In January 2009, my autobiographical book entitled, “I Was Born This Way,” was released from AuthorHouse Publishing. Since that time, over a thousand copies have been sold through online and in-person sales. I want to thank everyone who has purchased my book and as Dolly Parton would say, “I hope you got a blessing from it!”
I was born with what is officially known as quadrilateral tetra-amelia. However, it’s easier just to say I was born with no arms or legs. I can’t use prosthetic limbs because I have no partial limbs to which they could attach. So, I use a power wheelchair for mobility that I steer with my shoulder. I write with a pen in my mouth and type with a stick.
Out of necessity and confusion, I began communicating with God at five years old. I accepted His Son as my Savior at thirteen. I have often said that if I ever write an autobiography, I will title it after the sentence I have spoken more than any other in my life, “I was born this way.” Recently that sentence has come to take on a new meaning for me. I have come to realize that the Lord has blessed me with a resilience that is truly remarkable. I used to think that it was wrong, if not outright arrogant, to acknowledge my inner strength. I saw glimpses of it when healing from a broken heart or bouncing back from a disappointment. But I had never before allowed myself to affirm it. That is, not until I came to truly understand it’s source.
Our ability to live our lives to the fullest no matter what our circumstances is our gift from God. It doesn’t come from us. The ability to find the joy in being in a crowd at Christmastime, the strength to make peace with past mistakes, and the love it takes to forgive ourselves and others all comes from our Lord. It is not ours to boast about, but it is ours to use. My wish is for everyone to see this for themselves as well. I believe that if we claim to know the Lord as our Savior, it is our responsibility to use and share every bit of joy, love and strength we can muster up each day. God knew I would need these attributes within myself to navigate this life that He has given me.
So, I am strong. I am resilient. I was born this way. And so were you.
