Life is Precious

I really don’t like to write about controversial issues. I am a person who likes to make everyone like me, but my ultimate goal in life is to glorify God. I have recently been in many conversations about abortion. Now, before you shake your fist at me, I want you to know that I am a writer and I write what God lays on my heart, and that is between Jesus and me; I am just sharing.

Now, that we have that clear, I am going to come right out and say that I believe abortion is wrong and is a sin. I believe every child is a gift from God. Today, as I sat with my friends and their newborn, I realized how life is precious. The bump in her tummy that I rubbed a few days ago was now laying in front of me. Those tiny fingers and nose were created by them same God who created this entire world, no, the entire universe! It says in Psalm 139:13:

                For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

The term “fetus” that doctors use, is actually a life. The little one has a heartbeat and kicks the mommy when she eats something gross. To me, this child has to live a different way for a time. Instead of eating with a spoon, the child uses the umbilical cord. Sound familiar? Feeding tube. They say that the child has no “feelings”. Yes, they do. Push on the mother’s tummy gently, and the baby is going to get agitated and hit you back or move. They might not understand what they are feeling, but we all develop more every day. I am not the same person that I was yesterday.

So the common argument I hear is it is the woman’s right. I thought of an analogy. Let’s say you took your child to a babysitter and when you came to pick your child up, the babysitter tells you that she decided to “take care of it” because it was poor timing. If I was the mother, I would probably become outraged beyond words. It is the same concept. We are just God’s instruments to raise His children.  It is never about us, it never was supposed to be.

I am not here to condemn a woman who has had an abortion. She may have thought it was the right thing to do. Sin is sin. I am guilty of it every day! However, there is hope. The hope is Jesus. He is our salvation. The Bible says:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16      

       

I am blessed by this family, and I rejoice because of the hope and love that we have in Jesus! 

Attending the NCIL Conference

            Attending the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) conference was a life changing experience. I was excited to attend the conference because I have a desire to work in the independent living field one day and I love the DC area. When I arrived at the conference, I was a little overwhelmed with all the people who were there. For those who know me, know that is strange because I am usually very social. Shortly after, I met some awesome people from another CIL and was excited to see that the IL movement is bigger than our local center. One of my favorite speakers of the week was Senator Duckworth. I was so excited to see someone who is in the Senate being a great advocate for people with disabilities. Her story of perseverance and the need to educate her colleagues on disability issues is refreshing. It goes to show that we have more work cut out for us.  If you ever have the opportunity to listen to her story, DO IT!

         Another life changing event was the march to the capital and the rally. It was awesome to be a part of something that will go down in history. Hearing the people chant and carry their different signs shows that there is so much that needs to be changed in society for people with disabilities. I loved hearing the people that were passing by in their cars honking in support of us. Attending the rally was amazing because I heard some of the legislatures support what we were advocating for. I believe many people think everything has to be a fight with the government and to see some of them support us was awesome. Some of the senators told us that there are other people in the government that do not support our independence. I think that this was the point when I realized that what we were doing was important.

               
            The other great opportunity was the time that we had to spend with Randy Forbes’ legislative aide. One of the things that was very refreshing is that he actually took the time and listened to our concerns. He was very engaging and asked questions when he did not understand what we were talking about. One of the main points that we talked about was the lack of transportation for the community of people with disabilities. We could see that he really wanted to understand what we were talking and said that he took for granted his own transportation.

        Mostly, I am grateful for was the opportunity to get to know the staff and the other participants that went with us. The three of us had the opportunity to get really close and share some life stories that encouraged us. Some of the conversations that we had dealt with some issues that I have been facing in my personal life and I thought I was the only one that ever faced those issues. I think community is great and it is a necessity for independent living.
     

 

Butterfly Effect

So I have been really busy with summer school!  I have a paper due almost every week, so I have not written a post!  I know, excuses, excuses, EXCUSES!

Well, I can say tonight I have something to share!  David and I went to New Life and the woman who shared was amazing.  She talked about the butterfly effect.  I don't know all of the details!  (there's a book ) In short: the air from a butterfly wing can start a hurricane. Something so tiny can produce something so big!  That is like when God called Ananias, a simple disciple, to minister to Saul, who killed Christians!  But, Paul became the person that impacted the church in a mighty way!

