Every once in a blue moon the “Fireball” in me arises. It’s been almost two weeks since my last blog. Many ideas have been swirling in my head but I never sat down to get them in writing. Maybe one day soon I will share. This topic I’m about to dive into is a personal one and opinions vary on the issue. Tempers can also vary. Just being honest. So what is this topic, you might be wondering….. disability income. You can take this with a grain of salt and read on.

I have been receiving disability income for years but not because I don’t want to work. On the contrary, I would love to be in the work place earning an honest living. Working and being able to accomplish something that meets goals is a self esteem builder. However, some people just don’t have all that it takes to be in the work force. It has been a frustrating journey for me. I graduated with honors from college in 1992. I won one of the two senior of the year awards in the Department of Health, Recreation and Safety. They could not decide between me and one other senior so they awarded us both. (My framed diploma and Senior award have been collecting dust in the attic for 30 years.) I had an awesome “college career” but the professional one has been disappointing.

For several years I worked as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in a subacute hospital. I quit that job and began working for my fathers business doing clerical work part time. He had bought a video magnifier so I could do the clerical paper work. Years down the road, Dad decided to sell his business and retire. The new owner let me go because he didn’t have my position at his other location.

Around this time my husband Ron met a legally blind man who told him about Social Security disability income. Let’s just say, you would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when he ran that idea by me. I said, “No I’m not doing that!” Was it a matter of pride? I don’t think so. I worked my tail off in college to expand my brain. Sure, I can’t see or hear well and I can’t drive, but I can think. I have a mind and know how to use it. It was a HOT topic with me but I finally gave in. It sure was a battle though. We had people that actually asked Ron why I didn’t work. It would take the right job, the right employer and the right circumstances for it to work. Do you know how difficult it is to align those things? My disabilities are not easily visible. I look normal. (At least I think so.😂 However some one might disagree.)

A few years ago, God laid it on my heart to write my autobiography. I marvel at how that came about. God has taught me so many things through the struggles and surrender. I will honestly say He gave me the encouragement and grit to push through and get my story into words. There were many hurdles and many tedious hours of typing with the computer zoomed in large. Am I proud of the book and accomplishment of writing it? Not really because I know I did not do it on my own but God divinely helped me. It’s been a God given gift to put things in writing. If you only saw the process , you would surely shake your head in wonder at the resilience it takes. I’ve sold a few books (a couple of hundred) and spoken at a few gathering. Self publishing through Westbow Press and blogging for the past two years have cost me a “pretty penny”. I’ve given away some books to simply encourage others to never give up and get the word out. I hope to one day get out of this what I have put into it. The eternal rewards will far outweigh the earthly ones. In truth, that’s what it’s all about.

It really burns me up when people suggest disability income when things don’t look so bright. It should not be the first choice in challenging circumstances. Seriously! If someone can work, don’t ever suggest disability income. It is like clipping someone’s wings. It is a knock to someone’s self esteem. It might look rosy short term but in the long term, it takes its toll. There is something about working and doing a good job that builds self worth. If someone has lost some abilities but still has enough to manage, encourage them to FLY! Don’t you dare clip their wings and deflate them by suggesting a hand out when they have the capability to soar with Gods help. I’ve heard the suggestion too many times over the years and I simply disagree with it. Don’t get me wrong, social security disability income has been a blessing for me even though I’d rather have the ability to work. Some people like me just have a lot stacked up against them. At last evaluation I can see 20/400. Did you catch my wording? Can see.. I can see some thing. Don’t take that away. Disabilities do not define who you are! Don’t ever forget that!

Speak life and encouragement to people. The Bible tells us in Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭24, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (NKJV). Try it! Don’t take my word for it, God’s Word says so.

The “Fireball” in me is finished with my “Soapbox Speech of the day”. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. This was not my usual blog but there comes a time when you need to speak up. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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