I am a quadruple amputee, probably one of the most optimistic people you’ll ever meet, and I’m living one exceptional life.
I’m a proponent for the underdog. I’m a very passionate believer that everything is overcomeable. My goal is to help other women move past the challenges in their lives by growing their faith, gratitude, kindness, and positivity.
How often do we see people who get wrapped up in their struggles? I believe that although those roadblocks are hard, they’re not impossible unless you want them to be.
Where does this mindset come from?
There are three very memorable moments during the hardest period in my family’s life. Ten years ago, an illness that I thought was the flu continued to get progressively worse. My husband Mike, decided it was time to go to the hospital. “ I can’t breathe,” I said mid-route. So we pulled over and called for an ambulance. I blacked out after they put the oxygen mask on my face.
Suddenly, (technically 2 weeks later,) I was staring at Mike and a strange doctor. They awoke me to tell me that, in order to save my life, they needed to amputate both hands and feet. I saw my dead, black hands, and my precious husband, and thought about my 3 teenagers who still needed me. “Do what you have to do,” I said. The lights went out again.
I awoke in a hospital bed with bandages on my missing limbs. My favorite Scripture came out in prayer to the Lord as my first memory. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
For three weeks I was in a medically-induced coma, endured numerous surgeries to remove the flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) that started this whole mess, and finished without my hands and feet. I don’t remember learning how it all transpired. But I remember that prayer to my God because I needed strength and courage for what was ahead.
The long road of recovery to an exceptional life as a quadruple amputee took a few twists and turns. But it taught me to rely on two other Scriptures:
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 And “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
The road from quadruple amputations to living an exceptional life brought some great life lessons:
- In all things, give glory to God
- Challenges are opportunities for spiritual growth.
- Challenges are also an opportunity for gratitude.
- There is always a silver lining in every dark cloud, you just need to look.
- Use your challenges to encourage and inspire others.
- Show others how to be positive in a negative situation.
- Showing kindness to others is great for healing.
As Christians, others look to us to see how we respond when times are challenging. Prove to those who are watching how powerful our God really is.
Becoming a quad amputee has brought more blessings than I could ever imagine. It’s given me the opportunity to give God all the glory for the joy and positivity resulting from my illness. It’s also offered me an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with anyone who asks me where my joy for this exceptional life comes from. There’s no greater love offering to others than that.
About Wendy:
Wendy Wallace is a wife, mom, Christian Inspiration blogger, and author. She is also a quadruple amputee. She loves her family, flowers, and ice cream. You can find her at One Exceptional Life, where she blogs about moving past the challenges of life by growing your faith, gratitude, kindness, and positivity.
Connect with Wendy:
Did you love today’s devotion?
Sign up to receive the weekly love offering straight to your inbox.
