My Story
On July 20, 2009, I was diagnosed with a learning ability. I also learned that I was not alone. Millions of people, young and old, have some form of dyslexia, which is neurological and affects a person’s ability to learn how to read, write, and spell. It is an inherited disability, and unless God intervenes, it doesn’t go away. I will have dyslexia for the rest of my life. Also, dyslexia is just one type of learning disability, each affecting a person differently. As with any disability, a person will fall somewhere on a continuum ranging from mild to profound. The good news is that children, teens, and adults can learn to read, write, and advance in school due to the advancement of research.
What is not often openly discussed is the emotional trauma and spiritual impact that having a disability may have on a person (e.g., feelings of defeat, hopelessness, learned helplessness, low self-worth, and isolation). However, we remember that there is God, who sits high and looks low, the one who said when He speaks, His word will not return to Him void; He spoke, and it was done. Therefore, what has shaped our lives will not hinder God’s purpose for us. It is used to strengthen our resolve to live for Christ.
Our Abilities
I am grateful that God encouraged me not to give up on my goal of earning a doctoral degree. It was tough, and there were days when I wondered if I could achieve this goal. However, in 2016, I earned a doctorate in Psychology specializing in Educational Psychology.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that God's grace is sufficient; it is more than enough to heal my wounded heart from the emotional impact of having a disability (2 Corinthians 12:9) that would have kept me from reaching my goal. I also believe that God uniquely gifts each person, regardless of whether they have a disability. You are part of His plan.
I often express that God has a sense of humor and that His purpose and goal for me include writing, authoring books, public speaking, and life coaching on His behalf. Keep in mind that I have dyslexia; however, this has never deterred the Lord. All He requires is a willing, trusting heart, which I surrender daily, along with my dyslexia and its emotional impact, to Him (Isaiah 55:11).
The Grace to be Authentic
Why is being authentic important? As a practicing Christian Life Coach, I recognize that there was a time when I thought my dyslexia limited my dreams. What I discovered is that limiting my dreams also limits God. Through much prayer and study of God’s word for wisdom and direction, I set a goal to become a Christian Life Coach. It didn’t take long for me to realize this was a calling from God and that He placed this desire in me. When I said yes to Him, He began to open doors that I thought were impossible. This is my calling, and now I have the awesome privilege of being equipped by God to walk alongside women, helping them achieve their goals and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
Life begins Today
You read that correctly; your life begins today, and the possibilities are endless. It only takes an open heart that is accessible to the Lord.
What is your dream? What do you want to achieve? What is holding you back? We have the opportunity to dream big and small, and everything in between. Your goal could range from organizing your kitchen to becoming a scientist. Your ability to reach your goal is only limited by your faith in God and your belief in your abilities through Him.
Do you want to know what my biggest goal is? It’s to make Christ known through life coaching, writing, podcasting, and public speaking. I never would have believed that God could use someone like me; however, He knew that if I trusted Him and entrusted my dyslexic journey to Him, He would create something beautiful from it.
I still have goals—some big and some small. I'm no longer afraid to dream. Why? Because I know that God is more than capable of helping me achieve every goal He sets for me. He's not only capable for me but for you, too. Nothing is impossible when we place our dreams in the Lord's hands and trust His guidance.
I share my dyslexic story for one reason: it is a narrative about learning to hide my life in Christ. It is a journey of asking God not to remove the mountain but to grant me His strength to climb it. My life today is far beyond what I could have imagined, and it all began over thirty years ago when I said yes to Christ's call to surrender. It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it.
Today, I am a child of God. That is who I am. What do I do for Him? I educate, encourage, podcast, coach, teach, and write for Him.
What would you like to do for Him? What is stopping you?
May God bless you as you pursue your dreams and goals and serve Him faithfully.