Giving Thanks

Rehabilitation is not a quick fix. It is not easy and involves a lot of work. Not to mention painful and often times results come at a snail’s pace. Sometimes you feel like giving up, simply opting out but the alternative just isn’t worth considering. Each time am tempted to throw in the towel, I hear a little voice reminding me how very far I have come since that fateful day in May two years ago. Looking back to where I was and where I am now allows me the opportunity to appreciate God, the author of all our victories, who arranges every opportunity and fashions every blessing, each waking moment for me serves as a good reminder to give thanks where thanks is due.

Therefore on this Thanksgiving day, I would like to give thanks for my rehabilitation journey. Until your health is compromised, it’s hard to realize how sacred it is. All of a sudden all the details of life melt away and you’re forced to face the harsh reality that is human mortality. And so looking back after I got shot and the sudden loss of movement and sensation below my chest I knew I could never figure it out on my own. It was daunting, frightening and absolutely disorienting. But then God had a plan. He refused to allow me to be immobilized by the gravity of my loss regardless of the fact that my legs were now immobilized.

Today I give thanks for my ‘happy place’ the Neuro Fitness Foundation. When I rolled in on a cloudy afternoon in June 2016, little did I know that I would come to cherish and love this place like I do today. And most especially for Shelby Lauderdale who is easily the kindest, most caring soul I’ve been blessed to know. He lives his life’s passion, and that is helping people. People come into the Neuro Fitness Foundation gym feeling down and depressed, unable to comes to terms with the cards that life has dealt them having now found themselves unable to walk. And within no time, Shelby’s gentle disposition, positive mindset and big heart is so contagious that the depression and gloominess just melts away.

God has partnered with Shelby to get me this far just like He has done with so many others. He’s been a blessing to me in so many ways. I honestly cannot fathom working with another therapist. He is extremely patient but firm, pushing me to go farther and higher every time. Over time I have not only been able to build strength, endurance and improved coordination but also set goals for independence, and establish plans of care to maintain optimal wellness. I recall times when I’ve had to call on him to come and help with my equipment at home and he has done it without hesitation. He’s taught me the value of being present in the moment and enjoying the gift that is life. He’s a mentor, my biggest cheerleader and a trusted friend.

On a day like today where in this part of the World, the day has a long standing tradition set apart for giving thanks. I give thanks for my rehabilitation journey – for the big and the small wins; the frustrations and all. And especially for my spinal cord injury warriors all over the World who show up everyday even when the motivation wears off. As Scott Hamilton once said, ‘the only disability in life is a bad attitude’. Mind over matter; faith over fear all the way. God’s got us!

The prayer in my heart today is for God to make me a good person, to service mankind. Keeping others before self. Modelling the life of Christ – my Lord and savior. I want to better the world from this Thanksgiving Day just like Shelby does everyday.

 

 

 

Stop moaning the past

Do you ever find yourself looking back and grieving over the past? No, well good for you. Am yet to get there. Sometimes I just feel that life just throws us too much change. Too much all at once. No notice, nothing. I wish we could just hit the pause button, and let it freeze on the best parts. But that’s not the case because somewhere along the way we get caught up in the midst of life’s slings and arrows. Faced with these grim realities, we might turn our attention to a happier and easier past. At a time when we felt like the best version of ourselves – successful, in love, contented…when everything was going great – you had it all figured out; get married, have beautiful babies, be top in your field. But that didn’t quite work out. This is when we need to cultivate patience and hope more than at any other time. Now that’s the hardest part. Believing that there’s a lot more glory filled days ahead of you. That the best version of yourself is yet to come.

But how do we get to this point? I at times find myself looking at my old pictures, like the one above and with tears running down my cheeks I just have a good ol’ pity party of one. It is during these misty dark solitary moments that am forced to stare at myself eye-ball to eye-ball, as though standing in the mirror and gazing deep into my very soul. Sometimes I imagine God as an artist and am looking over His shoulder trying to make sense of some lines on a canvas, I being the art on that canvas and I hear Him say, “Be patient, it’s going to look beautiful, I’m not finished yet”. Wait beautiful? but it looks so bruised and full of scars, how can it ever be beautiful again Lord? How?

As I often worry and fret, I sense the Spirit of God saying: “I’m not finished yet!” “Just trust Me.” In such times of faith testing I often turn to the Word. The Word is the source of all encouragement! In the incredible book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon takes up our despair and encourages: “God isn’t finished yet!” “God has made everything beautiful in its time”, Solomon assures. So “eat drink and find satisfaction…this is the gift of God”.

