She Discovered Her Life Mattered to God. Yours Does Too.

ME AND DARAIf it weren’t for God, we may have never crossed paths.

She submitted her story a couple years ago to be considered for the Your Life Still Counts project. At the time I didn’t know her at all. Yet her story immediately struck a chord in my heart. Something about her – was special.

Not because she had been dealt a difficult hand of cards in life, but because she had chosen to love the Lord with all her heart, and to believe that He fully loved her, regardless of her circumstances. She had chosen to not let her difficulties keep her discouraged, and instead, choose to seek God with all her heart and be used as a vessel to encourage others with the love of Christ. And she definitely encouraged me!

Through Dara’s journey of faith, she discovered that despite her limitations, difficulties, pain or frustrations,  her life mattered to God. She mattered to God. And He mattered to her.

I finally got to meet this sweet young woman for the first time in person last week, Dara Gentry, and it was such a huge blessing. Her sweet personality, kindness and gentleness exuded from her smiling face, and I even got to meet her loving mom who obviously raised her to love the Lord. Truly, she is an inspiration and a shining example of how God can use all things in our lives to help others come to know about His saving grace and how valuable we are to Him.

I just felt led to share her story with you today, which is shared in Your Life Still Counts  in Chapter Eight. She is just one of the twenty amazing women who have opened the door for God to turn their past, and their present, into a tool for glorifying Him, and who were selected to share their stories in my new book.

If you are inspired by Dara’s story, will you hop over and leave a comment of encouragement and prayer for her today? It will only take a few seconds. I know it would bless her so much, but it would also bless me.   🙂

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Dara’s Story

Growing up with spina bifida and wheelchair bound has not always been easy. I don’t always like it and sometimes I wish things were different.

It can be lonely at times, feeling like nobody understands. Hurtful people planted seeds of unworthiness in my mind years ago. They said things like “People only talk to you because they feel sorry for you,” and “People only hang out with you so they get something out of it, like not having to wait in line.”

Although those comments have caused me to question people’s motives, I have learned that God does understand and He will always be there for me, especially when I feel like I am all alone in the world or the only one who deals with struggles. I do have limitations which at times can be very frustrating, but I have realized that because of my limitations, I have more time to stop and listen to people and to be an encourager to them. I have also learned that God is the sustainer of life and that He can use every situation to bring us closer to Him.

Years ago I was faced with yet another surgery related to my disability, which required going through my appendix. However, when the surgery began, the doctor discovered my appendix had ruptured and was shriveled. He explained it probably burst as long as ten years ago and could have been fatal, but it wasn’t. The fact that God had kept me alive was an eye opener. If I were not meant to be here, I wouldn’t be. Whenever I struggle with thoughts of depression or suicide, I remember that miracle and that God must have a special purpose for my life, whatever that may be.

Dara Gentry lives in Apex, North Carolina, and strives to inspire others facing challenges to remember that God understands their struggles and that He has a special plan and purpose for their existence. Dara has served on a writers group, making cards as a source of encouragement to others. She is pursuing a degree in creative writing and plans to continue encouraging people to be all they can be through Christ.

BookCover_YLSCTo purchase your copy of Your Life Still Counts and be inspired by all the stories of the women who have allowed God to use their difficult experiences to draw them closer to Him and equip them to minister to others, CLICK HERE. 

 

 

* Karen Seigh is the winner of Pat Layton’s book Unstuck. Notified via email.

52 Comments

  1. Kat on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:22 am

    Dara I too live in Apex!! I hope our paths cross someday and I get the pleasure of meeting you. Thank you for your story.



  2. Gina Rogers on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:26 am

    Dara, Thank you for sharing your story. What an encouragement and great reminder for many of us that get caught up in our circumstances. God does love each one of us and has a specific plan for each of our lives Jer 29:11. Again, thank you for sharing and my prayer for you is that God’s favor and blessings continue to cover you as you follow Him!



  3. Teresa on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Dara,

    Thank you for the difference you have made with God in others lives and you continue to make a difference. Your story has truly reminded me of God’s love and how no matter what we go through it is all part of His ultimate plan and for His glory. Thank you for the example of faith you are to others.



  4. Kat in VA on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:32 am

    Dara, I once read that encouragers are the least often encouraged. Maybe they encourage because they know the value of it, and that it’s not given often enough. Thank you for sharing your story …. it encouraged me. I’m praying that God will encourage you in a very special way.



