Did you know that WORDS hurt? I'm sure you do. But do you also know that the use of the wrong words can also inflict pain? I'm sure you do also.
Kathie Snow's article "People First Language" reminded me of the power of words. Her article references the correct use of descriptive words relating to the disabilities community. Please read her entire article at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
What did I learn?
"Handicapped" is an archaic term -- it's no longer used in any federal legislation - that evokes negative images (pity, fear and more.)
"Disabled" is also not appropriate. Traffic reports frequently say, "disabled vehicle." (They once said stalled car.") In that context, "disabled"means "broke down." People with disabilities are not broken down!
Words are descriptive - they describe a person, a place or a thing. To correctly describe people, we must use the correct descriptive word.
The most important lesson I learned from her article:
People First Language puts the person before the disability, and it describes what a person has, not who a person is.
For example:
SAY - People with disabilities INSTEAD OF - The handicapped or disabled.
Let's take Kathie Snow's advice and THINK before we SPEAK.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year
Welcome to 2010 --a year of promised memories that will change your life.
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Memories
Christmas 2009 is history – and with it are incredible memories of time shared with family and friends.
Every Christmas I write the Carey Family Yearly Review – a month-by-month recap of the year; a tradition since 2001. Although it takes me hours and hours to write, it is a gift that keeps on giving year after year. Each member of my family receives their own PERSONALIZED review with words of wisdom from the Father in Heaven.
Thank GOD for the calendar on my refrigerator and my monthly reviews – they hold the memories in great detail. If I had to “remember” all the details of 365 days, it would be a MIRACLE.
As I wrote this year’s review, my heart overflowed with memories that changed our lives – from the marriage of my youngest son to the engagement of my eldest son. My sons are not my little boys anymore – but my adult boys whom I cherish and love deeply. They are expanding our family with daughters. I’m blessed to call them my friends as well as my sons. As a young mother I watched them grow in physical size and strength. As a mature mother, I now watch them grow in spiritual strength. Although the world tries to snatch them away, their faith keeps them close to the heart of God.
Children are GIFTS from God and we need to remind them daily how precious they are to us. We need to remind them constantly of God’s love for them – not just on Christmas.
It’s the little things that make our children feel important – thought of – cherished. And for this mom, it’s postcards. As an avid photographer, I use my photography as postcards to send special scripture reminders of how much God loves them. And you know, they receive them with love. Since they are truly personalized, they become keepsakes.
I’m blessed to have two sons – two precious gifts from God. Regardless of their ages, they are still my babies.
Christmas is over – a new year will soon begin. Add a new tradition to your Christmas to-do’s. Write a letter to your children – tell them how much you love them. Send them cards throughout the year – reminders that you are thinking about them. Two precious gifts that cost little, but are priceless.
From this mom to all moms around the world – SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH YOUR CHIDLREN TODAY. Tell them how much they mean to you – Tell them and SHOW them.
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
Every Christmas I write the Carey Family Yearly Review – a month-by-month recap of the year; a tradition since 2001. Although it takes me hours and hours to write, it is a gift that keeps on giving year after year. Each member of my family receives their own PERSONALIZED review with words of wisdom from the Father in Heaven.
Thank GOD for the calendar on my refrigerator and my monthly reviews – they hold the memories in great detail. If I had to “remember” all the details of 365 days, it would be a MIRACLE.
As I wrote this year’s review, my heart overflowed with memories that changed our lives – from the marriage of my youngest son to the engagement of my eldest son. My sons are not my little boys anymore – but my adult boys whom I cherish and love deeply. They are expanding our family with daughters. I’m blessed to call them my friends as well as my sons. As a young mother I watched them grow in physical size and strength. As a mature mother, I now watch them grow in spiritual strength. Although the world tries to snatch them away, their faith keeps them close to the heart of God.
Children are GIFTS from God and we need to remind them daily how precious they are to us. We need to remind them constantly of God’s love for them – not just on Christmas.