Do you ever find yourself bemoaning your past? Perhaps like me, you’ve recently been through a life changing ordeal and try as you may, you’re always looking back to the life you had, the stress free, pain free life. But this obsession with the past can only be detrimental to what God is laying out to do for you. The clear foresight of the glory to be revealed is still lost on you. Ask God to reveal it to you. Such that even though you cannot envision it right now, let alone see it you will keep on trusting in His perfect plan. You may be going through something right now that you cannot understand. If you’re suffering the loss of a job, or heartbreak of a failed relationship, or any other loss, just know that God has something better for you. Don’t give up, The best is yet to come! And as such, it is better to look to the future than to live in the days of yore.

I find these words by Dan Custer so encouraging. He says, “every morning is a fresh beginning. Every day is the world made new. Today is a new day. Today is my world made new. I have lived all my life up to this moment, to come to this day. This moment – this day – is as good as any moment in all eternity. I shall make of this day – each moment of this day – a heaven on earth. This is my day of opportunity.”

So please be patient with God. Let the past go.

God isn’t finished yet!

 

 

I am Enough

“God i want out!!!” I seem to say this a lot in my daily conversations with my Father of late. Am sure He’s the least bit amused but He knows my heart and understands me more than anyone ever will. So we’re still ‘cool’ despite my complaints and murmurings.  Two years on this wheelchair and i still haven’t gotten used to it. When they term me as ‘disabled’ i struggle with that tag. “Wait are they referring to me?” Aaaaaah yeah!!! Simply put the struggle is real.

This is where the practice of living life from a fresh set of eyes, ears and deep faith in yourself begin. I am having to feed on more self love, more Biblical truth, more positive affirmations into my being. And it’s working. I am learning that once you step into the light of your truth, not even the devil can bring you down despite the adversity you’ve had to face. Somewhere deep inside you can draw from the well of strength that only God can provide.

I am learning everyday not to allow my physical limitations to define me. My wheelchair does not take away my self confidence. In fact it has allowed me to fight hard to ensure i retain and build on it. With the word of God as my mirror and reference point. It is a daily reminder that i am indeed more than enough. “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge” – Proverbs 14:26

When you need a reminder of your ‘enoughness’, step into the place where you have full assurance of who you are – you’re the apple of God’s eye. Don’t you ever let anything blur your eyes from that truth. Believe in yourself.

I stumbled on this poem and it spoke to me. It is by ‘Jen’ of aimhappy.com and it is an affirmation; a prayer and a reminder.

There is a wholeness that’s already mine.

It’s already ours.

I am not just the seed,

I am the rain that waters the flower.

It’s a reality that’s already there,

That I am enough.

I take on faith

That wholeness is already mine,

That I need do nothing to deserve,

That my worthiness is based only on my being.

I am wise enough to let go,

And I am strong enough to remember the truth

Of who I really am.

I can encounter the world

In such a way

That I remember who I am.

I am the rest inside the unrest.

I am the depth of the sky,

And the light piercing the sea.

I am the crest of a wave.

All that I need to be,

I am.

There is no problem to solve in this moment.

There is no plan to make,

No failure to be feared,

No other place to be.

This moment is enough.

This place is enough.

This imperfection is enough.

I am patient enough for my life to unfold in divine timing.

I feel the fullness of my life in this moment.

I feel the richness of my life in this space.

I am loved beyond thought,

And I have nothing to prove.

There is no one to impress.

I receive the message

That being is enough.

I am wise enough to see magic through a child’s eyes.

I am resilient enough to see past the pain.

I am kind enough to realize

That my worth has been with me

This whole time.

Beyond the shadows

That I have created,

The message remains:

I am the same.

I have always been enough,

Simply by being here.

Simply by being.

It only takes a moment,

And I remember this again.

Only believe loves!!!

I CAN’T KEEP CALM, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY

Yes to me!!! Birthdays herald a fresh start; a time for looking back with gratitude at the blessings of another year. It is also a time to look forward with renewed hope for bigger blessings as I count the many blessings so freely given to me. Gratitude! yes gratitude! for another year of hope, faith and share in the precious love of Christ. As I meditate on Don Moen’s choice song for this special day, my heart sings with gladness. Thank you Lord for another year to live out my purpose.

