"Whatever life throws at you.just be ready to handle it."

Karen Nurt learned that lesson early in life. As a child things were pretty normal until her mother passed away when Karen was eleven years old. She had grown up in a suburb of Boston, attended church regularly, and had a typical middle class upbringing. After her mother’s death life changed dramatically.

Her older sister got married,and Karen, her dad, and her younger brother moved numerous times.Karen’s father worked a lot but he also drank a lot. Karen had to learn to take care of things.She became the homemaker.Karen remembers thinking she had to be disciplined in order to accomplish anything.She also made sure she told people how special they were soon after meeting them as she may not get the chance later.

The following year, as if her life was not challenging enough, Karen was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.Although she could walk,she was told by a neurologist that she would begin to lose her balance and be unsteady on her feet, requiring the use of a wheelchair.For a young girl in charge of a household, this was a daunting prospect!

At the age of thirteen Karen had a major back surgery to straighten her spine.Life was hard, and even though Karen tried to be strong, over the years she engaged in various forms of harmful behavior (abusive relationships, drugs).In college Karen started using a wheelchair because walking was becoming difficult.She also began to experience difficulties with her vision and speech.

By this time Karen had given up on having any kind of relationship with God.She did want to be close to God but she thought God did not want a relationship with her, so she stayed away.God was watching though…God sends us the right people to encourage us. Karen struck up a friendship with a young man who lived across the street.He was also in a wheelchair and he had found strength in God.Karen thought this young man was so lucky.She didn’t think this could happen to her.

God is faithful.Karen was invited to church and became a Christian in 1995 in Boston. “When I think back to my life before becoming a Christian, I really didn't view any of the things I went through as difficult. It was just part of my life. I never blamed God or got angry with Him. I guess it never dawned on me to be mad at God. I remember lying in bed, with my disability getting worse, and wondering where I was going to end up when I left this world. Also, I couldn't figure out why there was just something missing- especially because I had achieved almost all of my earthly goals.”

The following year she met her husband Richard who had been a disciple since 1982. Richard is an amazing man with an incredible strength of character.God has blessed their marriage in so many ways! Richard also uses a wheelchair for mobility.Karen noted, “God has quite a sense of humor by bringing us both together!”

Karen’s disability continues to worsen but she has learned to allow God’s love, faithfulness, and patience to shine through her. She is so thankful; when she thought God did not want a relationship with her,God was watching and waiting for the right time. After a lifetime of pain and suffering, Karen’s life has been blessed beyond measure! God does not give up on us even when we try to give up on Him!

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

2 Corinthians ch4 vs 16-18 (One of Karen’s favorite scriptures)

If you have stories of courage and encouragement to share, please send them to us at nadine.templer@dtoday.net, meghna.thomas@dtoday.net, or elvi.levang@dtoday.net.