Ronee' is much more than people seem to think, and she is learning to cope with her disabilities and hardships she's had to face in her life.
The following story she writes here is her testimony.
So often in my life I have been told that I wouldn't amount to much, or live as long as I have done. They didn't think I would live to be a year old because when I was born I was so tiny and had so many breathing problems, but I fooled them; and I am still alive, nearly 11 years later! I also have had many instances in my life where I have stopped breathing or where my heart has stopped beating, but CPR and quick action from either my family or paramedics is the main reason I am still alive today; and I find as I get older, my life is getting SOMEWHAT easier to bear! I also find my health is improving, and I am now beginning to think that God has had something to do with my overcoming some of the worst crises I have ever faced in my life!
My life hasn't been easy, but it HAS been very rewarding, thanks to the unending love and support of my family, and also my friends; and I also have established a very close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and I have a very loving church family who has kept me in their prayers whenever I have faced problems in my life. I think that God has something in store for me in my life, and this is why I am still around today, even when people thought that I would die. Like the time I had my stroke nearly three years back: I wasn't expected to live, but somehow, through a Miracle (and MANY prayers!), I survived, and I am still here to talk about it!
I also have obvious physical disabilities that are very demanding on my part, and at times, I wish I didn't have to have things like pain, or use crutches or braces on my legs; but I am STILL grateful because I CAN walk, and I CAN get around! I could have been spastic or brain damaged after I had my stroke, but I wasn't; and for that I am VERY happy! I have recovered completely from my stroke, and I am a (fairly) normal girl nowadays! I have a very interesting life, and life itself manages to keep me very busy. I go to school and get good grades in all my classes, I have a very understanding and patient teacher who helps me whenever I have a problem, and I enjoy being with my friends or classmates! I also sing, and I have been honored to have sung on stage with some of my favorite entertainers and have performed at many festivals or fairs across the south; and to me, there is nothing more satisfying in making people happy with what I like to do! If I can just bless them with my songs, or with my testimony, then being a singer is worth it, especially if I get to minister to them about Jesus Christ and let them know what He has done in my life and why I have come so far ahead.
I still get the stares or rude comments from people regarding my disabilities, and at times, it CAN get annoying, but I still try to be nice about it, and I try to be as open or honest with them as I can. I still wish they would stop, but once they can see that I have acheived a lot of my goals in life, then they know that I am just like them in a lot of ways; I just happen to have a physical disability is all. But my disability isn't the ONLY thing about me, and this is why I sing or tell others about Jesus and have an active and happy life.
I also write about things that have happened in my life, and I am starting to seriously consider writing a book about myself for kids. The working title for my book is going to be "People Say No, But God Says YES!: My Story". I want to write a book for kids who have faced hardships or challenges as I have, and I want to let them know that, with the right support or help, they CAN overcome whatever problems they may face in life. It doesn't matter HOW big a problem is: as long as they have the know-how or determination or the right attitude, they CAN overcome their problems. I know I did, and they can too! I also want to tell them that life isn't as bad as they may make it out to be, and if they have a problem, they can always go to family, or if not their family, their friends, or a trusted adult like a nurse, a pastor, a teacher, or a guidance counselor and talk about their problems. There IS help for them if they just know how to go about it or where to look!
I always like to tell people that I am here on this earth for a reason, and they are, too, and that we go through things because there is a reason for it. They may not understand why they may be sick, disabled, abused, or living with things like alcoholism, drugs, or stuff like that, but as bad as they may think they have it, chances are, there is somebody who has it ten times worse. I know from experience, and all of a sudden, my pain or my disabilities don't look so bad. At least I can still walk, and at least I have my senses and my mind intact! I also have God-given abilities that I can share with others, and I am living proof that people CAN overcome their disabilities!
Karen, beautiful write. The verse that comes to mind is, "With God all things are possible." I don't see disability here, I see a person being perfected in the Lord. Your writing touches my heart. God is using you in a mighty way, in order to further His Kingdom. God bless.
now this is more like it! :) very uplifting, hopeful write--ronee is a girl WITH disabilities, not the disability--so nice to read a positive story! :) GREAT job, BRAVA, dear twin sister! a keeper for my library!
*thanks*
(((HUGS))) and love,
karla. "WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!"
Reviewed by Kate Clifford
11/16/2003
Very uplifting story with a lot of grace in it. Thank you for the sharing :-)
Note: Since my husband's cancer surgery 4/25/05, this book content has been integrated into the public speaking content for audiences interested in a sassy approach to personal and/or community awareness events. Another chapbook on intimate love poet
So often in my life I have been told that I wouldn't amount to much, or live as long as I have done. They didn't think I would live to be a year old because when I was born I was so tiny and had so many breathing problems, but I fooled them; and I am still alive, nearly 11 years later! I also have had many instances in my life where I have stopped breathing or where my heart has stopped beating, but CPR and quick action from either my family or paramedics is the main reason I am still alive today; and I find as I get older, my life is getting SOMEWHAT easier to bear! I also find my health is improving, and I am now beginning to think that God has had something to do with my overcoming some of the worst crises I have ever faced in my life!