I come before You today
And there’s just one thing that I want to say
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

For all You’ve given to me
For all the blessings I can not see
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

With a greatful heart
With a song of praise
With an outstreched arm
I will bless Your name

Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

For all You’ve done in my life
You took my darkness and gave me Your light
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

You took my sin and my shame
You took my sickness and healed all my pain
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

With a greatful heart
With a song of praise
With an outstreched arm
I will bless Your name

Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

Oh, thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Oh, thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord

Oh we thank You, oh we thank You Lord
Lift Your voice, thank You Lord
All You’ve done in our lives we just wanna say thank You Lord
Oh thank You Lord, thank You Lord

Yes we do, oh we wanna say thank You Lord
Yes thank You Lord
Thank You Lord, thank You Lord, thank You Lord
Thank You Lord, thank You Lord, thank You Lord

The greatful heart
With a greatful heart
With a song of praise
With an outstreched arm
I will bless Your name

Oh, thank You Lord, yes
I just wanna thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You, thank You, thank You

Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just wanna thank You Lord
Thank You Lord.

Thank you all for your heartfelt birthday wishes. I love and appreciate y’all!

 

You’ll get through this

I breathed a huge sigh of relief when the calendar turned and on came my favorite month of the year FEBRUARY!!! whoop! whoop!  I love, no crave my February more so because January was off to a very bumpy start for me this year. My health took a nose dive leaving me feeling stuck and discouraged. Numerous visits to the hospital and medication on overdrive, I desperately needed a reminder that my God was still very much in control. And indeed He was! because He sent me Max Lucado’s encouraging and uplifting words in the book ‘You’ll get through this’.

No matter how bleak our reality, God is bigger still. This is exactly what Max Lucado, a man of God I love and respect, and have followed for many years sought to remind me. His writing genius in this particular book realistically penned for those of us who aren’t living a fairy tale but a faith trail. Because let’s face it every last one of us has or will have at one point or another face some ‘giants’ in life. These ‘giants’ may come in form of a health challenge, loss of a job, loss of a loved one etc… But despite the murky road, one truth remains, ‘You’ll get through this’.  Just as God’s promises us in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I’ll be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Yes you’ll get through this, even when you fear you won’t. Despite the thoughts running through your head as to whether this gray sky will ever brighten? or the load ever lighten? If you feel stuck, lost, depressed or trapped, this message is for you.

I would love to do a mini book review of sorts with some excerpts from this amazing read. Now, I don’t know about you but whenever I start to feel despair creeping in my go to book is the Bible, it never disappoints. With that said, I started on my one year Bible plan at the beginning of January and in the book of Genesis chapter 37, we are introduced to this man called Joseph. Now around the same time, I was also reading Max Lucado’s book and I remember asking God to speak to my situation (the blues y’all were depressing to say the least). And coincidentally this book is woven from the 4000 year old story of Joseph. I knew God was definitely speaking to me. And I listened. One of the most crucial things that I learnt was that by giving us stories like Joseph’s, God allows us to study His plans. Satan’s logic was sinister, to destroy the family of Abraham and thereby destroy his seed, Jesus Christ. Abraham’s great grandsons traded  in their brother for twenty pieces of silver therefore putting satan’s plan into action. But God redeemed the story of Joseph. Can’t He redeem your story and mine as well?

On page 155, Max Lucado writes, “Among his final recorded words are these comments of Joseph to his brothers: you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20). We’d be foolish to think we are invulnerable to tests and trials when the Bible is by no means short of examples of men and women who overcame insurmountable challenges. And why? because God showed up. Evil has and will never win the day. naah…aah! Evil came to Job, tested him, tried him but God countered it. Satan’s prime target became God’s star witness. Good resulted. And in earlier pages of the book, notably on page 9, it is written that “Evil came in the form of a lion’s den for Daniel, the prison for Peter, Goliath’s shadow for David, the storm for the disciples, disease for the lepers, the grave for Lazarus and shackles for Paul.” But God countered them all!

Bottom line: God gets us through stuff. Through the red sea onto dry ground in Exodus 14; through the wilderness in Deuteronomy 29; through the valley of the shadow of death in Psalms 23 and through the deep sea in Psalms 77. In God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good. If you find yourself in any one of these ‘pits’, it is clear indication that you carry something that satan perceives as a threat. You carry something of God within you. if satan can neutralize you, he can mute your influence.