Sometimes the thought comes to my mind: How can God use little old me, "a simple disciple", to impact the world?  After all, I live in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Oh Yeah, and I am in a wheelchair!  I could continue with the list of why I don't think God can use me to do big things.  But I have to choose to push those to the side, because the truth is HE ALREADY IS!

I have a heart to minster to people with disabilities and their families!  Many times I don't have the opportunity to share the Gospel.  I just share my joy. I really don't believe being in a wheelchair brings me joy!  It is tough, to be honest, it stinks!  But I know it is temporary!  So I am choosing to say yes to God and surrendering my life to Him.

Spreading my wings to fly to impact history!!!!!!!!!!

Partners

Today was a very special day!  Graduation day from Partners in Policymaking!! Yaaaa! 

You know when I first was accepted to the class, people told me it was going to be life changing.  To be honest, I really didn’t believe them.  I thought I was just going to hear the same things I knew about being a self-advocate.  I have been advocating for people with disabilities for years.  I am pursuing a Master’s in rehab counseling.  Come on, I better know this stuff. 

Man, I was wrong!!!!!!!!

We had pretty amazing speakers that came and taught us about different disability issues.  I laughed, cried, got angry, and celebrated.  I learned that knowledge is power.  I learned that knowing history is key to impacting the future.  I could go on and on about the things I learned….

But I think I have to say that I think that relationships within the group are what changed my life!  I met some of a most amazing people in Virginia.  Some of my friends have disabilities like me!  We talked about our hardships and how we could overcome them.  We cheered each other as we accomplished our goals.  We giggled over dinners and relaxed in the lounge. 

Then, there were the parents of children with disabilities.  All I can say is WOW!  I have never met so many dedicated, accepting, and loving people in all my life.  These mothers and fathers are living relentlessly to give their child with a disability the opportunity to live life to the fullest.  There is one father with a disability that changed my life.  I never told him but I have some fears about becoming a mother and being in a wheelchair.  He explained to me that there are times when he struggles to care for his children but there is nothing that can stop him from loving them. 

Lastly, there is Joe!  Joe may be the cutest almost five year old boy I have ever met!  I met him just before I was about to leave.  Let me tell you, an hour later, I still didn’t want to leave.  We made faces,  we danced, and he even followed me across the room.  He stole my heart in .2 seconds.  His smile filled my heart!  I pray that every person that encounters Joe will catch his joy like I did! 

In the end, the reason I want to be an advocate for people with disabilities is that I believe we all have gifts to share! 

Congratulations PiP Class of 2013!

Making Decisions in Adulthood

You know when I was young, making a decision was a lot easier.   Coke or Pepsi?  Coke duh!!   Chocolate or Vanilla?  CHOCOLATE!  

But as an adult, the questions are getting harder and I am learning that many choices can change my life.  Last fall, I decided to go back to school.  I found something that sparked my interest.  Rehabilitation counseling.  I absolutely love what I am studying.  I am getting so many opportunities to serve the disability community.  And not just locally but around the state.  I am really excited to become a role model.  The song that in my heart is "Legacy".  I want to be remembered because I chose to love Christ with every ounce of my heart.  I  view my disability as a gift from God.  Now, I know people are going to be like no way.  But I believe this with my whole heart.  I am so excited about the opportunities.  

So what is my problem about making decisions?  Finding a job.  FULL TIME.  I have been applying to every full time CTRS position I know.  Even one a few hours away.  I have went several interviews but not one offer.  Disappointed?  Yes.  

But recently, I have gotten two statements of advice from two people I love dearly.  David asked me if I had prayed.  OF COURSE.  No, really, have you given it to Him?  Completely?  No.  Then my friend Emily said to look through windows when He closes doors.  

So I  am deciding to give it to Him and look through windows!

Well, my friends, I have done it.  For years, I have said I was going to blog, but I have been afraid to start.  Today, I was sitting alone with God and He reminded me that I have so many stories of blessings to share.  I came up with the title in a matter of minutes.  I think even though I don't have the ability to walk, I can soar!  I hope you will come fly with me!  

Some awesome stories are coming soon!