  5. patricia sunderland in England on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Dara, Thank you for your testimony of how God’s grace sustains us through all our difficulties. I pray our wonderful Jehovah Jireh will continue to refresh, renew, re energise and restore you through his amazing grace each new day.



  6. Marilyn on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Dear Dara,

    You are a beautiful child of God. You inspire me and others to keep our focus on God. I pray that God’s hand of favor and love will be felt in the deepest part of your spirit.

    In Christ,

    Marilyn



  7. Sharon on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Thank you Dara for sharing your story. You truly are an inspiration and filled with love. We are all blessed to have you here to share God’s love.



  8. Kellie on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Thank you Dara for your strength, courage and testimony. What a Blessing to read of someone living the faith we all should be doing. Thank you for being real!



  9. Donna on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:57 am

    Dara, your story is a blessing. Thank you for sharing. I am so glad you discovered you a important to God and to others!



  10. linda on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Dear precious Dara,
    I remember my first encounter with someone born with spina bifida.
    I was a 21 yr old mom with 2 young children, living in Atlanta Ga. My husband was in the military and we had just returned from an 18 month tour in S. Korea.
    The young couple next door had a son with spina bifida. I remember I would lay a blanket on the lawn for him and my boys and I would lay down with him to “picnic” and play. He had the sweetest temperament. I have always wondered about him and how he faired in the world. My kids? They have a sincere heart for the broken of the world. We are all different. We are all the same. You are beautiful. By God’s mercy and grace I know you have touched many hearts today with your story.
    God bless you!



  11. elizabeth zemanek on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:17 am

    hi dara ur story is very inspirational I have been diagnosed with bi polar disorder since my divorce from an abusive man and I have had this since 2004 and people can say hurtful things and I too have had suicidal thoughts I question my existence sometimes but I do feel god has a purpose for my life as well as urs ty for being u prayers and praises on ur life journey thank you elizabeth



  12. Sandi on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Dara,
    Thank you for sharing and continuing to be an inspiration to those around you. God is using you even when it doesn’t feel like it. You are so strong and encouraging to people you meet and everyone that hears your story. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.



  13. Gwen on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Dara,
    Thank you for sharing your story..your victories and your struggles. You absolutely know that God loves you…that He has a plan for you! Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. May you continue to be lead and let your light shine!



  14. Lee on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Dara, what a precious gift you are. Thank you! We have an adopted daughter with spina bifida. I pray I can encourage her with your sweet story. May our Heavenly Father always wrap you in His tender arms to know his abundant peace and joy. We have friends who recently moved to Apex, what a beautiful place. May you always be abundantly blessed there.



  15. WJ on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Dara,

    You are a blessing to me! Thank you for your faith. I too am on a very challenging journey and sometimes get distracted. But, thank you for emphasizing what’s important.

    I pray that God’s continued sustaining grace and favor surround you like a shield.



  16. Deb on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Oh Dara…thank you so much for choosing to walk in the Truth of God’s heart for you. Your choice reminds me of Joseph’s words in Genesis “What you meant for evil, God meant for good!” May the God of ALL hope fill you and use you mightily as you lean into His strength.



  17. Michelle on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Hello Dara,

    It’s obvious God is still working all things together for his glory in your life! Thank you for sharing your life with us, and for making us believe we do all have a purpose here in earth and God loves and adores us so much!! Sometimes unfortunately I need reminders when I get down on myself.
    Thank you for making my day!! Lots of love to you!! 🙂 xoxo God bless you abundantly!!!! 🙂



  18. Christine Dietz on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Dear Dara, You are an inspiration and a gift from God. May He continue to bless you and feed your spirit until we all live in His palace with our perfect bodies.



  19. Donna on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Dara,

    God has blessed you with a spirit of joy, and what a true Godly blessing that is. Your story is so encouraging and motivating. I am in awe of you and your “choice” to see things in a positive light. God will continue to strengthen you and use you for His kingdom, you are courageous and an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your story and being a testimony of hope. Many blessings to you.
    Your sister in Christ, Donna



  20. Arla on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Hey Dara,
    I am so proud and thankful you realize your value is found in HIM alone and have chosen to share HIM with others through your victory over tragedy! What satan intended to destroy, you have allowed CHRIST to redeem in a miracle of a LIFE devoted to HIM!! Praise HIS name and thank you!! I am privileged to call you Sister!
    Father,
    I lift Dara to YOU today asking YOU pour YOUR love and favor on her today. Water every seed she is planting and protect them from the enemy. Shine YOUR light through her and draw others to YOU. Praise YOU Father for all your many blessings YOU have and will pour over Dara’s life. In Jesus’ precious name!
    Can’t wait to read your writings!
    Arla



  21. Bri on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Dara,

    You are an inspiration to me. Just in the little I have read you have touched my heart and I am so very thankful that you have shared your story with me.

