200 - For the Love of Stephen: A Story of Inclusion, Faith and Belonging with Dr. Stuart D. Jones
In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Stuart D. Jones, retired higher education leader, author, pastor, and disability advocate, to share the inspiring story of his brother Stephen. Through personal stories, faith, and advocacy, Dr. Jones explores how Stephen’s life challenged assumptions about disability and revealed the true meaning of inclusion. The conversation highlights the difference between simply being included and genuinely belonging, the role of faith in shaping perspectives, and practical ways people can become more empathetic toward individuals with disabilities. This powerful discussion reminds listeners that every person has value, dignity, purpose, and worth.
Key Takeaways:
Belonging Matters - True inclusion goes beyond participation and creates a sense of belonging where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Different, Not Less - People with disabilities may be different, but their worth, humanity, and potential are equal to everyone else's.
Faith Shapes Perspective - Viewing every person as intentionally created can transform pity into pride, respect, and appreciation.
Challenge Judgment - Meaningful inclusion begins when we recognize our biases and intentionally move beyond them.
Simple Connections - A conversation, greeting, or act of kindness can make a powerful difference in someone's sense of belonging.
Dr. Stuart D. Jones’ definition of inclusion:
Inclusion is ensuring people are seen, heard, valued as fully human, and know they truly belong.
Dr. Stuart D. Jones’ Bio:
Dr. Stuart D. Jones is a retired higher-education executive and former church minister who now teaches college courses part-time and writes with a passion shaped as much by life as by books. Over the years, he has spoken at many universities, churches, conferences, seminars, workshops, and leadership events around the world on a variety of topics. A devoted advocate for disability rights, he believes every life has purpose and worth.
Yet no credential has shaped him more deeply than being Steve’s brother.
Dr. Jones holds advanced degrees in both education and theology and has been published in several academic forums. For the Love of Stephen is his first work of narrative nonfiction—and by far, his most personal.
Connect with Dr. Stuart D. Jones:
Website: https://www.authorstuartjones.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-d-jones-ph-d-29a0415a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorstuartjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorStuartDJones/
SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
Yes
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 88
No - 110
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Author - For The Love of Stephen
Dr. Stuart D. Jones is a retired higher-education executive and former church minister who now teaches college courses part-time and writes with a passion shaped as much by life as by books. Over the years, he has spoken at many universities, churches, conferences, seminars, workshops, and leadership events around the world on a variety of topics. A devoted advocate for disability rights, he believes every life has purpose and worth.
Yet no credential has shaped him more deeply than being Steve’s brother.
Dr. Jones holds advanced degrees in both education and theology and has been published in several academic forums. For the Love of Stephen is his first work of narrative nonfiction—and by far, his most personal.
