Disabilities and Leadership: Calling Over Limitations
“The Lord said to him: Who gives one person speech? Who makes another mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? … Now go, I will assist you in speaking and teach you what you are to say” (Exodus 4: 11-12).
A Personal Reflection
Between 2018 and 2019, I lost my voice—and I didn’t even notice. Life continued as usual, or so I thought. The change was gradual, slipping in so quietly that I remained unaware. Then, one day, my mom casually asked, “Why are you talking like that?” At that moment, I realized something had shifted.
I never understood how deeply our identity is tied to our voice until mine began to fade.
Think about it: When you hear someone call your name from across the room, you immediately recognize who it is. You’ve likely been captivated by a speaker whose voice commands attention. You’ve probably felt comforted by someone whose tone alone puts you at ease.
After numerous visits to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians, neurologists, and other specialists, I was diagnosed with Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD)—a neurological voice disorder affecting the muscles controlling the vocal cords. Involuntary spasms disrupt speech, making consistent, clear communication difficult. For me, it manifests as a strained voice, prompting well-meaning but misplaced comments like, “It sounds like you had a fun weekend!”, “Do you want some warm water with lemon?”, “I feel bad making you use your voice; you can rest it,” or, “I hope you feel better soon.”
The exact cause remains unknown, but researchers believe it stems from dysfunction in the basal ganglia of the brain. As of now, there is no cure.
Before my diagnosis, I had never heard of Spasmodic Dysphonia. Now, I recognize it everywhere. Most recently, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has spoken openly about his experience with the condition, bringing much-needed awareness to a disorder that affects so many.
For people who knew me before my voice changed, it didn’t seem to alter how they saw me. But after moving to a new state, I noticed a shift in perception while networking professionally. Comments began to pop up: “It’s OK, you don’t need to be nervous,” even when I felt completely confident. “I could tell that made you emotional,” even when I wasn’t particularly moved.
And then there were the non-verbal cues: furrowed brows, signaling confusion or concentration; squinted eyes, as if trying to focus more intently; and leaning in, a physical attempt to catch my words.
Losing my voice didn’t just change how I speak—it changed how I’m heard, how I’m seen, and how I navigate the world.
Disability and Leadership: A Biblical Perspective
The conversation around disability has shifted in recent years from limitation to empowerment. Individuals with disabilities continue to demonstrate that their challenges are not obstacles to success but opportunities to redefine leadership and workplace contributions. This perspective led me to ask: “How does the Bible portray individuals with disabilities serving in leadership?”
Moses: Leadership Beyond Speech Ability
Many scholars believe Moses had a speech-related disability: “Moses, however, said to the Lord, ‘If you please, my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and tongue’” (Exodus 4:10).
God reassures Moses, promising to give him the words he needs and appointing his brother, Aaron, to help him communicate (Exodus 4: 11-17):
The Lord said to him: Who gives one person speech? Who makes another mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, I will assist you in speaking and teach you what you are to say.
But he said, “If you please, my Lord, send someone else!”
Then the Lord became angry with Moses and said: I know there is your brother, Aaron the Levite, who is a good speaker; even now he is on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will truly be glad.
You will speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will assist both you and him in speaking and teach you both what you are to do.
He will speak to the people for you: he will be your spokesman, and you will be as God to him.
Take this staff in your hand; with it you are to perform the signs.
While the Bible does not explicitly diagnose Moses, his struggle with speech is a powerful example of how God calls leaders regardless of their limitations.
Leadership Lessons From Moses:
Leadership is about obedience, not perfection (Exodus 4:10-12). Moses doubted himself, but God assured him that He equips the people He calls.
Effective leaders rely on support systems (Exodus 4:14-16). God provided Aaron to help Moses communicate, showing that strong leaders build teams to complement their weaknesses.
God’s power works through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Despite his speech struggles, Moses led the Israelites to freedom, proving that leadership is about trust and faith, not flawless ability.
Jacob: Strength in Weakness
Jacob’s defining moment came when he wrestled with a mysterious man (typically interpreted as an angel or God). During the struggle, his hip was dislocated, leaving him with a limp for the rest of his life (Genesis 32:22-32). This physical impairment became part of his identity and leadership journey.
Leadership Lessons From Jacob:
Leadership is about spiritual strength and reliance on God, not physical ability. His limp did not hinder his role as the father of Israel.
Humility is key. Jacob’s injury reminded him that his strength came from God.
Resilience matters. Despite his physical weakness, Jacob persevered and fulfilled his calling.
Paul: Strength Through Grace
The nature of St. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is widely debated, but he described it as a persistent struggle. Though Paul prayed for its removal, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Paul recognized that his affliction kept him humble and reliant on God’s strength.
Leadership Lessons From St. Paul:
Servant leadership: Paul prioritized others, modeling humility and sacrifice and writing, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves; each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Resilience and perseverance: Despite persecution, Paul remained steadfast in his mission (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Mentorship and discipleship: Paule invested in the next generation, mentoring leaders like Timothy and Titus (2 Timothy 2:2).
Redefining Disability in the Workplace
The world often sees disability as a limitation. But Scripture, history, and lived experience tell a different story: Disability does not diminish leadership—it refines it. Whether through Moses’ reluctance, Jacob’s limp, or Paul’s affliction, God has consistently shown that leadership is about calling, character, and resilience, not physical perfection.
As we continue shaping workplaces that embrace all abilities, we must challenge assumptions, foster inclusion, and recognize that the greatest leaders are not the people without obstacles but the ones who rise above them
I may have lost my voice, but I have not lost my calling. And neither have you.
Carolyn McIntosh has a passion for helping heart-centered businesses thrive. With an MBA in Industrial Organizational Psychology and over 12 years of experience in Human Resources and Operations, she brings a unique blend of human insight and operational expertise to her work. Carolyn is also a Freelance Writer and an Adjunct Professor, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of leaders. Connect with Carolyn on LinkedIn or her website.