    Heavenly Father, I pray that you fill Dara with your peace, presence and that you allow her to see what a blessing she is. I pray that you protect her from the hurts of this world and keep her strong in faith. Thank you for allowing Tracie and Dara to reach me. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen



  22. Tia on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:26 am

    Beautiful inspiration- thank you for sharing- this story blesses others!



  23. Kay on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:44 am

    Dara, your story humbles me. I keep praying that others will see God through me but you live that way every day! Thank you, Tracie for sharing Dara with me.



  24. Jan daniel on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Dear Dara,
    I’m greatful for you sharing your story. You are such a strong and beautiful person. You are an inspiration to to more people than you know., I too have a Spina Bifida daughter. She also faces challenges. The one thing I have learned over the years is Spina Bifida people have a unique gift to be a blessing to others by their love for others their contagious smile and their love for God. Your story is an inspiration to me as a Mom and my daughter.
    God has truly blessed you!
    Keep Sharing your story!



  25. Linda on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Dara, thank you for being open and honest about your feelings. You have inspired me to keep going forward even when things seem unfair. That God does have a plan for each one of us. I pray that God will continue to pour out his blessings upon you as you continue to encourage others. You certainly have encouraged me today. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.



  26. Stacy Fortenberry on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:08 am

    What a beautiful picture of God’s love in your life story! Thank you for your courageous life shared to encourage all that God redeems all for His glory. You are a shining reflection of His love!
    Blessings to you!
    Stacy



  27. Nina Ruth on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Dara, you are lovely! What an inspiration! Thank you for being brave & sharing your story. Many people need to hear the hope that you have. We all have struggles that lead to the temptation to give up, but you are choosing Life in the name of the Prince of Life, Jesus! May He bless you above & beyond what you can ever hope or dream of!

    Love, your sister in Christ,
    Nina Ruth 🙂



  28. Judi Murdoch on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:29 am

    Dear Dara,
    You certainly are just where God wants you. He’s developed a special gift in you and I’m so glad for all the rest of us that you’re using it to help us and glorify Him.
    We all have ‘disabilities’. Some are just more visible than others. My friend with mental health problems said to me last week, “Why couldn’t I have been born without legs instead?”
    Wouldn’t it be wonderful to carry others’ loads for awhile? Encouraging them is the very best we can do. You Go, Girl!



  29. Jenn on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story, Dara! You are a lovely, shining light for Jesus. If we never meet here, I look forward to running through the streets of Heaven with you!



  30. Shelia on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Dara,
    What a word of encouragement. You are that light in a dark world. I pray that God will continue to bless you and that your story will continue to inspire others to move past their difficulties to God’s opportunities. Thank you,



  31. Carelyn on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    Dara, thank you for your courage and openness in sharing your beautiful story and, especially, for telling about your struggles and difficult feelings at times. As a former home health and hospice nurse, I praise God that you have chosen to be a real person because so many people try to put on a happy face and say everything’s always just blissful … but that doesn’t help others who are challenged with similar situations. That can be discouraging and even hurtful. People need to hear your story and how you have become an overcomer!! You have certainly ministered to me today 🙂 :-). I will be praying for you !



  32. Theresa on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    Hi Dara,
    Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Your strength and courage is an inspiration to us all. GOD has a special plan for your life, and you are living it. During our tests, trials, and tribulations, we can glean from you! GOD loves you, and we do too! Take care and GOD Bless!



  33. Tedi on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    Dara – your story is inspirational. God definitely has a plan for your life. Always remember His is the voice of truth. When others speak unkindness it is a lie. He will continue to use you to inspire and life up others. Gods blessings will continue to rain down on you!



  34. Eve on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    Thank you Dara for sharing your story of hope, love and faith through Jesus. We are so beautifully made and each one so different, thank you Jesus!



  35. Debbie on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Hi Dara,

    I am a teacher and just read your story. We are all blessed with different kinds of gifts. Your gift is evident in your story. You are a passionate, loving, and strong woman and are doing great things in the world. Yes, struggles can get us down and we cannot live in your shoes, but know that God has blessed you. I am so inspired by your story, it brought tears to my eyes. Today is my mom’s 87th Birthday. She is blind from diabetes and now has to be cared for in a nursing home. Yet, she has a pretty good outlook on life. My 92 year old dad drives and sees her everyday. Be strong my friend for many are here on the Earth who are praying for your continued blessings by God. This sounds like an amazing, inspiring book, Tracie!



