National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

Overcoming insurmountable challenges, and knowing
that "With God, all things are possible!"

Laura Beth Young
Inspirational Poet, Writer, Singer, Motivational speaker, and founder of Cheerful Hearts

When an accident left Laura Beth bed-ridden with spinal damage and chronic pain at the age of twenty- eight, she felt her life was over. But God had a different plan! She now shares the story of God's awesome power in her life. He has given her strength to raise four sons, who were all under the age of eight, from her bedside; as well as gifted her to become a dynamic speaker and creator of inspirational products that uplift, comfort, motivate, and encourage! Her web-site, www.CheerfulHearts.org, offers a plethora of free poetry and prose that will motivate you to live a life of purpose, passion, and greatness!

Visit her website

Overcoming insurmountable challenges, and knowing
that "With God, all things are possible!"

Host_Mary_Shep: Welcome to the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week seminar. My name is Mary (a.k.a. "Shep" to many of you), and I'll be your host for this hour. We will open in prayer; then our guest will present the topic, after which there will be a question and answer period, then we will close in prayer.

Laura Beth Young is an Inspirational Poet, Writer, Singer, Motivational Speaker, and Founder of Cheerful Hearts. When an accident left Laura Beth bed-ridden with spinal damage and chronic pain at the age of twenty- eight, she felt her life was over. But God had a different plan! She now shares the story of God's awesome power in her life. He has given her strength to raise four sons, who were all under the age of eight, from her bedside; as well as gifted her to become a dynamic speaker and creator of inspirational products that uplift, comfort, motivate, and encourage!

Her web-site, www.CheerfulHearts.org, offers a plethora of free poetry and prose that will motivate you to live a life of purpose, passion, and greatness!

Her topic for today is: "Overcoming insurmountable challenges, and knowing that 'With God, all things are possible!'"

But before we begin, let's ask the Lord's blessing upon our time and our speaker.

Father, we thank you for being a loving and caring Father. We trust that today is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We pray for those who are hurting today Lord, those who hurt physically, emotionally and spiritually. Comfort them as they come to hear words of encouragement and love. Bless our speaker; guide the words that are spoken so that when we are done here, we will know that we have been in Your Presence. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Now, It is my pleasure to introduce Laura Beth Young! Laura Beth, it has been my pleasure to prepare with you this week. Welcome and may the Lord bless you as you share with us today!

Laura_Beth: Hello everyone, I am so excited to be here today! I am thrilled for the opportunity to share with you the awesome power that God has displayed in my life! It is my hope and prayer that today's message will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, comforted, and encouraged! And that you will leave this chat session knowing that no matter what your circumstance, no matter how many obstacles come your way, that "With God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! "

I am going to begin by sharing a condensed version of my story, and then I would like to open up for some questions. If time permits, I would also like to share a few of my poems with you, as each one marks a significant source of importance as to how God comforted me ,and gave me strength in both mind and spirit.

So sit back, relax, and may your heart be inspired…

An amazing story to share; it is one of great tragedy, but more importantly one that displays the triumphant power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It is a story about overcoming insurmountable challenges, and going on to live a life full of purpose, passion and greatness.

At the age of twenty-eight, I became bed-ridden due to permanent spinal damage. I was a full-time mother of four sons, all under the ages of eight. The world that I absolutely loved evaporated before my eyes. My husband and I only had each other, and there was not enough money to hire a care taker for me or the children. The physical pain and emotional devastation seemed more than I could withstand and the incredible stress my husband endured was unimaginable.

There was only one thing that allowed us to hold on, and that was our strong faith in God. We were sustained during our darkest hours by His mercy and grace. As time went on, we learned to adjust to our new circumstances. My husband would carry me down the stairs to the couch, and we would put up gates so that the children were contained in my presence. My oldest son, Joseph, had to be my hands and feet, handing me bottles, diapers, and whatever else I needed. My husband Joe suddenly became Mr. Mom in the evenings, tending to and caring for me and the boys. He is a true hero, in every sense of the word!

I began learning how to creatively parent from my bed-side, and ran the ship like a well oiled machine. We read tons of stories, watched lots of good movies, played board games, hang man, even hide and go seek. I would close my eyes while they hid, and then verbally guess where they were. It is amazing what you can do while lying on your side.

I often felt badly though, that I was not up and about running around with them. Feelings of failure and inadequacy were always lurking in the corners of my mind.

They are all much older now, 19, 17, 14, & 12. And I now see how the hardships, as well as our love have produced incredible, fine young men. We have had are challenges with them, as most parents do, but the important thing is that they are compassionate, kind hearted, responsible individuals. And I am so very proud of them!

