Nine hours later, they heard my first cry.

I was born at only five months, that’s four months premature, with a birth weight of just eight ounces. The doctors pronounced me “brain dead.” My grandmother, who was a praying grandmother, told the doctors to hold on, and leave me right there in the hospital. She then gathered all of the family and they offered a prayer on my behalf. Nine hours later, they heard my first cry. And the doctors went to work.

I was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which many consider to be a handicap. But my grandmother and my family were determined that it would not be a handicap for me. And I was determined as well. And so it began: a journey of trial and adversity tempered with blessings from the Lord. Challenge and struggle, where many times the strength I was given came only after I had done all that I could do. And that is the reason for my deep faith.

God’s grace is sufficient for all. Not just a few, but for all.

But he expects great things from each of us if we are going to call upon that grace to help us overcome the thorns of the flesh. Helping others understand that great truth and stay focused on the prize is why I do what I do. To be an instrument in the hands of God, there can be no greater calling.