“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. Nature displays His handiwork." ~ Psalm 19:1
At seventeen, Brittney (Brit) was dying, and she couldn’t
do anything about it. Though her friends didn’t realize it, they were watching
her die. They saw her floating face down in the lake, but assumed she was just
clowning around.
But she wasn’t messing
around. She simply couldn’t move. Not her arms. Not her legs. Nothing. She had
yet to comprehend that her life had already changed forever.
X-rays would confirm a fracture of the C5 vertebra and acute spinal cord damage.
Total paralysis of the upper and lower body. In nanoseconds, she went from
being an adventurous, outgoing, bold student-athlete to worrying about her
future and grieving the loss.
Brit spent six weeks
in the hospital. She lost her mobility, muscle tone and nearly all memories of
the previous 12 months. Her entire junior year… eviscerated. But during the
slow rehab process, she decided that she
was ‘all-in,’ and followed God’s lead despite the tragedy. Hope emerged. Optimism
flourished. Faith amplified.
She completed her
senior year on schedule and graduated from college while living at home
adjusting to her new reality. After considering a career in medicine, Brittney
pivoted to law, and at age 27, earned her law degree from SMU.
“I love the intricate details of a flower. It’s delicate petals,
vibrant colors, and sweet fragrance all point to God’s artistry. His power
speaks to me in towering mountain heights, their rugged terrain and snow-capped
peaks.”
“The magnificence of a sunrise - its fiery hues and fading light remind me of the beauty of His creation. An endless blue
ocean, its thundering waves and diverse marine life, all testify to the immensity
of God's creation.”
“I also love to close my eyes and breathe in nature’s
noises, listening to a river run. Any time I’m near water, it rejuvenates my
spirit. I feel alive and humbled. Birds are usually close by – blue jays, sparrows,
and hawks. I feel them as auditory smiles and expressions of pure bliss.”
Witnessing the
totality of God’s creation can invite us into a deeper appreciation for God and
His handiwork. Her broken neck was a freak accident that forced her to learn
things she never would’ve understood as an able-bodied person. Her message is
one of perseverance and hope.
“My faith has been
strengthened and purified by this whole ordeal,” she added. “My greatest joy is
the deep gratitude I’ve experienced, even during some of my darkest days. Even
though I sit in a metal wheelchair each day, remain hopeful. Good is amazing!”