Max Lucado reminds us that the story of Joseph is in the Bible for this very reason, to teach us to trust God to trump evil. What Satan intends for evil, God redeems for good. “Joseph would be the first to tell you that life in the pit stinks, yet for all it’s rottenness doesn’t the pit do this much? It forces you to look upwards. Someone from up there must come down here and give you a hand, God did for Joseph. At the right time, in the right way, He will do the same for you.”

I needed that reassurance, hope you do to?

Stay hopeful!

Resolutions? aaargh!

Edith Lovejoy Pierce, an American Poet aptly said, “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Not only do I love her quote but her middle name is just positively loaded isn’t it? LOVEJOY – simply summarizes all I strive to channel into the world on a daily basis. So on this New Year’s eve am confronted with this knot in my stomach, feels like am caught up in a whirlwind of emotions. Another year gone still unable to walk. A good cry will fix this yes? Then I can usher in 2017 without a bucket load of emotions. After all God wouldn’t want me balling my eyes out not after all He has done for me.

I know I am not alone in this. Some of you didn’t quite make the checklist for 2016. Perhaps on that sheet of New Year’s resolutions, you only managed to accomplish one or two. So now you’re beating yourself up because you feel like you failed. This is why I never make new year’s resolutions rather I’ve made it a point to think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the year’s. It certainly takes the pressure of pheww!! Where did resolutions crop up from anyway? The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first in all of mankind to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. During their New Year celebrations, which were in mid-March, they would pay debts and return borrowed goods to win favor from pagan gods. So for that reason alone, I choose not to follow a tradition that gives me bad vibes.

So back to my bucket load of emotions.  It’s been 1 year, 7 months since I got shot and became a paraplegic. I honestly never thought  it would take me that long on this wheelchair. But it has. And guess what it has been 1 year, 7 months filled with unimaginable, unbelievable amazing grace from above. God has carried me this far, and I have felt His tangible presence.  He has fought this battle right from the start. So today more than any other day, I reflect on those many days wondering how I could have possibly survived this without Him. Oh sweet Jesus – my deliverer, my redeemer, my rock of ages, light of my world, Yahushua….tears sting my eyes every time I look back at 2016 because it was a year that I saw God in a completely new and different light. I learned how to let go and let God. I learned what it means to be shaken, filled, and empowered with great grace. I also learned how to really cry out to God without any shame or inhibitions. And above all, I learned how to trust like a little child, knowing that God my healer and deliverer shall surely come. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, I will keep on knocking on Heaven’s doors because I know He who promised is faithful enough to deliver.

 So dear friend, whatever didn’t come to pass in 2016, do not fret keep believing, keep knocking and wait on the Lord. Perhaps you were seeking to reach your resolutions in our own strength instead of with God’s help. The psalmist wrote, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). Resolve to grow closer to Christ every day, and with the help of His Holy Spirit to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Growing closer in your walk with Christ is one resolution that will open the curtains to all your other needs and expectations. Jesus first and everything else will fall in place. Your song should be, ‘in the morning when I rise give me Jesus.’ Trust me I have tasted and I have seen His goodness. All He asks is that you surrender all to Him.

All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

That hymn, written in 1896 by Judson Van DeVenter, is as real then as it is now. Surrender the year to the Lord and if you haven’t surrendered your life to Him yet, please do so. It will be the most important decision you’ll ever make in the New Year. I know because it remains the single most important decision I ever made and I have never looked back. One thing am assured of is that 2017 will be an unbeatable year, a victorious year and a miraculous year. For all of you who have journeyed with me thus far, I say thank you and may the God of heaven give you wisdom and might to write this 365 page book that’s in front of you.

Hello 2017!!!

 

Americans own Christmas

I kid you not! Right after Thanksgiving on November 24th, the lights, the trees and fun fare were unleashed and the holidays begun. Everything was lit!!!. It’s the most wonderful time of the year after all right? But kindly allow me to question the true meaning of Christmas as we know it. Where is Christ in the modern Christmas in all of this? The reason for the season has been set in the back pew and Santa Claus is instead glorified now. Christmas is not simply a day for exchanging gifts. It is not simply a holiday; it is a holy day.

I am by no means trying to be a scrooge. But after being on this side of the world this Christmas, my hope is that people can start to acknowledge again that there is more to Christmas than the fairy tinsel, mistletoe, Christmas tree, sparkling lights and the extravagance. It was overwhelming to see a drive through of 4 million lights set along a 2 mile path where people have to wait for more than 2 hours just for their turn to drive through and see the dazzling lights. In as much as it is all good to look at and yes it does evoke a jolly good feeling, question begs, is that all there is to Christmas?

