My life began with struggles…
At six months old I had a seizure. At 12 months old, the doctors put braces on my legs to straighten the one turned backward. I didn’t walk until almost two. At four years old, I had a lazy eye that turned into my head and I couldn’t see to walk so the doctors gave me thick, bi-focal glasses. At five years old, I stared school chubby with glasses, freckles, stringy hair and hand-me-down clothes. I discovered that I wasn’t the most popular either and certainly not the teacher’s pet. By age seven, I found out just how cruel kids can be. I found out I didn’t fit in. I felt different. I felt Lonely. I felt like an outcast. (Romans 8:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”)
BUT, at eight years old, I attended a children’s church service and went to the altar to give my heart to Jesus! In that moment, I felt my burdens lift – even at eight! I was free. I felt fresh. My feet were so light, that I wanted to fly to heaven to be with Jesus! I was so happy! And, even as a young girl, I heard God say to me, “I love you. You are special and I have a plan for your life.” (Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”) So at a very young age, I found real hope. I knew Jesus was my true and only source of healing and happiness.
This heart knowledge proved true even years later. After a traumatic experience on 9-11 in New York City, I suffered two grand mal seizures. (Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”)
With stitches in my tongue, memory loss, depression and an epilepsy diagnosis, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make people laugh again. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to laugh again. But God with His incredible love and power, spoke to me again, “Search My Word!” He gave me scripture about His joy, laughter and gladness. He showed me once again through His Word that He is hope, healing and happiness. (Jeremiah 17:14 “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise.”)
There is nothing I treasure more than sitting in the presence of the Almighty Lord. (Romans 8:39 “Neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) Two years seizure-free, I am confident more now than ever that every day is a gift from God. I thank Him for His love and mercy.