybe most importantly, asking:
“How do YOU want to serve?”
Because people with disabilities are not simply people the Church is called to care for.
They are part of the Church.
They have spiritual gifts.
They have callings.
They have wisdom and experiences that the rest of the Body needs.
Whether you are part of the disability community, love someone who is, serve in church leadership, or simply want to become better at loving the people God has placed around you, I truly believe this conversation will challenge you.
And maybe that's exactly what we need.
Bio:
Nadia Ibrahim Mossburg, born with cerebral palsy, uses her degrees in English, journalism, and social work, as well as her experience as a senior advisor in disability policy, to improve disability policy at the national, state, and local levels. For over two decades, she has advocated for greater equity, better employment, emergency management, public health, and public transportation. Over more than three decades, she has also led Bible studies and served on many teams at her church. Nadia and her husband, Mathew, live in the Nashville area with their three cats and Watson, Nadia’s third service dog, who is enjoying retirement.
Anchor Verses:
John 9: 1-7
Connect with Nadia:
Instagram: divinelydisabled
Substack: https://divinelydisabled.substack.com/
LinkedIn: nadiaimossburg
**And as always, if this episode challenges or encourages you, please rate and review Anchored by the Sword and SHARE this conversation. **
***Anchored in His Promises Women’s Workshop — November 14, 2026
Join us for a powerful day of worship, encouragement, connection, and truth as we remind our hearts that God is faithful to every promise He makes. Anchored in His Promises is happening Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM, featuring incredible speakers, practical teaching, and time to dig deeper into what it means to hold onto God’s promises no matter what season you are in.
Learn more and grab your ticket at Anchored in His Promises Women's Workshop