Perhaps the most controversial emergence of the season is good ol’ Santa. On this particular Christmas I’ve found myself pondering more than once as to “What really are we celebrating here?” Jesus or Santa? When I was growing up, we called him father Christmas lol…Santa Claus was gotten from the Dutch Sinter Klaas and the German Saint Nicholas otherwise credited with being a jolly dispenser of gifts and pilot of a reindeer-drawn sleigh who comes down the chimney with gifts. Nowadays you even find him in the malls, you only need to see the fracas once kids get sight of Santa.

On the night of the 23rd we decided to go to the mall just to feast our eyes on all the Christmas glitz ( when I say Americans own Christmas, it’s not an understatement). I tell you the mall was decked with all manner of Christmas bling and a Christmas tree on every turn and did I mention the dancing lights? And then there was Santa. Right inside the miniature ginger bread house in the picture above. People with their kids had lined up outside eager for their turn in order to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. And when I say lined up, I mean several meters long. How about teaching these kids the real  Christmas story today hey?

The day that Christ was born was a day that changed every single one of our lives. Christmas is the day when God’s plan for us became a reality. It’s the most wonderful time of the year because the birth of Christ brought a new wave of hope and promise to this earth. God proved His love to the world by allowing His beloved son to be born into this fallen world and ultimately pay the penalty for our sins. So where is this reality in the modern American Christmas?

Even for the church going folk, they have simply missed it! They overindulge in the commercialization as if the real joy of the holiday will be gotten from the purchases and sales that Christmas is now famous for.  Instead of placing your happiness in worldly things this Christmas, place your happiness in the one who the day is all about: Jesus. He alone is the ultimate indulgence and high. He’ll fill you up all year long. Yes, the true meaning of Christmas is about the birth of our Savior, who wrapped Himself in human flesh to provide eternal salvation to the world.

 Jesus taught us the overwhelming power of faith, hope and charity. Am sure if He was to come during Christmas, He’d be perturbed as to when His holy day got turned into a merry day or simply a holiday. My humble prayer is that as the World celebrates, let us rejoice in His birth and treasure the greatest gift unequaled in worth – the gift of a savior.

Feliz Navidad!

 

 

 

 

BE STILL…

“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.” ~ Dorothy Thompson

Sitting on this chair has taught me a myriad of things. It has taught me to be still…by being still I mean both spiritually and physically (ha! it ain’t like I have miles to cover, don’t have that choice).  It has given me a new and fresh perspective on life. I guess having a second lease at life makes you look at it with a fresh set of eyes. I take NOTHING for granted! I wake up each day with a longing to learn, to experience, to plant seeds into another’s life…simply put to make the most out of everyday sitting notwithstanding.

I vowed to never allow my present circumstance to dictate my future position. I therefore take this for what it is – a path towards the journey to a greater calling. And so, I enjoy my “popcorn” as I watch my life unfold, knowing very well who holds my future. You see I have learnt to be still and let God run this show. The Hebrew definition of be still is to stop striving, to let go, surrender…Haven’t we been instructed in His word in Psalms 46:10 to be still and know that I am God, haven’t we? And then again in 2 Chronicles 20:17 to be still and see the salvation of the Lord who is with us? In fact 25 verses in the Bible tell us to be still. I don’t fret, I have obeyed and God has not disappointed thus far.

One step at a time. One day at a time… This is how it’s done. No need to complicate things. I relish waking up every morning to face the day knowing that I have surrendered all that pertains to me to the architect of the universe. I can promise you this much that life tends to feel tonnes easier when you surrender all to God. Was reading something called the ‘Purpose Fairy’, home of the most viral personal development article on the Internet, shared more than 1.3 million times on facebook and beyond and now the subject of a brand new book. It spoke about why a great number of people deem life to be hard. The answers are quite simple really and yet astonishing.

It says life is hard not because life is hard but because we make it hard and it’s all because of our untamed mind. We have no idea how to stop thinking. There’s so much noise in our minds. We can’t stand to be still…

Life is not hard because that’s how life is. Life is hard because we make it hard. How do we make our lives hard? Very simple. We make life hard by constantly doubting and questioning our worth. We make life hard by  clinging on to our past, limitations and fears. We make life hard by clinging on to pointless drama, thoughts and behaviors and by refusing to let go of people who no longer need or want to be in your life.  

