The answer is: Lame in both feet

2 Sam 9:13 - His nurse dropped him as a child

Mephibosheth’s story is a fascinating one that touches on themes of grace, redemption, and the unexpected kindness found within difficult circumstances. This lad, the son of Jonathan, was injured as a child—an experience where a moment of panic turned tragic, as he was dropped by his nurse while fleeing after Saul and Jonathan's deaths. This injury left him lame in both feet, and it poignantly illustrates how our histories can cast long shadows in our lives.

Interestingly, Mephibosheth lived in hiding in a place cleverly named Lo-debar, which literally means “the land of no pasture.” This set-back both physically and socially could symbolize isolation—from a charming palace life in past and into a desolate environment. Despite these challenges, he ultimately rose from his lowly state when King David sought him out to restore to him the inheritance of his grandfather, Saul.

The warm encounter was a bold move for David, reflecting not just loyalty to his friend Jonathan but showing that grace can break barriers of shame and dysfunction. Fun fact: the name "Mephibosheth" actually means "from the mouth of shame." When he was brought before David, instead of being perceived as a threat, he found acceptance—the deeper theme that even in our vulnerabilities, we can become instruments of good.

This reminds us of how societal negligence can persist in the lives of those with disabilities, echoing a message that rings true: acknowledgment and kindness can uplift those sidelined by their circumstances.