My Story: How It All Began
Twenty-two years ago, I thought I had lost something, but I had actually gained my purpose. I have always been a cyclist, but never as good as I am now. Competing has always been a dream of mine, but it was difficult to do so. That’s why I believed I had lost something I love and am passionate about, but God made it even better.
I spent about 14 years feeling sorry for myself, remembering my adventures with my bike and wondering whether I would ever ride again. According to the doctors, I never would, but they also said I would never be able to walk, talk, or feed myself. It sure is a great thing that God has the final say. If you look back to when I was in the hospital, the doctors were about to let me go.
What helped me move forward was knowing that God would never abandon me and that I get my strength through Him. Every step I took made me better, and knowing that He was behind me kept me going. I was unaware that He was preparing me for what was to come. All the walking I was doing was strengthening my leg muscles to help me ride my bike again.
During my recovery, I began using a sedentary recumbent bike that I would ride for hours. However, it wasn’t until Christmas of 2013 that I found out the news from my cousin about a bike that I could use. That was where my cycling journey started. You couldn’t get me off that bike when I finally got it.
Time flew by, and I realized it wasn’t enough for me. That’s when I started looking for other ways to challenge myself. My friend and mentor informed me about The Redlands Classic, a race I could join. Although not many races allow recumbent bikes, I didn’t lose hope. This was the next part of my journey of cycling.
After becoming as good as I could on that bike and even going overseas to help me train and further my journey, I felt stuck because there was no interest in it. I thought my cycling journey had finally ended, but it had only just begun.
I started to use an upright trike because that was as far as I could go, but now I ride that everywhere. Because of my constant training, I was able to join Team USA, but now my dream is to become a Paralympic. I will achieve this extraordinary goal instead of I will achieve extraordinary things. Faith in God brought me to this point in my life, and my trust in Him will help me reach my goal. I was able to join Team USA, I have my dreams set on something else. I know that with God and all the hard work He lets me do, I will achieve more extraordinary things. Faith in God brought me here, and my trust in Him keeps me going.
God Has Put Me on a Long Journey
The purpose of my journey was to remind you that regardless of your circumstances, God still loves you.
I Am Fulfilling God’s Purpose for My Life
I Shine My Light To Lead Others to the True Light
A lot of people forget that God loves us. I want to show them that He loves us unconditionally. Even though I didn’t deserve all the blessings I received, I would not be able to do any of this without Him.
This Is My Purpose
Bringing glory to God with my cycling is what I was made for. This is my passion and my purpose in life.
This picture was taken when I won first place in a race in Corridonia, Italy.
I Can’t Do Any of This Without God’s Help
He is the source of all my strength, and we work together well.
Whenever I need extra power and energy to help me finish a race, I pray to God, and never in my life has He let me down.