Labor Mentoring Overcoming Obstacles

GLORIFYING JESUS IN TRYING TIMES

I’ve had some traumatic experiences in my life. But I know God allowed me to go through these to help me grow and use them for His Glory. As an educator, I now use these trials to encourage my students.

God blessed me with a sister and we were each other’s source of strength as young children. Our life was not conventional; some may even say it was hard; however, I believe some of those life lessons taught me how to be a survivor. As a young adult, my sister was killed in a car wreck. It was a devastating loss.

Then in 2010, my friend and I were out for a run at 5:00 am. We had been training for a half marathon for 10 months. A car came over the hill and struck us both. Tragically, my friend was killed. I was flipped in the air and came crashing down on the windshield. I sustained 25 breaks and underwent 8 surgeries.

Doctors said I’d never walk and they talked about amputating both my legs, but I objected. I knew immediately that God had chosen me to glorify Him through this horrendous experience. I didn’t know how, but I was determined to show everyone that He was real and He was still doing miracles.

I was in the hospital for two months and in intense rehab for another ten months. Through this time, I never complained. I wanted my kids and friends to see that what I’d been telling them about Jesus was true. I needed to practice what I’d been preaching.

Through the Lord’s grace, I did recover and I’m back running. As a teacher and now a middle school principal in a high poverty area, I come in contact with hundreds of kids from tough backgrounds. God put me in this situation for a reason. I share pieces of my journey with my students to encourage them. These kids know my story. They know when I tell them they can fight through adversity, they can see that right before their eyes. I love on them and let them know that God loves them. I give them hope and I embrace them. I want to live out Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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14 Comments

  • Reply
    Frankie Bell
    August 17, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    How fitting to be posted on my sisters birthday! Wonderful

  • Reply
    Steve
    August 18, 2017 at 9:59 am

    Thank you so much for sharing. I am in a low time and scared. Nothing compared to what you’ve been through. I thank God for you and for sharing your hope. I am so glad I signed up for these emails. God bless you real good!

  • Reply
    Luis Tellez
    August 18, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    What a beautiful testimony, your love of God and your students is amazing!
    May He continue to bless your faith and journey.

  • Reply
    Deb
    August 18, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    thank you for sharing yourself with us all. I am putting your story in our church bulletin for tomorrow (20th) to encourage those who read it. Many get so lost in pain and forget how big a God we really have. You bring such glory to Him by sharing this and walking with Him as you do.

  • Reply
    Sunethra
    August 19, 2017 at 11:47 pm

    Good hear this sad story.how God use you and strength you mentally and I emotions. This good lessons for us for our journey which we complain all type of pains.God always bless you sister

  • Reply
    Lucy Kontominas
    August 21, 2017 at 12:27 am

    How humbling and powerful is your testimony. I too have had trauma and adversity but get caught up in the victim mentality or have let bitterness and hurt stay in my heart, but reading your testimony in allowing the hardest times to give God the glory not complain and allow Him to shine through you and bless and love on those who see you could touch the most. Thank you for sharing. God bless you x

  • Reply
    T
    August 21, 2017 at 9:56 am

    God bless you! Keep pressing!

  • Reply
    SUS
    August 21, 2017 at 10:17 am

    i’m really blown away by your testimony and love for Jesus! I have been through a lot myself, and God has used my challenges to build strength and character in me for HIS glory. Thank you so much for sharing; but most especially for choosing to glorify Jesus in your pain!

  • Reply
    Gayle Woldemar
    December 12, 2018 at 10:44 am

    Beautiful story of God’s strength in adversities! Thank you for sharing with us!!

  • Reply
    Brian
    December 12, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Beautiful

  • Reply
    William R Nicholson
    December 12, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Very touching story of endurance brought thru faith in Our Lord Jesus The Christ ! Thank You My Friend & Sister in Jesus …..

  • Reply
    Thabo Moalusi
    December 21, 2018 at 7:20 am

    Glory to God in the highest. Indeed you are His instrument to the world. Stay blessed.

  • Reply
    Jane Kisembo
    June 16, 2021 at 11:03 pm

    Tested, Tried and Trusted!
    You went through many trials and came out strong enough to be trusted with the ministry of encouraging others to trust God as we face the many challenges of life.
    God be with you and keep on keeping on.

  • Reply
    Dawn
    October 13, 2023 at 3:00 pm

    Wow, wow, wow! What a beautiful testimony you have. I am sure you are a wonderful role model to all that cross your path. You are truly inspirational!

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