There is a second half to this amazing story, and I am overjoyed to share it with you. Though I lost my dream of being the hands- on mother that I desired, a new dream was birthed in me. I began penning all of my thoughts and emotions into poetry and song, and knew that one day I would share this with others, offering encouragement and hope to those going through difficult times. As the children grew older and needed less of my time, I began educating myself about the publishing world via the internet. I had a vision in my heart to open up my own inspirational company, and had the name for over ten years. In November of 2006 my dream came true with the Grand Opening of ~Cheerful Hearts~ !!!

www.CheerfulHearts.org is a place where anyone can go to find compassion, encouragement & inspiration!! I offer an entire line of inspiring products including beautifully framed poetry, deluxe specialty greeting cards, personalized specialty gifts, and much more!!! I also provide a plethora of Free poetry, true short stories, devotionals, and coming soon, an inspirational e-zine. I am now living the dream that was deposited in my heart so long ago, and for many years I had no idea how it would ever be possible. But God knew, and this proves that anything is possible!!!

The majority of my life is lived in a horizontal position, but look at what amazing things have been born from this. So please be encouraged that whatever your disappointments, whatever your obstacles, keep trusting, keep hoping, have faith that God has a plan for your life, rest in Him, and always BELIEVE!!!

I would like to share a poem with you all, but would be happy to answer some questions first if you like

Host_Mary_Shep: Laura Beth, from your story of mothering from your couch, and the activities you shared with your kids, I can see how you probably have spent MORE time with your children than many 'busy moms' do as they are raising children. How do you think that part of your life affected who the boys are today?

Laura_Beth: Yes, I see that now, and hope anyone out there just beginning realizes they can do much more for their children while being still, than the normal busy lives most live. My kids have learned compassion, hard work, trusting in God to sustain, and so much more. What Satan meant for harm, God meant for good!

agape: I just had visual loss added to mobility issues. I am still in the running into wall stages. Did you have a period where you were just darned angry?

Laura_Beth: Yes, anger is a part of it, and I learned that God can handle our anger. We just have to tell Him about it and not stay there.

I am going to share with you a poem titled "If Only.. ", it was written when I felt my life could only be better if God would heal me, and a battle I struggle with at different times in my life to this day. It always comes down to turning back to His will, and trusting in his love.

"If Only . . ."

If only circumstances were different life wouldn't be this way

If Only God would answer me, I could make it through the day

If Only dreams and visions, would suddenly come to pass

I'd be free from this pain and torment; I could go on with life at last!

My bodies growing weary, my faith is growing weak

It's you Oh God I'm clinging to; it's you Oh God I seek

If Only you would dry my tears, and deliver me from this dread

If Only you would free me Lord, giving me the life that I desire instead

Internally I feel the answer, welling up within

The Only thing that needs to change, is my attitude once again

Gently I'm reminded, in God's very special way

If Only you'd stop questioning, your mind will be at rest

If Only you will remember, for you I desire the best

If Only you will trust in me, I will see you through

I know it's hard, and that you're struggling

But my child, I am here for you

IF ONLY……………

Agape: What if you were very active in ministry and then, bam, you can't even get into the church anymore because they are not handicap accessible for your mobility? I know there are other churches, but what if you want that church family?

Laura_Beth: One solution is to join groups on line, another thing we do is have small fellowship groups in our home. Fellowship is vital with other believers!

Kathleen_Wells: Did you ever have days that you needed comfort and you just couldn't be comforted?

Laura_Beth: There were several years in the beginning where I struggled with the will to live, but I knew God did not want me to take my life. What helped during those times was putting on praise music and singing through the tears.

Host_Mary_Shep: If nothing else is certain, the beauty of your poetry is proof that beautiful and good things can come from tragic situations! Thank you for sharing your heart Laura Beth!

Laura_Beth: Sorry, my response did not show up. Thanks for the kind words; it is a blessing to me to be able to share with others. And I want people to realize that it is hard to see God's plan in the darkest hour, but it comes later.

Jan-Lyn: My extended family criticizes and disapproves of my home schooling since I cannot get the children out of the house and with other children as much. Your comment is most helpful. Can you see the fruits of home schooling them as I am available for sure, I just cannot run a marathon or even get out of the house some days. What do you think?

Laura_Beth: I think you can do tons of creative things with your kids at home. And you need a support team, maybe those family members who are critical could run them to some sports events

Karen: God bless you for your wonderful story! I'm now wondering how you manage on days you are feeling all the weight of the world on your shoulders & the pain has set in. As "Just Believe" is my motto.

