This next story came to my
attention because it was featured on Home and Family. Unlike most stories, I am
usually aware of the person being interviewed and their disability related
experience; this time I was not. It highlighted Lauren Scruggs (now Lauren
Scruggs - Kennedy) and the four-year anniversary of the propeller accident that
changed her life forever. Although she recovered after lots of rehab, the
accident left her with both physical and emotional scores- including the loss
of her left arm and eye. These days Lauren is looking forward to the future and
her new marriage; she is also using her experience to create awareness for those
who are financially unable to provide real life like prosthetics for their loved
ones.
I was listening to the radio recently and came across Sidewalk Prophet's 2013 hit, "Help Me Find it." The song speaks to my season of life right now.. We sometimes struggle to find God in the ordinary tasks of our daily life: but He is always near!
Sidewalk Prophet's "Help Me Find It" Lyrics
I don't know where to go from here It all used to seem so clear I'm finding I can't do this on my own
I don't know where to go from here As long as I know that You are near I'm done fighting I'm finally letting go
I will trust in You You've never failed before I will trust in You
(Chorus ) If there's a road I should walk Help me find it If I need to be still Give me peace for the moment Whatever Your will Whatever Your will Can You help me find it
Can You help me find it
I'm giving You fear and You give faith I giving You doubt You give me grace For every step I've never been alone
Even when it hurts, You'll have Your way Even in the valley I will say With every breath You've never let me go
I will wait for You You've never failed before I will wait for You
Chorus
I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again) Have Your way my King (I give my all to You) I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see) ‘Cause You are all I need
Welcome Back Readers~ Because it is CP Awareness month, I thought I'd highlight one of the most popular comedians with CP on YouTube, Zach Anner. Some of you may remember me highlighting him from Oprah Winfrey's Create Your Own Show on OWN. He completed against other contestants in an effort to pitch his own traveling show. In the end, Oprah couldn't choose between the top two finalists-Zach and his traveling show as well as Kristina Kuzmic-Crocco's cooking show (if I remember correctly.) He recently added the title of author to his resume, penned his own memoir entitled If at Birth You Don't Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny. Unlike the inspirational approach, Anner chooses to make light of his disability never letting it stop him.
Also, this month, the CPF is having a fundraiser in order to raise money for their organization. It starts on March 25 and involves downloading a app on your phone and exercising.
For more information on raising awareness of CP, please go to:
Welcome Back Readers~ I was watching the news last week and came across a interesting story; it involved a young girl with CP w(cerebral palsy) and her struggle to gain independence in school the help of her assistance dog Wonder. In 2009, Ehlena Fry and her goldendoodle Wonder were first paired together during training in Ohio; this opportunity made possible through a $13,000 fundraiser held by family and friends. The trouble began when they tried to transition Wonder to assist her during school hours .at first, the school agreed to a 30 day trial.This didn't work out as planned, however , and was marked with one obstacle after another. Eventually, the Fry family decided to change middle school. Still, they believe the other school needs to be held accountable according to the Americans with Disabilities Act . For more information on this story, please go to: Http://www.npr.org/2016/10/31/499876610/a-girl-and-her-service-dog-head-to-the-supreme-court
It is with mixed emotions that I finally come to terms with moving out of my apartment next week.. That's right folks! After about four years of living independently, I will be moving back in with my parents until they figure out where they plan on retiring. It is not a decision I (or should I say we) came to easily, but the financial burden was getting to a bit much. For those living in Virginia, you understand exactly where I am coming from.
Still, living independently is something that I would encourage everyone with a disability to embark upon. Not only does it teach people what they are truly capable of, but give parents the benefit of knowing what it feels like to let go without the fear of ultimate failure. In other words, they are still around to teach them when necessary while giving their children the freedom to make mistakes...
Let's take a look back at my journey. When we first moved to Virginia in 2008, I found it difficult to make friends. My family and I spent several months settling in and trying to find a church we felt comfortable with. After looking at several prospects, we finally decided on a church whose main goal was teaching straight from the Bible, verse by verse. It was there that I met Sadie and we developed a friendship. Beginning December 4, 2011, we discussed our dreams of living independently and toyed with the idea of becoming roommates. Like myself, Sadie was determined to spread her wings and fly! Looking back, I feel as if this was God's plan, giving us the opportunity to prove our capabilities to our parents. My parents weren't exactly comfortable with the idea of me living by myself, so this was a logical compromise. That way, they knew someone would be there in in the evenings (as well as at night) in case of emergencies.
In January 2012, we finally signed a one-year lease for a two bedroom apartment;its location was close enough to my parents that they could come help when needed. Little by little we begin to make that apartment our home, adding sparks of color (and accent walls!) Along the way I learned important lessons about cooperation and compromise. At first, I spent a majority of my time working on this blog; never giving up hope that I would find a job. Occasionally, we would have friends from church over for movie nights and to celebrate birthday parties. We both thrived until unforeseen difficulties caused my roommate to have to move out. This left me reeling, wondering how all of this fell into God's plan. But you know what they say- When God closes a door, he opens a window. It was around that time (or earlier) that I was hired to write blogs on website accessibility. My parents were still unsure about my ability to live on my own but figured since I was financially stable, I should at least finish the lease.
