Johanna Benthal

I take that mustard seed of faith, expecting the Lord to give me grace at the beginning of the next day, so I can take the next right step to move mountains.

Advocacy expands our view of what we thought was possible to include what we once thought was impossible, giving us strength for the journey.

As runners passed us by, we stayed our course. Sometimes I felt that familiar feeling of not moving fast enough as runners passed. It was a mental exercise as well as physical just to stay focused on the goal to enjoy the walk and make it to the finish line.

Hope is much more than wishful thinking or threadbare optimism.

We declare respect for human life and liberty when we protect and support others in their independent pursuits of happiness — wherever they find them — whether moving through the community in a wheelchair or telling their stories in front of crowds of people or in that first cup of coffee made with unsteady hands.

Everyone gets a chance to start over in little and big things in life. It’s hard for sure. These times are often called setbacks. I prefer to see these times as opportunities for new growth.

Johanna Benthal is writing a book about how to change perspective and see miracles in everyday life — “ordinary miracles.”

A fundraising effort by the local nonprofit Kait's Angels has made it possible for the family of Johanna Benthal to buy a special Surrey bike, giving the 20-year-old North Fork woman with physical disabilities the chance to safely exercise.

Johanna Benthal has always loved spending time outdoors. But her brain injury makes it difficult for her to exercise for very long, and her family has long struggled to find ways to get her outside and moving around.

In our times of struggle, it is important to remember that God can and will eventually either change our circumstances or our perspective. When we trust the Lord, it’s a win/win situation.