Laura_Beth: There are still moments when I feel the pain and isolation are too hard to handle, but I go to the scriptures, and also God usually give me an encouraging poem when I am at my worst.

penny: Did you write poetry before your illness?

Laura_Beth: No, I was not a writer at all. This was truly a gift from the Lord. I think I have written over thirty poems, as well as children's story poems, songs and lot's more. I am so thankful to God for the outlet. In the beginning, I heard the Lord tell me to start journaling. I wrote every day for ten years by hand in my journals. Over that period God gave me all of the poetry and songs as well. I tucked it all away as my four sons took all my energy, but then my husband hooked me up with a lap top. And it opened my world.

I will answer more questions, but wanted to tell you about this in case anyone has to leave. I am giving away one of my beautifully matted poems in a drawing for anyone who signs up for my FREE inspirational e-zine is in the works and should be launched in the next few months It will deliver a bi-monthly dose of inspiration, encouragement, good news, and Cheer! If you want to enter the drawing, send an e-mail to LauraBeth@CheerfulHearts.org, and enter e-zine / drawing in the subject line.

The winner will be announced in the first publication of my one of a kind ~Cheer-Mail~

Host_Mary_Shep: Thank you for your questions and comments. We will be drawing to an end in a few minutes and then closing in prayer, but first, let's let Laura Beth bring us her closing thoughts. If you want to stay after the prayer, perhaps Laura will be here to visit for a few more minutes.

agape: Do you ever feel that you were one of God's fine instruments, used by His hand to do mighty works and then suddenly you find yourself limited (health wise) and am no longer able to be used.....and find yourself being going from a calligraphy pen to a Crayola marker (excuse the analogies)?

Laura_Beth: Oh my gosh, yes! I first had the vision for Cheerful Hearts when I was healthy and walking. I was learning piano, juggling, and teaching the boys. And then, all of the sudden, I was bed-ridden. I was so confused and heart broken. But years later, the desire came back and though not in the same way I had thought, God still had a ministry of Cheering people up for me to do!

Well, it looks like our hour is up, thank you so much for listening. May God Bless and comfort you all!

Host_Mary_Shep: Our hour is over much too quickly. This has been an incredible time of sharing and I know you have touched the hearts of all of us today Laura Beth! Thank you, Laura Beth... now, let's close in prayer!

Heavenly Father, we thank you that You have been here with us today! Thank you that it is always true "With God… All things are possible! In YOUR TIME all things work together for good for those who love You Lord!

We are so thankful that your eye is on us all the time and that YOU will make a way, open the doors and make all things beautiful "In Your Time". Thank you again for the encouragement of Laura's testimony and inspirational poems.

May one here today who is hurting deeply truly be changed as a result of being here today Lord.

Thank you, Jesus, Amen!

Laura Beth has asked to answer the rest of the questions in queue -- If you would like to stick around a moment, she will do that -- if not, please feel free to go to the Lobby to chat in open chat!

Jan-Lyn: Thank you. My husband also has said it when criticism comes, that is the time to politely delegate. It is hard to do so as I never asked for help.

Laura_Beth: I always did it all to, I never liked to ask for help. But it actually allows people to feel needed. So it is a good thing!

LRae: My husband and I lost our son 4 years ago (stillborn) and don't know if I can have children again. We've been researching adoption and are heading that way, but I am scared to death that I will be a terrible mom because of all my limitations. Am I really fit to be a good parent?

Laura_Beth: The most important thing a child needs is to know they're loved, and I am sure you would adore whoever you adopted. But I must tell you, it is challenging, and any mother I know, even perfectly healthy ones, worry about doing it all right! I went through that as well, it hurts, but you have to realize they just don't understand. That is where Rest Ministries is so wonderful, because you have a group of Christians who do understand. And as I grew stronger in my illness, I found others could handle it better too.

agape: My church family seems to have abandoned me. They don't know what to say with all these health issues and changes????

Host_Mary_Shep: We are not taking further questions. Please be sure to check out Laura Beth's website, she will post it again before she signs out - or you can click on NICIAW below and look on the schedule and get a direct link to her website from there! God Bless and thank you for all your questions.

Laura_Beth: Well guys, I need to let Mary have the room now, but please visit me at www.CheerfulHearts.org, and make sure you sign up for my e-zine. I will have a section on there called "Laura Listens" and will answer questions just like these. Bye guys!