An Impulsive Leap

posted on May 12 by Linda Beck in the Guest Authors, Linda Beck, Wheelchair Accessible Vans category

In studying about faith, most Christians have heard, or used, the phrase “leap of faith.” Well, sometimes, I hate to use other people’s words, so I looked leap up in my antiquated dictionary. It is amazing how the words from the dictionary so aptly fit my recent acts of faith. Leap: to move quickly. I suppose I could say “my faith moved quickly.” Or leap: move abruptly. Yes, I did that too. But I especially like the word “impulsively.” I certainly did take an impulsive leap of faith.

One day I was celebrating the success of my book “My Sanctuary,” enduring some personal sadness, and the next thing I knew I was quickly, abruptly, and impulsively looking into buying a handicap van. And one might say I made a quick, abrupt, impulsive move when I decided it was time for me to “trust the Lord and lean not on my own understanding.”

Personally, I don’t have a problem understanding why I must do this ASAP. Family and some of my friends don’t understand this expensive move. Some folks who know about my personal life are concerned about how I will pay for it (even used handicap vans are very expensive.) One day it just came to my mind that my book is now going out “in the world,” not “all over the world yet,” but I think I need to “travel some with the book.” Disabled people go to support group meetings to share their health issues, for encouragement, and lots of other reasons. It helps some disabled folks to listen to a speaker, or read a book about someone who has walked in their shoes. I have faith that the sale of the books will help with the expense of owning one of these vehicles. I plan to use this also as a lesson learned especially for young multiple sclerosis patients and that lesson is…if you buy a vehicle and there is any way you can afford to, buy one of these that gives you freedom; then you can live on your own when it involves coming and going.

Last year when I put the doll house up for sale, people were so shocked. “Why do you want to sell the house you built for your handicapped needs?” they asked. Even with family and a lot of friends, I am physically alone. If you have never been totally alone, I probably cannot make you understand. Some light-hearted examples are as follows: three days of waiting for some Cheerwine (local soft drink, Salisbury is the hometown) your heart desires, or watching that pizza commercial, knowing that even though it’s only ten miles away, it might as well be in Timbuktu (or wherever).

When I put the house up for sale, I said then that if it was God’s will, He would send me a buyer, and He has not done so. He has, however, helped me to understand that I can best serve Him if I get back “out in the world” to share my faith and His presence with other troubled people. Just recently I was approved as a speaker for Christian Women’s Club again after eight years of absence due to my health. I received requests to speak in three locations almost immediately and once again I knew that God has plans for me and buying this van has given me the freedom to honor Him.

I’ve been told that my stories are an inspiration to others and I think most of these reflect God’s presence in my life. I am 62 years old and in the best health I have been in since before 2002. As long as I travel using handicapped accessible facilities and now having a conversion van, I can do almost anything I want to do with others, and/or by myself. And according to God’s Word, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13