Where Faith and Disability Meet

My name is Tara, and I’m glad you’re here! Two things that have heavily influenced my life are faith and disability. Having lived with a physical disability for most of my life, I can genuinely say the only reason I am still (metaphorically) standing is because of my faith in God. 
 
When I was 20, I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia. It is a genetic, progressive, neuromuscular disease with no cure. It causes a lot of issues. Balance and coordination problems lead to a loss of mobility. It slurs speech, making it difficult to understand. It can cause a bunch of other problems, too.
 
I am now 53. I’ve been in a wheelchair full-time since I was in my 30’s. As my disability progressed, so did my faith. I had to learn to trust God when I could not trust my body. I hope to share how faith and disability are intertwined in my life, and maybe I can share some hope and encouragement with you along the way.
 
I am the mother of two adult sons and have been married and divorced. I’ve had difficult times throughout my life where I was disregarded and rejected because of my disability. I have struggled with self-worth and purpose because of my disability. There have been many times when my faith and disability wrestled with each other.
 
If I had not entered a relationship with Jesus, I would not have peace, joy, confidence, and hope in my life. Yet, I experience these emotions every day. Do I struggle? You bet–every single day is challenging. I have chosen to partner with God each day and overcome the hardships. Following Jesus from a wheelchair has shaped everything about me. Faith and disability aren’t separate parts of my life–they’re woven together.
 
What brings me joy besides Him? Besides my sons and our dog, Thanos, I enjoy:

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Education. I pursued these for my own knowledge. I knew I couldn’t control what was happening inside my body, but I wanted to learn what was best for it so I could control what I put into it. I believe that food is medicine. What you put into it is going to affect it in one way or another. 

 
I worked for Disability Rights Ohio, an agency that protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, for more than 11 years. Now, I write about faith and disability through sharing my real life and my everyday experiences. I want others with physical disabilities to know that God has not forgotten them and that abundant life is still possible.
 
I don’t write with church language or big words. I write from lived experience, from doctors’ offices and frustration to choosing faith on days when it would have been easier not to. I am glad you are joining me on this journey!

Contact Me

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or anything you would like to share with me. You may send me a message using the online form and I will get back to you within 48 hours. Look for an email from NoExceptions! 

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