  36. Karen on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    Thank You so much Dara, for sharing your story. Your story has brought great
    encouragement to me. Your are a very lovely woman,



  37. Arianna on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Dara,

    Thank you for your boldness and heart of courage to share your story. You are special, and you will positively affect many people in the days to come!

    Romans 8:28



  38. Joy on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    Dear Dara,
    Thank-you for sharing your miraculous story with us. What an encouragement you are! You have a very special gift to share with the world. “May the LORD bless you and take care of you; May the LORD be kind and gracious to you; May the LORD look on you with favor and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24.



  39. Patricia on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    Dear Dara,
    May God bless you for sharing your story! I pray that as you continue to follow where God leads, you will see lives changed because of your mission to share His Love with others. Thank you for your witness and encouragement. Blessings!



  40. Marisela Rios on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Thank you Dara for not giving up. Thank you for being brave when it would have been easier to hide. Thank you for trusting and letting God use you regardless the cost to your self esteem. Thank you for your faithfulness and God bless you as you continue your journey.



  41. Masyn on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    Dara,

    What an inspiring story! Thank you so much for the courage to share. Your perseverance and heart for the Lord is an encouragement for me. I will be praying for you sister 🙂



  42. Amaka on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    Thanks so much for your story. I am going through a difficult time at the moment and it has lifted my spirit, encouraging me that God is interested in all that concerns me. It is well with me. X



  43. Lisa on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:38 pm

    You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you.



  44. Minister P on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Hi Dara,
    You are only the second person that I know with that name. Such a beautiful name . Your story is a true inspiration . I will never complain about anything again. God has been so good to me and I need to be grateful . I shall be grateful. My complaints are often petty . God forgive me !



  45. Shena on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 8:43 am

    Hi Dara thanks for sharing your story. It is truly an inspiration and a testimony to the promise that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. You have blessed my heart! You are fearfully and wonderfully made and you have truly allowed all those whom you come into contact with to see that. May God continue to bless, strengthen and use you to be an inspiration to others!!



  46. Libby Quast on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Take pride in how far you have come. Know that God is with you every step of your journey and will provide you with what you need. Listen to His word through these comments of others, and feel His loving presence sink into your heart, soul, and mind. May our love be an invisible blanket of many arms hugging you and holding you, reminding you that you are a child of God, filled with faith, to face whatever may be causing you distress. Bless you, Mara. I will pray for you.



  47. Jaime on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11:38 am

    What a wonderful testimony Dara. You are truly an inspiration! So many of us have been granted a seemingly easier journey, but we have missed the point of this life a lot of the time. Thank you for bringing it back to the forefront. This life is not about us and our comfort, or controlling every detail for a “perfect” life, but about living out the purpose God put us here to accomplish. You are doing a wonderful job! Blessings Dara.



  48. Pat on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Dara, thank you for the blessing you gave to each of us today. You are amazing and a true example to all of us. God bless you always!



  49. Deanne G on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    Dara, your story is an inspiration, especially to all who face on-going difficulties. I am so grateful you shared your courageous journey and have a heart to encourage others through cards and your creative writing skills. Your story about surviving the ruptured appendix is such wonderful testimony to God’s care and protection. He truly does bring good out of all situations for those who love Him and are called to His purposes. May you always recognize you truly are His beloved. I know God is using your sweet spirit to encourage many others and to extend to them the love of God. Love to you.



  50. Barbara on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    Hi Dara,

    Thank you for sharing your story with Tracie and through her with us. Once again I am humbled by the encouragement, honesty and courage from another. Which just goes to prove how awesome God is that he can and will use each one of us for his glory as long as we are willing. I pray that you will continue to grow in strength and power so your message of God’s love will also continue to spread and touch the lives of those you meet.



  51. Cordy Nava on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Thank you Dara for your inspiration. Times can get difficult but I appreciate your words to remind us to take the time to talk to God and create a relationship with him.
    Blessings to you.



  52. Andrea Reiff on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Dara,

    Wow! You are an amazing young woman. You epitomize the true meaning of doing God’s work. You are an inspiration as the beautiful person Our Lord created you to be. Your pure heart encourages each of us to do God’s will. I look forward to reading more from you in the future, for I believe He has even greater things in story for your lovely spirit.

    Many blessings,
    Andrea Reiff



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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