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Saturday, February 23, 2013

Through the Fire


It is never easy to go through trials and tribulations. Regardless of the reason or benefit, it is still difficult to walk right through the middle of the fire. I always want to give up, before I even get started, and quit with every step. My mind has no trouble contemplating failure, it is the success that is so hard for me to believe and focus on.

This week God has blessed me to walk through the fire. I can’t even explain how difficult it is for me to take that first step toward the unknown.

An unexplained turmoil wars inside of me. My sleep becomes troubled and my appetite disappears. My heart has a jolt of panic, every once in awhile, to remind me that it is not so sure about my new adventure. Thoughts, both good and bad, fight for the time to dwell in my mind. And when it seems that I will be swallowed up by it all, God steps in.

He eases my mind with His presence, and reassures me of His strength.

Take no thought for what you will say. The words are inside of you. This is your testimony and comes from your heart. You’re doing better than what you think.

When the time arrives, all of my fear is calmed by His peace. During the interview, I’m in the moment and nothing else matters. God makes me bold and gives me the strength and confidence to do His work. He doesn’t leave us in the midst of the fire, but rather envelops us in His arms of safety.

We don’t have to do great things for God. We just have to be obedient and step forward with faith, and allow Him to work through us. He even gives me the faith I need to move for Him.

This week He blessed me to have a feature story with our local news, interview with the leading magazine in the world for health, disability, and human potential, and be on the local radio—all within three days. God has opened so many doors for me and blessed me to know wonderful people who are willing to help me make a difference.

He has also blessed me to know and work with a world organization. I am the new spokesperson for The Children’s Reading Foundation of Appalachia Kentucky. They are having a Dr. Seuss Read across America event March 9, 2013 and a coloring contest for three different age groups. Kids will be coloring Zippy for a chance to win an autographed copy of Zippy's Big Difference. The Reading Foundation also asked if Zippy could make an appearance. It humbles me and touches me immensely that my character was invited to the biggest literacy celebration in my area. (Little Zippy gets to attend the same party as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Scooby Doo, Bert and Ernie, and the Dr. Seuss characters.)

I was thinking last night about how I used to visit with God on my deck and cry. I knew He had a great, big job for me to do and I was so scared. I’m very thankful God made me go all the way. Regardless of how I cried and begged to Him, He made me endure the trial until it was finished. The greatest blessings come through heartache.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV

Good things happen outside of our comfort zone, in the midst of the fire. I hope you will continue to follow me and my journey. God is a wonderful Paymaster!

Emily Stroud from WBIR channel 10 and I after my interview.

http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2176322137001
DysNet (The online Dysmelia community for limb differences) posted a wonderful article about me on their website. http://www.dysnet.org/A_great_children's_book_if_your_child_has_a_visible_difference

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Author shares message through Zippy the zebra