We make life hard by believing every thought that we think and by allowing these negative and self defeating thoughts to dictate how we should live our lives. And finally we make life hard by ignoring, hiding and running away from the many good things life sends our way.

Simply put we need to learn to relax, let go and enjoy life a little more. Things aren’t as bad as our minds are trying to make us think. They really aren’t. If I were to go by what my carnal mind tries to think about, I would be very hard to live with let alone get along with truth be told. We must learn to tell our fearful and anxious thoughts to shut up, just as Jesus calmed the sea by a short but stern rebuke ‘be still’.

Learn to quiet your mind from time to time.  Work on purifying your thoughts by speaking positive affirmations, studying the Holy Word and you’ll end up purifying your entire life. Your mind is far more powerful than what you have ever dared to imagine because a man is what he thinks about all day.  You have to learn how to focus the mind because you have the power to determine what resides in your mind. Just because a thought comes to you does not mean that you have to take that thought captive.So why not cultivate your mind with some ‘God words’.  It’s that simple and yet that complicated. Make each day a beautiful day .

Follow the advice of Sonia Ricotti, “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be. And trust that life will take good care of you, because it will, if you’re willing to relax, let go and get out of your own way.

Just try!

What’s in a name?

Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed –Bob Riley. Now Bob knew what he was talking about. On this Mashujaa (Heroes) day normally observed in my country Kenya, I find myself in thoughtful contemplation. I don’t consider myself a hero but am humbled that others deem me worthy to be called one. You see, I always knew my name would be significant, I just didn’t know how. You know when you just know that you were born for more than just the 9 to 5, the daily grind, the go to school, get married then retire in the beautiful house with the white picket fence. Somehow I knew that this name Jane Mwangi would amount to something. I just didn’t know what that something was. Neither did I know that that significance would be bought at a hefty price. In life there are crossroads and backroads; valleys of despair and open roads; mountains to climb and rivers to cross. And for some only an open road leads them down the road to significance while for others the valleys of despair is the classroom that qualifies them for significance.

I ascribe to the latter. It wasn’t until the night of October 15th that it fully dawned on me just how significant I had become. At the annual Mashujaa Gala Awards in Houston, Texas where I was the Mashujaa day Honoree awarded for my brevity and inspiration as I overcome adversity. Whoa! my eyes still sting as I read that, emanating from a grateful heart unable to fully comprehend the mercies of God. I remember as I was called upon to receive my award and give a speech, the words that kept coming out like a monotone were, “how can you explain?” Yes!!! how can you explain being unconscious for 16 hours while bleeding internally following a gunshot wound to your chest? How can you explain not having to dig into your own pockets to pay for the expensive rehabilitation offered in the United states? How can you explain being featured on ABC news (foreign news channel), not once but twice? How can you explain Kenyans in Dallas and Houston holding three walks in your honor? And how can you explain bagging two awards – a DEAR Award and Mashujaa Gala Award? Thank you for recognizing me and for teaching me never to be bullied into silence. And to never allow myself to be a victim but a victor.

How? just how can you explain it? I try and find the answer in God’s word. Isaiah writes He has written our name on the palms of His hands. God knows my name? So even before the rest of the world knew my name, God already did. I am overwhelmed by the thought. What a precious thought! My Jesus knows me by my name. So even in my darkest hour as I lay unconscious, He called me and said, “I am not done with you yet, your assignment is not over.” He knows my name. What joy and what security! that God in His infinite wisdom would take what the devil meant for harm and turn it around to be a blessing.

I am deeply moved every time I sing the worship song, “He Knows My Name”. Indeed, this is my point of identity. It makes me think of a loving father who ascribes to nurture and give the best to his child through the unconditional love he has for the child. The Israelites doubted the love of God and Isaiah reminded them that even if a mother forgets her own child, God will never forget them. He knows my struggles. He knows my limitations. He knows my aspirations. He knows everything. I know He loves me, but do I know His name? Do I know Him as the God Most High, the all-sufficient one, the God who heals? The one who fights my battles. The one who has put a new song in my mouth? Do I know Him as the one that orchestrates all the favor and victory that lines my path? Do I know Him as my fortress and my shield? Yes!!!!! Today, I take joy in knowing that the God above all other names knows my name and I know His. And He knows your name too. But do you know His name? Purpose to know Him today! Knowing Him promises new frontiers and new and exciting horizons.

