How does Cerebral Palsy affect you physically? I can walk with the assistance of a walker;
it is a form of exercise rather than a mobility aid. A power wheelchair is my main form of
mobility, but as I roll God allows me to share a message of hope that runs to a
lost and hurting world.
What is one of your
biggest challenges?
One of my biggest challenges is learning to let go of the desire
for physical independence. I have found
that there are more important things in life then being able to tie my shoes or
get myself dressed. My limited independence has taught me to become more
independent in God. Each day, you and I have a choice, to be bitter or better!
In retrospect have
you ever thought about how your life would be different if you were “normal”?
Honestly, my life
has been everything but normal! God has given me “Normal is just a setting on the clothes dryer.”
Life is meant to be
taken one moment at a time, knowing that the plans God has for us are
good. We can put our full trust in God
no matter what! We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can
control our attitude in the midst of ever-changing circumstances. With God’s
help we can rise above the so-called
“normal” life into an existence that is filled with joy, freedom and
purpose!
How did you start motivational speaking at age
13?
I felt lead to share
words of encouragement at a summer camp designed for “different abled” kids and
teens. So many of them came up to me afterword, and told me that I had Inspired
them. Since that day, I knew that God
was calling me to share his word.
Do you have brothers
and sisters? How do they treat you?
Yes, I have two older brothers and an older sister. We
are very close to each other and they have always encouraged me in the Lord’s
calling on my life.
What was your school
life like?
When I entered school
it became apparent to me that I was “different” from the other kids. Most of my
classmates where drawn to me by my cheerful demeanor, others seemed frightened by
it and hurting people, hurt people even
if they are little people… and although
they were few, my classmates’ hurtful comments stayed with me laying the
groundwork for depression and deception. In the years to follow, I learned so
many people have wheelchairs in their hearts that I can’t see; my peers needed
the hope that is found in Jesus Christ! They would often stop in the middle of
the hall and comment on my smile, which gave me a chance to share the hope I
have in Christ with them. School had its
share of trials and triumphs.
What are some of your
hobbies?
I enjoy swimming,
horseback riding, art, writing poetry, baseball, giving encouragement to others
and living life to the fullest!
We read in your book that you planned to
commit suicide. Could you share with us what your thoughts were?
I was 14 years old,
when thoughts of suicide began to materialize.
I became accustomed to the voice of self-pity, instead of what the Lord
says about me. I also questioned my
value and God’s love for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 declares, “For I know the thoughts and
plans I have for you, says the Lord; thoughts and plans for welfare and peace
and not for evil to give you hope in your final outcome.” I couldn’t see
my final outcome at the time that I was making plans but God did, and
giving up was definitely not part of it.
What would you say to
someone who feels worthless?
You are a treasure in the arms of Christ! It’s
too easy to place our value according to the world but God made you to be just who
you are. Before you were born he knew your name. You are irreplaceableand precious to God.
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