 |
| Crown & Camo |
Ashlee: While attending a summer camp at a ranch in Wyoming, I fell off of a hay rack and landed on the wooden handle of a pitchfork I had been using to feed steers. The fall resulted in a blowout fracture of my T-12 vertebra with a complete spinal cord injury. My paralysis affects my lower abdomen and legs, and I use a manual wheelchair for mobility.
CB: THROUGH THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HAVING A DISABILITY, WHAT HAS BEEN A SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AND WHAT HAS BEEN A SPIRITUAL BLESSING?
Ashlee: One of the greatest spiritual struggles I experienced after my accident was questioning God and His plan for my life. At 16, I was a “good kid.” I was the oldest daughter of a pastor, and I never gave my parents any cause to be disappointed in me. I was a leader in my youth group, and I had plans to attend medical school to point people towards the Great Physician. I had fulfilled my part of the deal- why had God reneged on His part? For several years, I battled with bitterness and anger about my accident. Ironically, this spiritual struggle turned into the biggest spiritual blessing in my life. Slowly, I realized that God has a plan for our lives, even in our greatest disappointments. He alone can take situations that we view as mistakes, and turn them into beautiful displays of His mercy and grace. Every good thing in my life is a direct result of my accident- which maybe wasn’t such an “accident” after all.
CB: CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL WHO PROVIDED YOU WITH GREAT CARE, LOVE, AND ATTENTION SINCE THE ONSET OF YOUR DISABILITY?
Ashlee: Although I had numerous doctors, nurses, and therapists throughout my recovery who provided me with exceptional care, the caregiver who stands out the most in my mind is my Mom, Vickie Benge. Prior to my injury, she had a very weak stomach and was not comfortable in the nursing role. The Lord definitely gave her a special grace and strength, and she stepped up and became my primary caregiver during my rehabilitation and after I returned home. She left her successful career to care for me, and she never made me feel like a burden. We laughed and cried together, and we got ourselves into some pretty interesting situations. But through it all, she encouraged me to go after my dreams with a positive attitude and a sense of humor. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Mom- she saved my life.
CB: THIS FRIDAY, HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ENCOURAGING THE SPECIAL FAMILIES THAT WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE?
Ashlee: I hope to encourage the families that will be in attendance at the event on Friday night through the struggles I have encountered and the lessons I have learned in the last 15 years of living with a disability. I find that I respond better to others in situations similar to my own, and so I pray that my own genuineness and credibility reaches those who face similar circumstances. I plan on sharing my story, with its ups and downs, as well as what God has been showing me in each new role in my life.
CB: FROM YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES, WHY DO YOU BELIEVE SUPPORT FROM OTHER BELIEVERS IS ESSENTIAL FOR FAMILIES WHO ARE ON A VERY SPECIAL JOURNEY?
Ashlee: As believers, we sometimes think that in order to be a good testimony, we have to suffer in silence. We are taught that good Christians never question God, never show a crack in their spiritual armor, and always maintain an outward attitude of cheerfulness and patience in all circumstances. If we can be honest with anyone about our daily heartaches and mistakes, it should be in the safety and security of the company of fellow believers. There is something very special about looking someone in the eye and saying, “I know what you are going through,” and actually meaning it- and this should never be more true than with other Christians. I never would have survived my journey without an amazing support team made up of family and friends, most of who know the Lord as I do. Families that are on special journeys need to be encouraged and loved by others who have found strength and grace through Christ, for He alone is able to walk beside us in every situation and struggle.
Ladies, from what you just read, I am sure you can tell just how special this event will be. If you know anyone who would be impacted by this evening, please invite them! It is truly an opportunity for God to be glorified and His children to be encouraged! Please prayerfully consider joining us or who you can invite!!
Many Blessings!
Christine Boyle
Special Needs, Special Families
July 11th 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Grace Baptist Church
3480 Laurel Road, Brunswick, OH 44212
Musical guest Ginny Owens, speaker Ms. Wheelchair USA Ashlee Lundvall, and host Brooke Taylor
will take you through a night of encouragement at Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick!
The event is FREE, but you need to register.
Musical guest Ginny Owens, speaker Ms. Wheelchair USA Ashlee Lundvall, and host Brooke Taylor
will take you through a night of encouragement at Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick!
The event is FREE, but you need to register.
CLICK HERE to register...IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!!!
No comments :
Post a Comment