Let me start out by saying I'm not a big country fan, but I can't believe I missed out on this amazing love story between Joey Martin and Rory Feek. Yes, I heard about her death, but was completely unaware about the underlying story of their daughter Indiana, having down syndrome. This couple faced to battles and came out with a stronger faith than ever. Though Joey died, her story lives on in the lives of her husband and daughter. For more on this story, you can see the full documentary on Pureflix or read his blog
I happened to be watching Home and Family on Hallmark when I
heard about the inspiring story of Rachel Flowers. She is a multi-talented
instrumentalist and composer who is blind. Born on December 21, 1993, Rachel
was 15 weeks premature and lost her eyesight as an infant due to Retinopathy of
Prematurity (ROP). When she was two years old, her mother taught her how to
play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on their ancient piano in order to discourage
aimless banging; little did she know that was just shouldn’t ensure that the
beginning-from then on, Rachel was determined to play every song she heard. Rachel
soon began attending at the Southern Conservatory of music at the age of two, studying
with Richard Taesch, Grant Horrocks, and David Pinto. In her spare time, she
began experimenting with Braille music code and other adaptive music
technologies
Currently,
her first album is out on iTunes, which features original material. She
composed herself
For more information about her story, please see one of the
following pages:
Last night I was deeply touched by the story of Mandy Harvey on America's Got Talent. Studying to become a music teacher, Mandy developed a ear infection at age 18, which they later discovered was a connective tissue disorder. After learning that, she left school devastated that she would never say never again. Still,, the yearning to have her voice heard, lived on within her heart.. Now at age 29, she uses muscle memory and visual tuners to help her sing. "Music now isn't about the sound, it's about the feeling," she said. She continues, "It's not the dream that I always had, but tha okay because I showed up and I did something I never thought I could do." That reminded me of a quote from Soul Surfer, which is " The list of things have to relearn is extensive, but the things you won't be able to do are so small"
You go Mandy!
For more information on her story, go to
Okay, so it seems. I am a little late for this post,But the new season of Little People, Big World has already prepared on TLC. It aired on May 2, 2017 and it appears a lot of changes are in store, including the birth of Zach and Tori's new baby and Matt and Amy joining the dating pool shortly after their divorce. There is still time to catch up; I certainly will. The show is at 9 PM on Tuesdays on TLC.
I’m not sure how the topic of this post will be received because of its controversial topic. While the movie “The Shack” is not biblically based, I do see some striking similarities that may leave audiences more open to the idea of a relationship with Jesus-the one true
God. For those that are unfamiliar with the story, “The Shack” tells the story of a father unable to cope with the untimely death of his youngest daughter. I will spare you the gruesome details, but he is left feeling responsible. That is, until he receives an unlikely “invitation” from God himself to come back to where it happened in the hopes of getting him “unstuck.” Thus begins an amazing journey of spiritual transformation of love and forgiveness
Now I know what you are thinking. I wish I could have a conversation with Jesus in the flesh to discuss my spiritual journey and obstacles in my life. But he does send us people in our
lives to advise and guide our steps. In this world of difficulty, it’s just hard to see him in our midst. I think Octavia Spencer says it best when as she portrays "“Papa” (one of the three parts of God) and says, “"Son,when all you see is your pain, you lose sight of me." Although the idea of God in three persons is biblically based, the way it’s portrayed is not exactly
true. Yes, Jesus is God in the flesh. He suffered on our behalf, but it is not exactly clear what God looks like.
In another conversation with Jesus, Mack is still struggling to let go of his guilt over what happened and come to grips with the gift that he’s been given-the opportunity to talk over his grievances and believe again. In this scene, he is in a boat in the middle of the lake and it begins to turn black overtaking the boat and it begins to sink.This kind of reminds me of Matthew 14: 29-32, when Jesus beckons Peter to join him on the water and when he does, he can’t help but look down in doubt. In pretty much the same way during the “Shack” scene, Mack looks down and is overcome with fear , “Jesus” urges them to not look down, saying, "Don't look at it, Mack. Look here.. Don't think about the past, don't think about the pain..Look at me. Everything is going to be okay. Trust me, none of this can hurt
you. Just look at me and breath."
When things finally come down and the black lake disappears, Jesus urges Mack to continue with them, and walk on the water, but he is still unsure. He replies, “But I can’t. I will sink.” Jesus answers him, saying, "Not on your own. You can't... You're imagining a future without me and that future doesn't exist. I promised to be with you always right? And I'm right here."
But then that leaves the inevitable question, “Doesn’t God have the Ultimate Say?” To answer that question, Mack must come face to face with his idea of judgment as a woman named "wisdom forces him to reevaluate how he views certain people. His views are challenged when he is forced to choose which of his children are to go to Heaven and which to Hell. Obviously he can't make a choice and chooses to take their place. It is only then,, when there bodies fade away. "McKenzie, you've judged your children worthy of love- even if it cost you everything. Now you know Papa's heart." She continues explaining that while God gives us free will to be part of his family and make our own choices that leaves room for evil to find its way in. " He doesn't stop a lot of things that cause him pain. What happened to Missy was the work of evil. And no one in your world is immune to it. You want the promise of a pain free life. She continues, saying, "... As long as there's will in
this universe- free not to follow God, evil can find a way in." These are just some of the highlights of my favorite parts of "The Shack" I would be more than happy to start an open discussion on what you guys thought of the movie. In some strange way, I feel closer to God after watching it. It is my hope that this movie can start an open dialogue about faith to your friends and family..
This morning I watched Until Forever on Pureflx; this movie was based on the real-life journey of 16-year-old Michael Boyum's journey coping with leukemia. Despite their youth, Michael and Michele were determined to cherish each other and live each day as if it was their last. Michael's faith was quite evident even during the last days. In that he visited other cancer patients sharing his reason for hope with others .
This movie inspired me to do the same-even though at times I feel my words don't have the effect they should.
I am happy to report that Born This Way is back for its third season on A&E. After two seasons, the series has been begun to change peoples' views on those with disabilities; this is evident by the show receiving a Emmy for Best Unstructured Reality series, ending the two-year streak of The Deadliest Catch. This season holds changes for the whole gang- including a budding romance for Stephen and Megan, a independent living opportunity for Christina. How will the parents cope? I don't know, but I can tell you from personal experience that learning to let go of your children and see them fly and come into their own can be the most difficult thing. The series airs on Tuesdays at 10 PM.
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)