He is standing at the finish line with my reward in His hand far better than any earthly award. His is an eternal award!

Happy Mashujaa Day!

Get up and give to the Neuro Fitness Foundation

Hey, hey, hey…today is North Texas giving day. And with it comes the opportunity to reach into our pockets and reach out to worthy causes. Paying it forward is so important and September 22nd is a day designated for doing just that. This isn’t just any other Thursday but a set day to make a difference to a non-profit that helps in addressing a problem that you have a passion for improving. One such non-profit is the Neuro Fitness Foundation (NFF).

There simply aren’t enough  words in the dictionary that can sum up the importance of this special non-profit organization. It is so many things to so many people; a lifeline of sorts for many. As a nonprofit 501(3)(c)public charity, it provides services to individuals with neurological issues. Walking through the doors of the Neuro Fitness gym would mark a defining moment in my life since suffering a spinal cord injury. I was amazed and inspired by the great work that goes on inside these doors every day. This is a gym where people battling spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological issues come in and get back the power not just to function again, but really live anew and connect with one another. It combines everything possible to overcome the seemingly impossible.

This is why you should give to the Neuro Fitness Foundation on the North Texas Giving Day. Give not only because it is imperative that every man fulfills his purpose in our global community  by paying it forward but because herein lies a facility that offers the freedom and normality that is so desperately needed by those who have been dealt really tough cards by this journey called life but choose to remain resilient and hopeful. Everyone has a story here; stories of courage, triumph, faith and a whole lot of determination.

ABOUT US

Since it’s inception, the Neuro Fitness Foundation has gone through many changes, but our mission has remained the same. In 1998, founder Jon Nichols who was paralyzed in a 1988 water skiing accident, saw his dream become a reality.  During the 10 years prior to it’s formation, John consistently studied and researched exercise equipment that could be used to benefit and maximize the potential of the physically challenged. It was through these experiences that the first ideas of NFF began to form. With this knowledge and a passion to help others with similar challenges, Nichols and his family created a makeshift workout facility in the garage of their Colleyville home.  Then, with the support and collaboration of other neurologically impaired individuals and their families, NFF received its 501(3)(c) status and NFF was born.

From its “mom and pop” beginnings, NFF relocated briefly to a mall in south Bedford in April 1999. In July, Mike Janszen, physical therapist and then owner of the HEB Harris Methodist  Physical Rehabilitation building in Euless, generously donated space to NFF where it enjoyed ten years of growth, serving over 300 clients, free of charge, until 2009. 

Like many other nonprofit organizations, NFF began to feel the effects of a bad economy, and in July of 2009 had to close down temporarily. After a reorganization of it’s Board of Directors, a successful fundraiser, and a renewed commitment to reopen it’s doors, NFF moved to it’s current facility. After hundreds of volunteer hours to renovate our new home, we proudly opened again in September of the same year.

While it’s a continual challenge to raise the funds necessary to offer our one-of-a-kind services to the community, we remain committed to obtaining the finances we need through fundraising, individual and cooperate donations and grants. (For this and more visit http://www.neurofitnessfoundation.org).

So here’s your golden chance to support this one of a kind foundation. Today especially marks that chance through the North Texas Giving Day, an online giving event for people across the nation (and the world) to come together to raise as much money as possible for North Texas nonprofits on one day. Remarkably, in just seven years, $119 million has been pumped into the North Texas community. In 2015 alone, $33 million was raised through more than 118,000 gifts benefiting 2,020 nonprofits (read more on https://northtexasgivingday.org/).

Giving is innate, it comes from our understanding of how much God has already given us. It’s something that’s supposed to flow naturally from what God has already done for us.  We give back because it teaches us find compassion within ourselves and to stay attached to values that are linked to the common good.

Don’t worry about dollars and cents but rather the cause and what it seeks to address. And the Neuro Fitness Foundation addresses a special and worthy cause, just ask me one of it’s many grateful beneficiaries. Therefore, September 22, 2016 is it! from 6 AM to 12 AM midnight, The Neuro Fitness Foundation is taking part in Get Up and Give!, North Texas Giving Day. Every donation of $25.00 and above will be matched if you donate to us through https://northtexasgivingday.org/npo/neuro-fitness-foundation

Get up and give today! You’ll be glad you did!