It’s the little things that make our children feel important – thought of – cherished. And for this mom, it’s postcards. As an avid photographer, I use my photography as postcards to send special scripture reminders of how much God loves them. And you know, they receive them with love. Since they are truly personalized, they become keepsakes.
I’m blessed to have two sons – two precious gifts from God. Regardless of their ages, they are still my babies.
Christmas is over – a new year will soon begin. Add a new tradition to your Christmas to-do’s. Write a letter to your children – tell them how much you love them. Send them cards throughout the year – reminders that you are thinking about them. Two precious gifts that cost little, but are priceless.
From this mom to all moms around the world – SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH YOUR CHIDLREN TODAY. Tell them how much they mean to you – Tell them and SHOW them.
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
Sunday, November 1, 2009
So do not FEAR, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Fear – four letters that raise the blood pressure and cause anxiety. And in 2009, fear has touched the lives of millions. Fear of losing a job. Fear of losing a spouse. Fear of losing a child. Fear of losing our health. Fear of losing a home. Fear of not being all we can be for God. Fear can consume every part of our life.
Fear was the topic of a sermon I heard recently. It reminded me of my fears, and it also reminded me that God knows my fears.
“Be not dismayed for I am your God.”
When fear grips our lives, we need to turn to God. We need to remember his words to us – Be not dismayed for I am your God. Although it seems difficult, and sometimes impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we need to hold on to God’s words of encouragement.
GOD will not give us more than we can handle. He already gave us his SON – the fulfillment of all fears this life can give. It’s when we take our eyes off JESUS and his finished work on the Cross that we allow fear to take control.
We can’t live in FEAR – afraid to live; afraid to experience the joy of life of taking a train ride, a boat ride, an airplane ride. God is with us during the day and at night and everywhere we go on every form of transportation. He knows the beginning, middle and end of our lives – he knows our every thought and he knows the plans he has for us – and they don’t include living in fear.
“I will strengthen you and help you.”
With God’s strength, we can overcome any fear. But we must first ASK for help, which for many A-type personalities is a difficult thing to do. As I wrote that last sentence, Matt 7:7 came to mind, “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek, and you will find, knock, and it shall be opened to you.” When in fear, ask for God’s strength to overcome the fear.
“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God is there for us – he is our tower of strength in times of FEAR. He will hold us in the palm of his hand – protecting us from harm. But – in order to believe he can, we have to believe in Jesus Christ, his son. We can’t ask God to uphold us unless he sees his Son in us.
Fear can overtake us at every turn – and it will if we let it.
During the recent Halloween festivities, I was reminded of my commitment to God over thirty years ago to NOT celebrate any holiday that does not bring GLORY to God. And I stood firm on this commitment this year. And I believe I made an impression on my workplace by denying the holiday, “I don’t celebrate a holiday that doesn’t bring glory to God.” I didn’t let the fear of rejection from my coworkers keep me from speaking my faith; I was the only employee that confessed this statement out loud. As the volunteer photographer for company events, I declined this event. And many approached me with, “Why?” My reason allowed me to share my faith.
Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
If you believe in Jesus, when FEAR tries to take control, repeat this scripture over and over until it touches the FEAR and destroys it!
If you don’t believe in Jesus, it’s time you do. Ask Jesus into your heart today and accept his strength to help you overcome your fears.
© Nancy Carey
author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
www.nancycarey.com
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Shedding the old is a good lesson for Fall
Hard to believe it is Fall of 2009. Where did the year go?
As an avid scrapbooker, I write a monthly journal of the “achievements” of the month. And of course I add lots of pictures to the journal as memories of the previous month’s events.
As Fall “falls” upon the landscape, I’m amazed at the blaze of orange and reds that blanket the trees and ground. My camera has captured some beautiful images of this transformation; a subtle reminder that summer is gone, and the cool weather is taking control of the remaining months of 2009.