I continued to work for the remainder of the lease, but felt the apartment was a little too big for one person. For a while, I wasn't sure whether a one bedroom apartment would open up and I have to move back in one my parents; sometime during Christmas break I was notified that one had became available- an early Christmas present. So on February 19, 2013, I began transferring my belongings from one apartment to the next with the help of some friends from church. Although I had lived independently before, it was an exhilarating feeling knowing I was completely on my own. I was responsible for paying the bills as well as making the place my very own. In other words, I was now a part of the typical workforce, getting up early in order to telework several hours a day.. In the process, I dealt with my share of personal assistant problems; this reiterated the value of advocacy on a daily basis and making sure my voice is heard.
All in all it has been amazing five years; during which I've gained the self-confidence of knowing what I am truly capable of. It's been a roller coaster of emotions but that's just a part of life;as my college pastor used to say, "Exp|ct the unexpected." While moving back sometimes feels like a step backwards for me, I have to believe God has something bigger in store for my future- and this was just a glimpse into what is humanly possible..I haven't given up hope that I will settle down permanently- with a full-time job and a place of my own (maybe even a boyfriend!) It just isn't my time yet..
Until then, I will have fond memories to look back on and am forever grateful for the experience. I just need to to where my primary focus should be- trusting God to provide for the future like he always has. Maybe this time back home will rejuvenate my faith..
( This will be my last post from the apartment; all other posts will be from my parent's place! Internet will be disconnected sometime tomorrow.. Chuckle)
A
few weeks ago I had the opportunity to watch "I'm Not Ashamed." This
movie chronicled the life of Rachel Scott. Most people remember her for her
faithful declaration of Jesus on April 20, 1999 during the Columbine High
School massacre; what they don’t realize is the journey it took to get there.
On the outside, she was a typical teenager who struggled to be a part of the
“in” crowd at school while dealing with feelings of insecurity. Her parents
felt they had no other choice but to send Rachel to her aunt’s for the summer;
during which time, she had a spiritual breakthrough.
Back at home, Rachel
feels conflicted. She tries to stay connected to her old friends while staying
true to her newfound faith- it doesn’t work.
Still,
the movie came to mind during a recent sermon from church. It centered on our
eternal inheritance; In Luke 10:25, an expert tries to trip up Jesus by questioning
his teachings. He asked, “…What
must I do to inherit eternal life?” Instead of answering him out right, he turns
the question back at him saying, ‘What is written in the Law?”’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ In other words, Jesus wonders about
the expert’s interpretation and understanding of the Law. At first, he answers
almost verbatim to that of the first commandment (as written in Mark 12: 12);
In verse 27, the lawyer answers, “… Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and,
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The conversation continues with Jesus replying
as follows, “You have answered correctly… Do this and you will live.”
The expert attempts to justify
himself by inquiring further as to who exactly is his neighbor. This is where
the parable of The Good Samaritan comes into play. What's my point in using this as an example? Loving others isn’t always easy; many times we
find ourselves
outside our comfort zones. For Rachel, this meant putting her faith on display several times on and before that fateful day in April. One instance of love iin action is one she befriends Nathan, a homeless teenager on the streets and invites him to youth group. Not only does he get a place to stay,, but realizes the importance of having only faith.
The next sermon focused on the two distinct perspectives Christians can have towards their relationship with Jesus-doing things for Him versus Getting To Know Him Intimately. While God appreciates our showing love towards the community, he puts greater value on our personal relationship with Him. Why? For starters, it gives new meaning to our actions; we understand and begin to see things from God's perspective rather than our own. Don't get me wrong, God values what we do as long as it is for the right reasons. Take a look at God's response for supporting evidence in Luke 10:41- 42
In short, I would highly recommend renting I'm Not Ashamed. Although the content is highly thematic and suspenseful (because of its Subject matter and PG rating). It is very inspirational and moving.
I have included the theatrical trailer below as well as the lyrics to Plumb''s Need You Now (How Many Times)
Need You Now (How Many Times)
by Plumb
Well, everybody's got a story to tell
And everybody's got a wound to be healed
I want to believe there's beauty here
'Cause oh, I get so tired of holding on
I can't let go, I can't move on
I want to believe there's meaning here
How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this?"
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now
Standing on a road I didn't plan
Wondering how I got to where I am
I'm trying to hear that still small voice
I'm trying to hear above the noise
How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this?"
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now
Though I walk,
Though I Walk through the shadows
And I, I am so afraid
Please stay, Please stay right beside me
With every single step I take
How many times have you heard me cry out?
And how many times have you given me strength?
How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this?"
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.
I need you now
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.
I need you now
I need you now
Watching Fox Five DC news yesterday, I came across a funny story about the precautions of using Alexa to purchase items online, As I've written in previous posts about Alexa, the device has the capabilities of accessing music, reading books and purchasing stuff online simply by voice. That is, of course if the technology has access through your linked accounts. One Dallas family learned this lesson the hard way when packages started arriving that they had ordered. Turns out, Alexa had been listening to closely to the daughter when she asked for cookies and a dollhouse- her wish was granted. The family then donated the dollhouse to charity.
Too bad she was not aware that you could deactivate voice purchasing or use a pin to confirm the purchase.
My name is Debbie. I am a 40-year-old with big dreams and hopes for the future. Fresh out of college, I hope to use my knowledge and communication skills to inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter what. I am blessed to be living in a country where opportunities are endless; but sometimes as a disabled person, society puts limitations on us. I am here to push past the stereotypes, and allow people to see me as the unique individual than I am! You can contact
me anytime if you have any questions at: rollinDebbie70@gmail.com (yes I did recently change it)
