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I think my calling in life is to be a voice to let
people with disabilities know that God has a purpose in mind for us
too. When God made us, He already knew our purpose and reason
for being on this green earth. It doesn’t matter what condition you are
in, if God used a blind man in the Bible, what makes you or me any
different? What people fail to realize is that we all have disabilities
whether they be mentally or physically. No
one is perfect, except the Lord Jesus Christ, and they beat Him; so what
does that say about us?
I have learned that life is whatever you make of it. It is
up to you what you decide to do with it. But I will tell you this; life is
too short not to make the best of it while you still can! My favorite saying
is:” Enjoy life today, because tomorrow is not promised to you”.
Having a disability, believe you me, is not the end of the
world. There are plenty of things out there that we can do. I feel that the
only way a person is “truly” handicapped, is if they limit themselves. Your
life shouldn’t have any limits; I encourage anybody who reads this, to reach
far beyond the sky for whatever your heart desires. Just because society has
put a label on us for so long, doesn’t mean we have to sit back and accept
it.
We are people too; we deserve the same rights to live a
normal productive life, just like the next person. I am twenty-three years
old, and I am on a mission from God, to encourage people who feel that life
has dealt them a bad hand. God knew what He was doing when He
had you in mind. Oftentimes I tend to ask God; “Why me?"
and He answers and says: "Why not you?" So, I’m being obedient to the will of
God.
You see, I am a testimony of what God can truly do; I was
born premature, weighing only two pounds at birth. At the age of five, I
wasn’t suppose to be alive; but through prayer and support from friends and
family, I am able to stand before you and say that with God’s help I will
survive!!! I was always taught, at an early age, not sit back and let my
disability define me. Instead, I have to refine myself enough to know and
believe that I can do just as much as the next person. I just have to learn
how to do things a different way than others, but nevertheless, I still can
do it!
I'll be the first to admit that having to depend on others
to help with daily living skills such as bathing, clothing, cleaning and
grocery shopping, is not easy. You have
what you call “so-called caregivers” and then you have what I call
caregivers or what I like to say is supportive friends and family. Believe
me there is a difference! A so-called caregiver is one that feels that they
are working just to get a paycheck. One that is laid back, don’t care how
the job is done, just as long as it gets done. And a true caregiver
is one that is truly dedicated to what he/she does. They come in
knowing what needs to be done, see to it that it is done. They also make
sure that when the person that he/she is taking care of, goes out into the
community, that everyone that they come in contact with, truly knows that
that person is getting excellent care. These types of caregivers know their
jobs, and know that how they send their people out, it reflects back on
themselves. Not only that, compassionate caregivers treat you like a friend
or a member of their own family.
I firmly believe, to work in any kind of medical
profession, takes a lot of compassion, dedication, and strength. Especially,
if the person is elderly or disabled. You have to be considerate to their
feelings and needs. While the caregivers are there, they have to realize
that they are now the other person’s mind, arms or feet. That is the reason
why the caregiver come into that person’s home, school, hospital, or whatever the case
may be; to do what they can’t do for themselves. They depend on you like
air to breathe, so without you what can they do?
Even though there is a lot we need you for, there is
a lot we can do for ourselves; I feel that it is the true caregiver’s job to
push us to be as independent as possible. Teach us, let us learn. If not,
what will we gain if everything is handed to us on a silver platter? We will
have nothing to say we gained, if there is not hardships and pain. I can’t
speak for anybody else but myself, when I say this, “I like the feeling of
knowing that through the grace of God, that I have accomplished things that
man said I would or could never do.” You too, have to believe in yourself
enough, to know that you can do anything that you set your mind to. And
always stand firm and say I can do all, not just some, but all things through
Christ that strengthens me!!!
Society has now passed a law stating that its okay for
people with disabilities to live a normal productive life. This law is
called the American Disability Act. It states that we have a right to gain
employment with special accommodations (if needed). We have the right to go
to school and get an education to better ourselves. We have just as many
rights as the next person, to live and remain in society. So, I ask again,
what is the point in sitting back and let life pass you by, when it is
basically been laid before you. All you have to do is grab it. It is yours
for the asking.
So, please stop sitting there like knots on a log and go
out in the world and explore new possibilities for yourselves. You never
know what doors might open for you. You only have one life to live, so live
it to the full!! |
