Today, I saw a lady walking along our sidewalk with a cane. I watched her slow, careful steps, and the determined concentration was visible on her face.

Could I ever relate to that! I have a disability and I used to walk with a cane, also. Sometimes it was painful for me to walk, other times emotionally frustrating. I got so impatient with my slow, careful steps! And I STILL get impatient when I have to think about my every move!

Especially during these times, I have to be careful not to allow my focus to shift back onto things I could physically do when I was healthy. I loved to play racquetball and go hiking. I rode bicycle, and horses, and played with my niece in the park. I did power walking and aerobics for exercise.

These days, I can still exercise. I can work on stretches, but my aerobics are now spiritual rather than physical. My "step up's" are truly stepping UP - in a heavenly direction!

I can exercise with the assurance that someday I will be completely healed - whether I find that healing here on earth, or when I run to greet my Jesus in heaven.

"...the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body." Philippians 3:20,21

Who Am I?

I am a writer; a poet.

I am a Greyhound Mom, a Feathered Friends Mom.

I am a child of God.

I am an intelligent, creative Woman of Worth.

I am a person with a disability.

So often I hear (and from those who love me) that "you can't do 'this and such'," and "you shouldn't try" and "you may hurt yourself."

Discouragement spoken in love. Protection. I understand and can see that the intents of those hearts are only for good.

But what is "good?" It is "good" for whom? Me? Them? Someone else? Who am I? I am not a disability.

I momentarily shift my point of perspective (there's that word again!) to watch the wild birds that fly through the air. I take note of their freedom. What man can spread his arms and fly? Is that a man's disability? From a bird's perspective, it may be. Or, are birds free enough within themselves not to notice ... or care?

Who am I? I am a woman of worth, dependent on others, who holds on viciously to her independence, and yet who tries to discern God's higher plan for her life, and submits in humility.

Ultimately, I am those innermost thoughts and intentions and beliefs. I am my heart. I am my spirit. I am my soul. I am His.

In my weakness, He gives me strength of character.

In my neediness, He gives me what I need to encourage and support others.

During my most vulnerable moments, I choose to love.

Who am I? I am still, basically, the same person I was when healthy. I now have more physical limitations and am in a constant state of learning how to cope, compromise and accept. I am learning to recognize that which cannot be changed, and improve on that which can be changed.

I am ME.