World Cerebral Palsy Day: Letting God Be My GPS Through Life’s Journey

October 6 marks World Cerebral Palsy Day, a day that holds a special place in my heart. For people like us, living with cerebral palsy is more than a diagnosis—it is a daily journey filled with challenges, lessons, and victories. This day is not only about spreading awareness but also about celebrating the resilience, strength, and stories that God has written into each of our lives.

But here’s the truth: awareness doesn’t end on October 6. For me, living with cerebral palsy is a day-to-day testimony. Every sunrise brings a new adventure, every challenge brings an opportunity for growth, and every stumble becomes another chance for grace to carry me forward.

God as My GPS

When people ask me the “secret” to embracing cerebral palsy with hope, my answer is simple: I allow God to be my GPS. Just as a GPS directs a traveler through unknown roads, God has guided me through every obstacle, setback, and breakthrough.

There are days when my body feels weary, when the world feels too heavy, and when doubt creeps in. But I am reminded daily that my disability is not my tragedy—it is my testimony.

This past month, God opened incredible doors for me to share that testimony. I was blessed to be featured in Orlando Voyager Magazine, where I spoke about my journey, my faith, and how my disability is a testimony of God’s grace.

I also had the absolute joy of appearing on The Dave Benson Show, where I had such a fun, Spirit-filled time sharing my story.

Every platform, whether in print or on camera, is another way God reminds me that my voice matters and my journey has purpose.

The People God Has Placed in My Life

I could not share my story without also acknowledging the incredible people God has blessed me with on this journey. Beside my mother, my dad Carlos has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. When my biological father stepped away, Carlos stepped up when I was just five years old. Since then, he has been a steady presence, showing me what unconditional love, sacrifice, and fatherhood look like.

My stepbrother Brandon has always been the greatest little brother anyone could ask for. His encouragement and motivation have pushed me to keep going and to strive to be the best version of myself. Alongside him, my sister-in-law Alejandra and my beautiful nephew Jaden have brought so much joy to my life, reminding me of the beauty of family and the blessings God gives us through each generation.

I also have to thank my fiancé, Cody, who has been both my best friend and now the love of my life. For many years, before we were engaged, Cody stood by me as a loyal friend, reminding me every day that life itself is a beautiful adventure. Today, as my partner, he continues to inspire me to embrace the world through the GPS God has given us. His father, Sidney McWhorter, has also been a blessing in my journey, further reminding me how God weaves people into our stories for a reason.

Another person I am deeply grateful for is my editor, Katrina Smith. She has walked with me through every detour in my writing career, guiding me and supporting me as I’ve told my story through words. Her faith in me has been a reminder of God’s provision and encouragement.

I also want to give thanks for my church family at New Beginnings in Ashburn, Georgia. They welcomed me with open arms and embraced me as family from the very first day. I am especially thankful for our preacher, Justin Sanders, his wife, Tori, and their daughter Natalie, who has become like an adopted niece to me. Their love, prayers, and encouragement have shown me the heart of Christ’s body—the church.

And finally, I want to honor Reverend Joseph Holmin and his family, whose many years of friendship and guidance have been such a blessing. Their support has been a steady reminder that God sends people into our lives not just for a season, but for a purpose—to guide us, strengthen us, and remind us of His faithfulness.

Ministry, Calling, and Purpose

In my teens and twenties, my focus was on spreading awareness about cerebral palsy. Now, in my thirties, God has called me to expand that mission: not only to advocate for CP but to boldly proclaim my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

That’s why I launched Able by Grace Ministries and Strength Through Christ Coaching—because I believe our testimonies can transform lives when they’re rooted in faith. Over the past year, I have also been humbled to receive multiple ordinations, certificates, and diplomas through Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). These include Elder, Deacon, Apostle/Missionary, Commissioned Minister, Ordained Minister, Commissioned Pastoral Certificate, Certificate of Ministry, Women’s Ministry Certificate, Christian Leaders Certificate, and diplomas in Ministry, Divinity, and Pastoral Leadership.

Each title, each certificate, and each diploma is not just a paper on my wall—it’s a reminder of God’s calling on my life to keep pressing forward, to be a disciple, and to use every part of my journey for His glory.

New Releases in Honor of World CP Day

In honor of this year’s World Cerebral Palsy Day, I am overjoyed to share several new releases that reflect my passion for faith, advocacy, and storytelling:

✨ The Joy We Choose (Kindle Edition)
✨ Finding Her Strength (Kindle Edition)
✨ Stomping in Grace: A Poetry Memoir (Kindle Edition)
✨ The Night We Belonged (Kindle Edition)

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on all that God has done, one truth remains steady in my heart: the best way I cope with cerebral palsy is by trusting in God. He has a plan for each of us—a plan filled with hope, redemption, and purpose.

So, on this World Cerebral Palsy Day, my encouragement to you is this: whatever obstacle you face, let God be your GPS. He won’t fail you. With Him, your testimony will shine brighter than your trials. With Him, every day becomes a new beginning. With Him, your story matters.

I am excited for what’s to come through Able by Grace Ministries, through my writing, through my coaching, and most importantly, through continuing to live out the calling God has placed on my life.

Because my disability is not my tragedy.
It is my testimony.
And my testimony belongs to Him.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

On this World Cerebral Palsy Day, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for the gift of life, for the testimony You’ve written into my journey, and for the strength to keep pressing forward. Thank You for my mother, my father, my family, my fiancé, my church, my mentors, and every single person You have placed in my life to remind me of Your love and guidance.

Lord, I ask that You continue to be my GPS, leading me through every detour, every mountain, and every valley. Help me to embrace each day as a new beginning, to use my story as a light for others, and to walk boldly as a disciple of Christ.

May my disability never be seen as a tragedy, but as a living testimony of Your grace, Your purpose, and Your unfailing love. Bless those who are also walking this journey with cerebral palsy and their families, that they may know they are never alone and that You are carrying them every step of the way.

In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.