Fall also reminds me of releasing. As the leaves fall upon the ground, they “release” their ties that bind them to the tree. When God created this cycle, he knew that shedding of the old prepares for the new.
Without shedding the old leaves, the trees will not be ready for the birth of the new leaves in the spring. Trees continue to grow bigger and stronger because they recycle. They don’t stay the same year after year – they continually shed the old to give birth to new. They achieve their goal when all their leaves are on the ground, which doesn’t happen overnight, but over a period of time designed by God. This time period allows us to enjoy the beauty of the transformation throughout the fall season.
Shedding the old is a good lesson for Fall. As 2009 turns the corner to closure, it’s time we “shed” our old beliefs or habits so our lives will be ready for the “rebirth”cycle in 2010. It’s time we look inside our hearts and release the ties that bind us to the past; let go of habits that hinder instead of build. Let go of anger and replace with peace. Let go of relationships that destroy instead of encourage. Let go of anything that keeps us from Jesus, the finisher of our faith. Regardless of what other people have done to change our lives (downsizing, loss of home etc,) simply RELEASE the past so the SPRING will return in our step!
Winter, spring, summer and fall – all have a purpose from God; and so do we. God wants us to continue to recycle and grow bigger and stronger – physically, intellectually and spiritually. But as long as we hold on to the past, the newness of life will not occur, God doesn’t want us to stay the same – he wants us to grow into the person he created us to be.
As you watch the trees shed their leaves this fall, take a moment to release the ties that bind you to the past. Then review your previous month’s achievements. If you don’t have any to record, then get about God’s purpose for your life to create some for next month. Life is dull without achievements – as the tree prepares all year to shed its leaves in the fall, prepare for your BIG release next month – you don’t have to wait a year to see the results.
God's Blessings for a BEAUTIFUL FALL season.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
www.nancycarey.com
As an avid scrapbooker, I write a monthly journal of the “achievements” of the month. And of course I add lots of pictures to the journal as memories of the previous month’s events.
As Fall “falls” upon the landscape, I’m amazed at the blaze of orange and reds that blanket the trees and ground. My camera has captured some beautiful images of this transformation; a subtle reminder that summer is gone, and the cool weather is taking control of the remaining months of 2009.
Fall also reminds me of releasing. As the leaves fall upon the ground, they “release” their ties that bind them to the tree. When God created this cycle, he knew that shedding of the old prepares for the new.
Without shedding the old leaves, the trees will not be ready for the birth of the new leaves in the spring. Trees continue to grow bigger and stronger because they recycle. They don’t stay the same year after year – they continually shed the old to give birth to new. They achieve their goal when all their leaves are on the ground, which doesn’t happen overnight, but over a period of time designed by God. This time period allows us to enjoy the beauty of the transformation throughout the fall season.
Shedding the old is a good lesson for Fall. As 2009 turns the corner to closure, it’s time we “shed” our old beliefs or habits so our lives will be ready for the “rebirth”cycle in 2010. It’s time we look inside our hearts and release the ties that bind us to the past; let go of habits that hinder instead of build. Let go of anger and replace with peace. Let go of relationships that destroy instead of encourage. Let go of anything that keeps us from Jesus, the finisher of our faith. Regardless of what other people have done to change our lives (downsizing, loss of home etc,) simply RELEASE the past so the SPRING will return in our step!
Winter, spring, summer and fall – all have a purpose from God; and so do we. God wants us to continue to recycle and grow bigger and stronger – physically, intellectually and spiritually. But as long as we hold on to the past, the newness of life will not occur, God doesn’t want us to stay the same – he wants us to grow into the person he created us to be.
As you watch the trees shed their leaves this fall, take a moment to release the ties that bind you to the past. Then review your previous month’s achievements. If you don’t have any to record, then get about God’s purpose for your life to create some for next month. Life is dull without achievements – as the tree prepares all year to shed its leaves in the fall, prepare for your BIG release next month – you don’t have to wait a year to see the results.
