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by by Stacy James"Dublin Graduate Paralyzed in Dive" was the headline that ran through my mind. Paralyzed? I wasn't paralyzed. I knew I couldn't move my hands or legs, let alone feel them, but I wasn't paralyzed. Paralyzed people can't walk. Paralyzed people have to use wheelchairs. Not me. I wasn't paralyzed. Was I?
On June 1st, 1991, life as I knew it changed forever. In a split second, breaking my neck in a diving accident meant I would never walk again, let alone glide across the dance floor, compete in baton twirling or karate, or play piano and guitar. At age 20 I was an outgoing, athletic Dean's List college student at the University of Cincinnati with my entire life ahead of me. Now I faced a future where I would never be physically normal again.
The early days, weeks, and months of my new life in a wheelchair were some of the hardest of my life. Nine years later I continue to deal with pain, complications, ongoing therapy, and physical and psychological barriers. However, I lead a more abundant and joyful life than I could have ever imagined.
There are many ways I deal with my handicap. From the beginning of my days in the hospital, I knew I was never alone. I knew the God I placed my faith in four years earlier was still with me, because He promised He would never leave me or forsake me. He didn't push me into the water to punish me; He was good, loving, and faithful, and He was my friend. It was up to me to believe He was there in my darkest hour, rather than to become bitter and hateful.
Prayer
From the moment I was in the hospital, people have poured out their hearts to God for my recovery. I believe that is why my attitude has been so good, and why I have healed far beyond the doctor's expectations. Because there is still so much I cannot control, I am driven to my knees for God to intervene. I have received the blessings of God on my life more than I could have ever imagined, from Him providing a home for me, to an adapted car to drive, to the simple day-to-day ways He provides for my needs.
Finding my significance in Christ
We live in a world that is obsessed with appearances. To some I may be considered as less of a person because I have a handicap. However, I know I am valuable because I was made in the image of God, and He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me. I have started to care less what the world thinks and more about what God thinks; He is my ultimate authority anyway. I don't need to be physically perfect to be acceptable; I just need to be me.
Choosing joy and thankfulness
There are many things wrong with my body, and it would be easy to complain. Instead, I choose to be happy, focusing not on what I lost but on what I have gained. There is so much of life to enjoy. I know where I could be, and I praise God He has brought me this far. Every night I write down the good things God has done during the day. I found a thankful heart has a hard time complaining!
God, His Word and people
These are the only three things that will last forever. The extent that I am involved in these is the extent that I am involved in eternity. My accident taught me that God and His Word are the only stable things in this life, so I hold fast to the promises in the Bible and make sure I get a regular diet of Bible intake and prayer.
I find my joy in a relationship with God and relationships with people. Too often we get caught up in things, jobs, and activities, and neglect rich time with the people we love. For example, my church group plays volleyball on Sunday nights. I don't play volleyball, but I go and talk to people on the sidelines, building relationships with them and getting interested in their lives. I also make it a point to be friendly to the check-out lady, and the men who pump my gas, seeking opportunities to tell them about God. I think that's what life is all about.
Heaven
One of my driving passions is the Kingdom of Heaven. I cannot wait to go there! Scripture teaches a day is coming when God will wipe away every tear, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the lame will leap for joy. No longer will I be trapped in a body I cannot control, or suffer the various complications of my injury. In light of eternity, I can handle the inconveniences of this life, looking ahead to a day when they will be gone forever. But not only will I be physically healed -- all the ways I invested my life in eternal things will be rewarded. This gives me the drive to invest as much of my life in my ministry and winning people to Christ as possible.
Knowing Christ personally doesn't necessarily remove the pain of this life. It can, however, help us cope. I have a God who loves me unconditionally, who will never leave me, and who gives me purpose and meaning in life. I trust Him to know what He's doing, even when He allows a young woman to live life in a wheelchair. Because some day, I'll dance on streets of gold-- I know it!
God wants to be our leverage in living, empowering us to feel better about ourselves, more excited about our future, more grateful for those we love and more enthusiastic about our faith.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God has given you His Holy Spirit to help you live life according to His perfect plan. Why not pray this simple prayer and by faith invite Him to fill you with His Spirit:
Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have sinned against You by directing my own life. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
~ Stacy James is a wheelchair athlete and has done four marathons so far. She lives in Orlando, Florida, where she serves on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. She is currently writing a book about her life and speaks to groups about keeping a positive attitude and overcoming obstacles.
Visit Stacy's web site, Walking Victorious. E-mail Stacy by clicking here.
