Can You See Them?

Has anyone ever said something to you that echoes in your mind even years later? The other day, I was talking to David about myWorld Religions class that I took in my undergraduate studies. We had to write a paper on a topic that he gave us. The topic that I received was “Do miracles exist? Why or why not?” Easy! 

When I got my paper back, I was horrified! A big C in red ink was at the top of my paper and a note that read “opinions are not scientific.” At first, I was too angry to say anything. Then he opened the class for discussion of our papers. Oh boy, did I have a field day! 

I asked the class if they could hold their breath for five minutes. They laughed nervously as I begun to tell my story. The story about how the doctor pushed me back into my mother’s womb after seeing that I was being delivered upside-down; therefore, cutting off my oxygen for fifteen minutes. About how, at the age two, doctors told my parents that I would never speak, much less go to high school or even college. I told the class that according to science, I should not be alive. I believed in miracles in the Bible, and I also believe in miracles today! When I finished, you could have heard a pin drop! 

As I grow in my walk with Jesus, I have learned to study Scripture and really understand the letter that God wrote to us. Sometimes that might require researching the original meaning of the words. Now, I am not a linguistic scholar. In fact, Greek and Hebrew scare the mess out of me. But thankfully, Strong’s Concordance is on-line. Look at the original word for miracle with me. 

sēmeíon – a sign (typically miraculous), given especially to confirm, corroborate or authenticate.

sēmeíon ("sign") then emphasizes the end-purpose which exalts the one giving it. Accordingly, it is used dozens of times in the NT for what authenticates the Lord and His eternal purpose, especially by doing what mere man cannot replicate of take credit for.

I don’t know about you, but that causes my heart to do somersaults! The miracle of life cannot be credited to hopeless medical professionals or doubting college professors. The life I live every day is one with a greater purpose to glorify Jesus! A purpose that impacts eternity… 

Debating over the existence of miracles is not my intentions! I am just hoping that our hearts are opened to see the next one! He has so much in store for us!

Why Read?

Lately, I have been reading a lot more. Usually, I am not a reader, but people have told me that reading will help increase my writing skills.  So I am now reading! I have made a commitment to read at least one book a month. My bookshelf is full of books because every time I go to Lifeway, I have to pick up a new one. Well, it’s time to dive in!

This month, I am reading “Jesus, the One and Only”. I absolutely love Beth Moore and the way she writes. I also think it helps because I have heard her speak and met her at The Passion Conference a few years ago. When she writes and speaks, she is completely sharing her heart and urges others to understand the Truth she is describing. It’s not about her agenda, but it’s all about the One she is writing for.

In this particular book, she reflects on the accounts of Jesus. I have had a relationship with Jesus for almost ten years now. Just like the other relationships in life, it deepens when you’re spending time with one another. Reading and learning about Scripture is a way to deepen that relationship. There are moments when I’m reading and I will think, “Oh, yeah! Why didn’t I see that before?” then hide it in my heart and thank Him.

I don’t know where you are in your relationship with Jesus. Or if you have one. Maybe you don’t even desire to know Him. All I can say is I love Him and I ask Him to touch your heart with these blogs! He is the Author of my life. These shaky Cerebral Palsy hands have been entrusted with sharing a great story. And so I am writing with humility and grace.

Reading is not just for head knowledge, but I ask you to allow it to transform your heart and ignite a passion!

Love Has Won

Many people start making New Year’s resolutions as soon as the clock strikes midnight! Although I had my list ready, (I am a list maker) I didn’t really set any in place. For some reason I felt like I needed to reflect. I feel like sometimes I forget that I should take time to praise Jesus for the blessings and learn from the lessons.

“STOP… LISTEN TO ME, I AM SPEAKING TO YOU, MY DAUGHTER,” said Jesus. I capitalize that not because he yelled at me out of anger.  But I believe He is excited for me to see the beauty He revealed in my life the past year from a different perspective.

I cannot explain everything that happened to me in 2014, but two things major happened that were life changing. I will never be the same.

I was selected to spend the summer in Washington D.C. I knew it was an awesome opportunity when I had the initial offer for the interview but when I received the placement for the Senate HELP Committee Disability Policy Office, I knew it was an once in a lifetime experience. Moving up to DC was eventful. There were times when it almost became too much. David and my parents were willing to do anything to make it happen! The summer was incredible. Working with Senator Harkin and his staff was an unforgettable experience! Although the work was tough, it was an honor. I made several friends throughout the summer. One in particular, Clem, became a dear friend. We learned so much together and he was the one I texted when deadlines become too overwhelming.  He understood the “Angela language.” You know, when I speak under my breath, hoping people won’t understand me. It was funny because it became my goal to make him laugh during the times we were supposed to be quiet. Oh, so many other great memories. The summer in Washington was life-changing!

I returned home in August ready for my last semester of graduate school. I started my fall internship a week after the move.  Everything was back to normal. Or so I thought.  I was working every day and didn’t do a lot of other things because of the hectic schedule. One day, David did not feel very well, so I asked my mom to come help me get ready for bed. To my surprise, daddy came with her. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to see me. We talked about work and he laughed because I wouldn’t let him change the thermostat. At the end of their visit, he hugged me and said, “I love you, babe” in his southern accent.

That Tuesday, September 7^th, I went to the office just as any other day. My van started to stutter a little. I thought I would just call daddy when I got to the office. But the morning turned out to be really busy and I planned to call when I got home. So I texted him and told him I’d call him later. When I got home, I called several times and he didn’t answer. I thought he probably just fell asleep and forgot the phone in another room. I asked David to go check on him. A small voice told me that I should stay home. When David arrived, daddy didn’t open the door. Mama rushed home and together, they found daddy had passed away in his bed. After a few minutes, David had told me over the phone because I knew something was terribly wrong and I was flipping out because mama would not tell me why she was crying.

On my way, the first person I called was Melody. She has been that friend that you may not see every day but is the one you call first when you need someone there. And she was there as I pulled up. There were also an ambulance, a fire truck, and police.  All I can remember was Melody and David pushing me to the house that I called home for over twenty-five years. But as I entered, I realized that a huge part of my heart was gone. You see after the month that I moved out, daddy and I became really close. The dynamic of our relationship changed. He was always there when we needed anything, but our relationship was now driven by a desire to know one another and love.

Maybe I will write about the following weeks in a different post. But for now, I need you to know that love has won! I love you, daddy!

In the closing of 2014, I just wanted to remember the incredible story God has written for me to roll through. 

New Start

I have been wanting to blog for many years, but I am never consistent! School and all sorts of excuses have been my reasons for not writing! I love writing but typing is rough, especially with only two fingers. You know when typing for school, it’s for a grade. Or work, it’s for a paycheck. But, a blog? What can that be for?  Over the last week, God has shown me examples of how blogs can touch millions of people just with one person typing out their heart.  I surely don’t expect a million followers, but if I can touch one person, then I’ve accomplished this calling.

So I asked myself, “Why don’t you ask your attendant to type as you talk?” I tried to search for excuses again! “Time, uhhh time, time?” I have a ton of free time now. So what is it? What is keeping me from recording my wonderful journey? PRIDE! I didn’t want to ask someone to help me write. I felt like if I asked them to type something that they don’t agree with, then I would have to give an explanation. I hate confrontation. But I realize I don’t have to explain!

I am God’s masterpiece. I must shine for Him!