Author Melody Escobar and Devan Stahl to Discuss Caregiving for Disabilities Through a Spiritual Lens
The next session of the Baylor Libraries Author Series will spotlight Dr. Melody V. Escobar and her new Baylor University Press volume, “Revelations of Divine Care: Disability, Spirituality, and Mutual Flourishing.” Escobar will be interviewed by Dr. Devan Stahl, Associate Professor of Religion. The session will be held at Noon on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the Schumacher Flex Commons of Moody Memorial Library and online via Zoom Webinar. This event is free and open to the public.
Escobar is a postdoctoral research associate in the Baylor Collaborative on Faith & Disability. She lectures in religion and disability, eco-justice, and mysticism. Escobar’s book explores her experiences as a caregiver for her disabled son, her son’s experience with equine therapy, and shares first person narratives from other mothers’ caregiving for children with disabilities.
"I hope ‘Revelations of Divine Care’ will help shift societal attitudes and expand understanding of how exclusionary practices impact families with disabilities, particularly within the contexts of schools and churches,” Escobar said.
In her book, Escobar reflects upon the teachings of Christian mystic Julian of Norwich, relating how unconditional love can be used to nurture caregivers, those with disabilities, and all people, in order to make communities where love compels others to love, creating a mutual flourishing for all beings.
“Drawing from Julian of Norwich’s teaching on our unity in Christ, the book advocates for moving beyond charity to justice, centering the voices of those often overlooked and nurturing communities where belonging is a lived reality for all," Escobar said.
A reception with light refreshments and book signing will follow the conversation. Baylor University Press will sell copies of “Revelations of Divine Care: Disability, Spirituality, and Mutual Flourishing,” at a 30% discount at the event.
For more information visit library.web.baylor.edu/authorseries.