by Alice Faye:
“One step
at a time, Take that one step at a time.
Take that one step carefully. Walk that one step prayerfully.
This is the
way to victory. One step at a time.”
For seven years, the Lord allowed me the opportunity to play the piano for children’s
church. Many times the children sang the song “One Step at a Time”. The words to this children’s
song have been the way in which I have faced each day of my life. Even though I have been in a wheelchair all of my life,
this song has inspired me to “step” out in faith knowing that Jesus would always “walk” with me.
When I was born, my parents were told that I had spina bifida. The doctors said that I would probably not live to the age of seven. They did not know the full extent of my handicap,
but said it was unlikely that I would ever be able to talk. Well, thank the Lord the doctors were wrong.
I am quite a bit older than seven (63 to be exact) and I love to talk (especially to my sister, Elizabeth). One
of the primary reasons I was able to exceed the doctor’s expectations for me was largely due to my godly mother.
My mother and father had a profound impact in helping me to accept my handicap.
They never saw me as handicapped. I was their daughter, and I was born with a purpose just like everyone else.
They were very accepting of what the Lord had allowed and helped me to accept my disability. My mother was constantly
affirming me. She believed that I was special and could make a contribution to society, with or without a wheel chair.
My parents modeled the love of God to me from an early age, and I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was eight. Definitely
the best decision I have ever made!
I graduated from high school and wanted to learn to drive. My dad got me a car with hand
controls, and off I went. I was so excited that I could drive myself to the mall! I loved the mall.
I got a job as a medical transcriptionist and trusted the Lord to help me through each day. This new job was a
major step of faith for me. There were many struggles. I had gone through thirteen operations and fought serious problems
with my kidneys. This made for many days when I did not even feel like getting out of bed, let alone going to work.
By God’s grace and a lot of determination, I will retire next month with over forty-one years of service with the government.
With God all things are possible!
Probably, the most difficult time of my life came when I turned forty-nine. My mother
was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. My doctor suggested that I try to find an apartment and learn to
live on my own. I had dreamed of one day being on my own, but the thought of it scared me. There had always been
someone around if I was having a bad day or needed something. Now it would be Jesus and me. I had to learn how
to do laundry, cook, clean, and be self sufficient without the use of my legs. My sister, Elizabeth helped me through
this difficult transition. She has helped me through many challenges and continues to be a major source of encouragement
to me.
God has used my disability to teach me many things. I have had to learn patience.
I know that my wheelchair sometimes makes people uncomfortable, and they often don’t know what to say. I have
learned to be outgoing by introducing myself which helps to put them at ease. I’ve learned not to look at outside
appearances, but to focus on the person. I love being around people and love to give (and get) hugs.
Being a Christian does not make the road an easy one, but with God as the Captain of your
life you can make it. He uses everything that touches our lives for our good and His glory. The Lord has allowed me
to accomplish many goals that I set for myself. I feel truly blessed and want to spend the rest of my life growing closer
to my Savior “one step at a time.”
© 2009 by Shelley Myrick - All rights reserved
