2 Corinthians 4:7 in the NLT Bible reads, “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 

      This verse is my reason to write and keep writing until my work on Earth is complete. 

      I cannot escape the “jar of clay” that is my body. Born with a physical disability known as Cerebral Palsy in 1983, I’ve rolled through the majority of my twenty-five years of life in an electric wheelchair. 

      Everyday has battles that must be fought and irritating pains to tolerate, but the Light in my heart – that is, my love for and faith in Christ Jesus always persuades me to press on. I found the Christ Jesus waiting with open arms for me at age seven. At that time I whispered dreams of becoming a dancer. We both knew how physically difficult that would be. Yet, He patiently began teaching me to find a dancing rhythm in the way I lived each day. My mind was always full of glorious adventures in magical lands where I would travel with some of Heaven’s angels as my guides. In fourth grade, the Lord blessed me with a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Jones, who helped me discover what I could do with paper and pen or better yet, a computer – make my stories come to life! 

      Scottsdale, Arizona has been my home for seventeen years, and its persistent sunlight has enabled me to blossom into a desert rose with the written word acting as my gently sweet aroma. I’ve written my way through times of great joy, such as my high school years at Scottsdale Christian Academy: where I had loving friends, was a cheerleader on a team that took second in our state competition and I was also in the homecoming court for Basketball season my senior year. But, I’ve written through many times of trial as well, like having six excruciating surgeries or being horribly ridiculed and harassed in middle school. 

      The Lord carried me through college, a time of deep loneliness, by opening the doors of opportunity. I majored in Journalism with an emphasis in Media Analysis and Criticism at Arizona State University. This presented the opportunity to write for one of the campus newspapers and do an internship at The East Valley Tribune. 

      However, my most cherished college accomplishments happened during my final semester. I completed The Little Butterfly Girl in an Independent Study under the watchful eyes of my mentor and friend, Dr. Mary-Lou Galician. Without her “gentle push,” it may have never been finished. During this time, Dr. Galician saw fit to nominate me for the Walter Cronkite Outstanding Undergraduate Award. Not only did I receive the award, but I was also chosen as graduation speaker! I gave the entire speech with my communication device on December 15, 2006 when I graduated Magna Cum Laude and was the first student speaker ever to receive a standing ovation. 

      In 1 Peter 4:10 the Lord commands us to use our gifts and talents for the good of His Kingdom. So, just as I live to serve Him, I write so people may also find hope in His presence.