God's Blessings for a BEAUTIFUL FALL season.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
www.nancycarey.com
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Through our Misery we find our Ministry
With Jesus, everything is possible. His outreach started with one!
Misery, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune or a feeling of intense unhappiness.
Everyone, at sometime in their life, experiences misery. It’s never welcome and definitely never fun, but it happens. For some, such intense unhappiness causes a total change in personality; a withdrawal from the normal activities of life.
Regardless of what causes the misery; a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, a wrong choice – whatever, it is real – emotionally and physically real. The overwhelming feeling of loss or failure can cause shame - a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt.
Misery can lasts a few days, a few months – and sometimes for years. It’s a journey though a dark tunnel where the only light is from a pin hole! But it doesn’t have to last forever, and it doesn’t have to be a time to forget. It should be a time of learning and expanding the level of faith one has in their Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ.
We were never promised a continual rose garden – along the way there will be thorns. But the question is “Do we live with the pain of the thorns, or do we pull them out and let the wounds heal? Healing means recognizing the source of the misery and accepting the grace of Jesus Christ for the victory.
Through the misery, we do find our ministry. Or, the ministry we have grows stronger and reaches more people than ever before. It expands our compassion and strengthens our determination to comfort those who are experiencing a similar tribulation.
For those in the midst of the misery, it is hard to hear the words, “I know what you are going through” from someone who has NOT experienced it. Only a person who has been through your misery can honestly say, “I have been there and am now an overcomer!”
Overcomers are victorious – they pulled out the thorns of their misery and birthed a ministry to reach just one with their message of hope.
Everyone has a ministry; an outreach to help another person. Just as Jesus went to the cross for just one, our ministry can help just one.
As I wrote that last sentence, the lyrics from a song written by Babbie Mason titled “Each One, Reach One” comes to mind:
But each one can reach oneAs we follow after Christ we all can lead oneWe can lead one to the SaviorAnd together we can tell the world that Jesus is the wayIf we each one reach one
Through our misery we DO find our ministry. We do not have to live in a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune or a feeling of intense unhappiness.
And our ministry can start with one -- not elaborate or worldwide – it can be one person offering words of hope and compassion to another.
With Jesus, everything is possible. His outreach started with one!
© Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
www.nancycarey.com
Misery, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune or a feeling of intense unhappiness.
Everyone, at sometime in their life, experiences misery. It’s never welcome and definitely never fun, but it happens. For some, such intense unhappiness causes a total change in personality; a withdrawal from the normal activities of life.
Regardless of what causes the misery; a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, a wrong choice – whatever, it is real – emotionally and physically real. The overwhelming feeling of loss or failure can cause shame - a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt.
Misery can lasts a few days, a few months – and sometimes for years. It’s a journey though a dark tunnel where the only light is from a pin hole! But it doesn’t have to last forever, and it doesn’t have to be a time to forget. It should be a time of learning and expanding the level of faith one has in their Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ.
We were never promised a continual rose garden – along the way there will be thorns. But the question is “Do we live with the pain of the thorns, or do we pull them out and let the wounds heal? Healing means recognizing the source of the misery and accepting the grace of Jesus Christ for the victory.
Through the misery, we do find our ministry. Or, the ministry we have grows stronger and reaches more people than ever before. It expands our compassion and strengthens our determination to comfort those who are experiencing a similar tribulation.
For those in the midst of the misery, it is hard to hear the words, “I know what you are going through” from someone who has NOT experienced it. Only a person who has been through your misery can honestly say, “I have been there and am now an overcomer!”
Overcomers are victorious – they pulled out the thorns of their misery and birthed a ministry to reach just one with their message of hope.
Everyone has a ministry; an outreach to help another person. Just as Jesus went to the cross for just one, our ministry can help just one.
As I wrote that last sentence, the lyrics from a song written by Babbie Mason titled “Each One, Reach One” comes to mind:
But each one can reach oneAs we follow after Christ we all can lead oneWe can lead one to the SaviorAnd together we can tell the world that Jesus is the wayIf we each one reach one
Through our misery we DO find our ministry. We do not have to live in a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune or a feeling of intense unhappiness.
