by Paige Snedeker
Paige Snedeker |
Have you ever asked yourself what your purpose is for this life?
I have. Every day I wake up, I ponder these questions:
“Why am I here? What can I do?”
Being Deaf, legally blind, confined to a wheelchair and with breathing assistance, I can hardly do anything without help from others. My life has changed so much that I now have to depend on other people for everything.
Sometimes I have felt like there is no reason for me to be here, but Jesus Christ has shown me that there is a purpose no matter the situation.
Paige as a healthy infant |
As a toddler, I was struck with a very rare
neuromuscular disease that doctors could not identify. They didn’t know the
cause, and there was no cure. My twin brothers were struck with the same
disease, several years before I was born. The doctors told my parents that we
would not live for very long.
My family searched for a diagnosis for 27 years. We
finally found out the name of our disease in late 2016. Praise the Lord! It is
called BVVL, which stands for Brown Vialetto Van Laere syndrome. There are less
than 100 known cases in the world. It is the rarest of the rarest diseases.
Regardless of my limitations, all my life I have had a
strong interest in art – painting, drawing, anything that involved creative expression.
So, in my first year of high school, my art teacher asked me what I would like
to become after I graduated. I told her that I would like to become a writer
and an illustrator. She challenged me to embark on this journey, even though I
thought it would be impossible.
At that time, I was only 14, and I honestly had no idea
what was to come. Yet, I began writing my first book, Sofia and Her Morningstar. I almost gave up. I actually stopped writing
for a long period of time, but as I got older, I felt the call to complete the
story.
I could not move as much as I could a few years before.
However, I had a fierce determination to illustrate my own book, so I asked
Sue, my art teacher from homeschooling, to assist me in this journey. She
became a great friend, and she taught me many things. To illustrate the book, I
used a technique called “mouth painting.”
As stubborn as I am, I did not care how difficult the
task became. I continued the project to completion. When it was finally
finished, I began the search for a publisher. I was finally able to publish the
book when I was 19.
Later on, at the Florida Christian Writers’ Conference
in 2014, I won second place in the ‘Children’s Picture Books’ category for Sofia and Her Morningstar. I was in
shock! What a great honor this was!
After winning this award, I came to realize my purpose.
God wanted me to continue writing and to use my talents to glorify Him.
With Philippians 4:13 in mind, no matter what struggles
I have faced, or will continue to face, God reassures me that I can persevere
through His strength. This is my favorite verse. It has helped me through many
dark times.
After I graduated from high school, I had another dream.
I felt led to write a sequel to my first book, Camo’s Journey. My first book tells a story of friendship that can
withstand anything. My second book tells readers to walk the path God has put before
them. Do not be afraid. It teaches us with God, we can overcome our greatest
fears.
The little gecko, Camo, represents me, because he is
fearful about fulfilling his purpose just as I have been. My greatest fear
becoming a writer was due to my Deafness.
For those who do not know much about the Deaf world, many
people who are Deaf do not have good English. This is because we cannot hear
the spoken words. Many American Deaf people use American Sign Language (ASL),
which is extremely different than English.
Sometimes when writing English, I use phrases that
would be proper in ASL, but do not make sense in English. I was embarrassed and
afraid that my writing wouldn’t make sense to other people. So, I started
reading and practicing my writing almost every day. The more I did this, the
more comfortable I became with English.
Through all I have endured, I have learned that there
is a purpose for my life despite my countless trials.
James tells us:
“Count it all joy, my
brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing
of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full
effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” James 1:2-4 (ESV).
Artwork by Paige Snedeker |
I continue to find joy in Christ through my suffering
because I know that it is not purposeless. God does not have me go through my
suffering for nothing. He has promised
that it is trivial in comparison to eternity.
Romans 8:18 (ESV) says,
“For I consider that the
sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is
to be revealed to us.” Everyone who is on this earth is here for His greatest
purposes.
Friends, have you been as blessed and encouraged by Paige's words as I have?
You can learn more about Paige and her books at her website:
www.PaigesForGodsGlory.org
If you've enjoyed this post be sure to check out the post where I interview Paige and post a review of her latest book. PLUS, we have a fantastic giveaway that you don't want to miss!
Thank you Paige for being such an encouragement to use our God given gifts even though we feel lacking. I love your book Sofia and Her Morningstar! It's so BEAUTIFUL and full of Love!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting, Leslie. I'm so glad you continue to find encouragement through Paige's work. :)
DeleteThank you for your kind words! I am glad that Sofia and Her Morningstar has encouraged you, and I hope that the sequel will have an impact on you as well.
DeletePaige is a beautiful young woman with an inspiring story. I love collecting books, especially great illustrated books that I hope to read to my grandchildren some day. Paige's books need to be on my bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words about Paige. You can order Paige's books at her website (given above). There's a 15% discount going on right now. :)
DeleteThank you for your kind comment. I would be honored for you to have my books on your bookshelf as part of your collection! Use the code 15%OFF at checkout.
DeletePaige, you are an amazing young lady. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Your determination is an example for all of us to follow. Praying blessings over you and your work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Cathy. I'll make sure Paige gets your message.
DeleteThank you for your kindness and your prayers, Cathy. I am glad to know that God is using my story to inspire others.
DeleteSo beautifully inspirational! Thank you for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lexi! It is my pleasure to share my story with you.
DeleteYour story is amazing and your work is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment!
DeleteThank you, Paige, for your encouraging testimony. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, and thank you for your kind words. God bless you too.
Delete