I have had all kinds of thoughts about being a quadriplegic. Why did this happen? Am I being punished? Is this my fault? I can’t live like this another day! A few days ago I was depressed the entire day because I missed being able to sit on the couch cross-legged while sipping on a hot cup of coffee. I hated this way of life on that particular day based on that one simple memory. And then there have been some really bad days when I told people I didn’t want to live.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. – Hebrews 1:1
A dear friend reminded me yesterday that my life is the race set before me. And it’s not just any race, it’s a race personally assigned to me by God. My race is unique from others. There’s no need for me to compare, feel jealous, indulge in self-pity, or otherwise. This is my race. It just is. You have yours. I have mine. As I run my race, I am to be free of encumbrances and to run with endurance. I don’t have to be the swiftest but I need to make it to the finish line.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. – Psalm 139:16
It’s taken a long time for me to come to terms with the following – my injury was meant to happen. I don’t understand why God allowed it to happen, but that’s not a requirement for me. I have no idea what God has going on behind the scenes, but the Bible says it’s too unbelievable for me to fathom. Maybe my broken neck injury saved me from something worse!
What I do know now is that this paralysis is not only part of my personal race it has been planned since before I was born. Some might say, why would God allow such a thing to happen? And I have to answer that question with another Scripture:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight… – Proverbs 3:5
No matter how frustrated, disgusted, or depressed I get about being a quadriplegic, I know I’m right where I am meant to be. I don’t have to understand why this happened. I just need to acknowledge that God is sovereign, loving, and good. And he doesn’t make mistakes.
Diary of a Quadriplegic 
Whatever the reason Our Father has a way of turning it into a beautiful victory.
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Your tender heart, Terri, is good soil for Him to plant HIS thoughts. I am amazed and thankful for this. Hebrews 12 will come back to you over and over to keep you “on the track” fixing your eyes on Jesus because He continually fixes his eyes on you. ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you for sharing with me last night about the race set before me. Our conversation inspired me to write this! Love you!
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You truly are an inspiration to me. I am awed by your strong faith under such trying circumstances. Why don’t you write an ebook about your story? It would be an encouragement to those who are in a similar situation to you. I know I would buy it. 🙂 ❤
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Helen – thank you for the beautiful encouragement! It’s something I’ve been thinking about. I appreciate you.
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Terri, You amaze and convict me! Thank-you for reminding me to be grateful for every small grace God extends, that He has set a particular race before me, and through Him I can run it victoriously! He is good and faithful in every circumstance He allows. Please let me know when I can share your blogs….I can think of three people right now off the top of my head who are dealing with particular struggles and would be encouraged and strengthened by your faith and humility. Thank-you.
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Michelle, you can share the blog with anyone you want to! I’m an open book. I’m so glad that we’ve reconnected. Your friendship means a lot to me.
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I love how the scripturea you choose perfectly match up in response to how you’re feeling and what you’re dealing with. ..
Love doreen
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Your words are beautiful and your heart is strong. I pray that the ones God will send to you that need your help will find you soon. Be strong for them and stay strong for yourself. Your words have the power to change lives. God bless you every day.
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God has a plan for you.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
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Terri I am so excited about your blog! Such beautiful writing!! God is going to use this blog for so many people to read. I am looking so forward to future writings. I plan on sharing this with my Celebrate Recovery group at my church if that is alright with you? I planning a trip to North Carolina when this crazy weather breaks. Love you bunches!!
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Robin – I would be honored if you shared this blog with anyone and everyone! I can’t wait to see you in North Carolina! Love you, Terri
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Have you ever read about Joni Eareckson Tada ? Hers is an amazing life I am sure you will enjoy reading about.
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As I just wrote in a post of my own, God never wastes a tear. Thank you for sharing this. His grace will be sufficient for you.
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This is so beautiful, Terri! Praise the Lord for your faith and love in Him!
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Reblogged this on Jeffrey H. King's Blog and commented:
I would like to write some profound introduction to this post. I got nothin’. Just read it and be amazed.
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