As I thought about the challenges of parenting, and heard Haley's mother, Linda, speak of the joy she has now as she can rejoice in knowing where her daughter is—I thought it was such an example to believers to receive everything in our lives as from God's hand—even among the most difficult challenges some face in parenting.
In the final years of Haley's life, she was paralyzed from the neck down, and could only communicate by blinking her eyelids. Here's her story in her own words, written in 2005.
My name is Haley and I want you to know about the AWESOME LOVE God has for you!
When I was young, I prayed to receive Christ as my Savior. I knew that my sins were forgiven and that if I died, I would be in heaven forever. Most of my life up to age 14 was pretty good. I was an honor student, volleyball player, soccer player, Cotillion queen and had lots of friends.
Then, at age 14, my life began to change. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I was angry, rebellious, and selfish during my teen years. I chose to do a lot of things that were not pleasing to God. By age 20, I had lost the ability to walk, see well, use my arms or do any of the things most people take for granted. Finally during my darkest hours, I totally gave my life to Christ.
Since then, I am now 27; my MS has continued to worsen. But even with these circumstances, I have some good news to share with you...God is amazing!
God not only sent Jesus to die on a cross so that we can have eternal life but He pours out his unexplainable power, love and grace in the lives to those who trust and believe in Him.
Even though, right now, I am paralyzed in my body, my spirit soars with the love and joy that only my Savior can give.
Above picture is a tender moment when my daughter, Mary (blind), met Haley four summers ago. Haley's spirit radiated the joy and peace of the Lord!
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
"The joy of the Lord is my strength."
~2 Corinthians 12:9, Nehemiah 8:10
So glad you posted this Juana...her mother is my first cousin and her strength, attitude and faith are so amazing and inspiring. Even with all the hardships they endured...I see Haley's smile above it all as she illuminates the love of Jesus!
ReplyDeleteYes, Terry! I only had the privilege of meeting her that one time with my daughter. We thought we were coming to minister to her, but instead, God's power was so evident in Haley, she ministered to us even though she could not move or speak words clearly enough for us to understand her. I love what her brother said, that when she could barely speak, the words she most often said were thank you. She radiated Christ's love!
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