And our ministry can start with one -- not elaborate or worldwide – it can be one person offering words of hope and compassion to another.
With Jesus, everything is possible. His outreach started with one!
© Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
www.nancycarey.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
An Addicts Life
I confess … I have an addiction. And NO, I do not need help to quit because I don’t want to.
In 2001 I got hooked – completely. It wasn’t a slow addiction – but immediately took control of my life. Day after day it consumed me. I couldn’t escape its control – the more I resisted the more control it took.
I didn’t feel trapped within the addiction – but felt exhilarated by it. The joy it brought me was incredible. And, not only me, but all who benefited from my addiction.
Wonder what my addiction is?
I’ll give you a few hints:
It is a life changing habit.
It costs money
It consumes my time
It brings great joy
That’s a few of what it does … now here are a few of what it doesn’t do …
It doesn’t destroy the body
It doesn’t break the law
It doesn’t separate families
It doesn’t require I hide it
What is my addiction? In a moment, but first …
I’ll also confess that I am addicted for life – and no one can send me to rehab. Since it captured my life, I’ve become a different person. I’ve changed – I’ve learned that without it, life would be dull and boring.
OK … I’m ready to reveal my addiction …
Ready … here it is ….
SCRAP BOOKING … GOTCHA!!! You thought it was something completely different, and harmful.
Yes, the addiction changed my life. And not only my life, but the life of my family and friends. Since 2001, I’ve created over 50 albums of life memories; cherished events of the life of the Carey family. And each month as I add the precious events to the pages of my albums, I thank GOD for his revelation of this habit for photography and writing. Pictures and stories combined create the whole story of the Carey family. I treasure these albums and know one day they will share the story of how much Nancy Carey loved her family. And without wondering who she was, or what she loved to do, they can simply open the pages of the albums and see for themselves.
SO … there you have it! I’m addicted to Scrapbooking and proud of it. Now I wouldn’t suggest you become an addict of anything – but scrapbooking, now that is an addiction everyone can live with.
© Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
www.nancycarey.com
In 2001 I got hooked – completely. It wasn’t a slow addiction – but immediately took control of my life. Day after day it consumed me. I couldn’t escape its control – the more I resisted the more control it took.
I didn’t feel trapped within the addiction – but felt exhilarated by it. The joy it brought me was incredible. And, not only me, but all who benefited from my addiction.
Wonder what my addiction is?
I’ll give you a few hints:
It is a life changing habit.
It costs money
It consumes my time
It brings great joy
That’s a few of what it does … now here are a few of what it doesn’t do …
It doesn’t destroy the body
It doesn’t break the law
It doesn’t separate families
It doesn’t require I hide it
What is my addiction? In a moment, but first …
I’ll also confess that I am addicted for life – and no one can send me to rehab. Since it captured my life, I’ve become a different person. I’ve changed – I’ve learned that without it, life would be dull and boring.
OK … I’m ready to reveal my addiction …
Ready … here it is ….
SCRAP BOOKING … GOTCHA!!! You thought it was something completely different, and harmful.
Yes, the addiction changed my life. And not only my life, but the life of my family and friends. Since 2001, I’ve created over 50 albums of life memories; cherished events of the life of the Carey family. And each month as I add the precious events to the pages of my albums, I thank GOD for his revelation of this habit for photography and writing. Pictures and stories combined create the whole story of the Carey family. I treasure these albums and know one day they will share the story of how much Nancy Carey loved her family. And without wondering who she was, or what she loved to do, they can simply open the pages of the albums and see for themselves.
SO … there you have it! I’m addicted to Scrapbooking and proud of it. Now I wouldn’t suggest you become an addict of anything – but scrapbooking, now that is an addiction everyone can live with.
© Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
www.nancycarey.com
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