Skip to main content

On Rising

As people with disabilities (or as people in general), we often find ourselves having to prove that we are more than capable of doing certain things despite our struggles and limitations. Over and over and over. It is exhausting, it is hard. Sometimes we realize that we have to prove ourselves to those we expect to be our staunchest supporters, our loudest cheerleaders. When that happens, maybe it takes our breath away, maybe it shocks us, maybe it cuts deep into our soul.

Often, we are left speechless, perhaps we feel slighted or insulted. Maybe as we process, all we can do is cry silent tears and send a text to a dear friend and mentor so we can be reminded of our worth. Maybe we need to laugh and vent with our best friend. Maybe we need to keep processing to move forward. We must always move forward- otherwise, bitterness destroys. When that happens, it becomes even easier for us to focus on our struggles and limitations.

During times when abilities are called into question, we need to remind ourselves that actions speak so much louder than words. Let's rise up every single day to show those around us that we are more than capable. Do so with grace, with a smile, and with joy. 

When we feel like we're in a losing battle, when we're exhausted  fighting against the stereotypes of disability (or life), let's turn to those in our life whom we trust the most. Because they will remind us of our worth, they will remind us that we can get through whatever battle we are facing, they will be there as we fall apart. It is okay to fall apart, but remember to rise up with confidence, to fight on. We are not defined by our disabilities. Ever. God created each of us for a purpose. If we let Him, He will guide us in this thing called life, surrounding us with His love and people who will support and love us.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

On 2022

It feels like 2022 just began, but soon it will be gone. I think back to the first half of the year and seem to remember being a bit more relaxed than I am at this moment. In the second half of this year, it's as if I became a different person in ways that I didn't anticipate. I found myself even more aware of the preciousness of life, and in some ways, the true finality of life has terrified me. Is that healthy? Probably not, but it's where my heart is. I found myself developing even deeper relationships with my parents, truly appreciating their presence in my life on a different level. Conversations with my grandparents are sweeter than before May 10th. As I write this, I am realizing I don't remember my last conversation with my Grandpa and that saddens me to my core. There have been some truly sweet memories made this year- ones I hope to remember for years to come. Times with the kiddos in my life have been bittersweet- moments reminding me of my desire to have kid...
Post a Comment
Read more

On 2025

 In 2025, fear and frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty have crept in. I’ve struggled with trusting God during the hard and scary moments. Even still, He is faithful. When I’ve had questions, I’ve heard no audible response, but I am comforted by His quiet strength and reassurance. He remains on the throne and none of what has or will happen to Jessica Dineen is a surprise to Him. I am thankful for my quiet time with Him, reading His Word, pleading for guidance and wisdom. God is in control, His time may not be mine, but somehow He will work everything out. Along the way, I reman immeasurably blessed by the people in my life. I have a loving family, deep friendships, a fulfilling career, and so many other things. Even in the hard, I remain rich with all that is good in my life. Here’s to a 2026 blessed by God in a way that only He can.
Post a Comment
Read more

On This Messy Life

 I recently learned of a young woman who intentionally drove her power wheelchair into the lake in Edinboro. This woman, not much older than myself, whom I did not know, has been on my mind nonstop. I suppose it is because of the parallels in our lives: age, cerebral palsy, Edinboro, some of the same interests, etc. It's haunting in many, many ways. My heart breaks for her and her family. The demons of life must have been too much, but I pray that she knew Jesus, for now she is resting in His arms- able to walk and move freely without the struggles of disability. If I could talk to her, I think this is what I would say: As you were wheeling around Edinboro that day, I wish someone could have known you needed to be heard. Did you have an opportunity to call someone? Did you send a text message to a friend? As the pressures of life boiled over, could you feel His presence surround you? With your last breath, with your last thought, did you want to fight? I'm sorry that you felt a...
Post a Comment
Read more