Girlfriends in God - Nov. 8, 2007

November 8, 2007

A Courageous Queen - Part 2

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. “2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV (emphasis added)

Friend to Friend

Yesterday, I told you about young Katie Signaigo who lost her leg to cancer when she was eleven-years-old. We left Katie at the hospital, helping another little girl facing the same operation. But that was just the beginning!

Katie graduated from high school and attended the University of Central Arkansas. While there, she watched an Oprah program that featured Aimee Mullins, a double amputee who had become an athlete and a model. Aimee spoke freely about her amputations and her prosthetic legs. She even showed various legs that she used for different occasions.

Watching Aimee gave Katie the courage not to be ashamed of her prosthetic leg. “Because of Aimee’s confidence and comfort with herself, I was able to start to fully accept myself,” Katie explained.

With a new found confidence, Katie decided to make her debut in a grand way. Katie entered the Miss UCA (University of Central Arkansas) pageant! Like all the other pageants, Katie participated in the talent, evening gown and interview competition. But Katie won the hearts of the crowd when she proudly walked down the catwalk…in the bathing suit competition. There have been many tearful moments as pageant sponsors have placed the crowns on a winners’ heads. But I dare say, there was never a more precious moment than when Katie Signaigo was crowned Miss University of Central Arkansas. Katie went on to compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant some months later.

After Katie won the crown, she wrote Oprah Winfrey to thank her for airing the inspiring program that had encouraged her not to be ashamed of her prosthetic leg. She also told Oprah about her courageous move to participate in a pageant and the resulting win.

A few days later, Katie’s phone rang.

“Hello. Is this Katie Signaigo?” the person on the other end of the call asked.

“Yes, it is,” she answered.

“Hi Katie,” the woman continued. “I am calling from the Oprah Winfrey program. We received your letter and would like to have you as a guest on the show.”

The next day, a film crew from Chicago showed up on Katie’s door. They taped her talking to patients at the hospital and interacting with her family. Then they whisked her off to the Oprah show where Katie talked about finding peace and purpose in her amputation and recovery.

Katie is now twenty-five-years-old and teaching music to high school students. But her first love is telling about Jesus Christ and sharing the peace and hope that only He can give. She has faced more trials than most people twice her age, and loves helping those who are traveling down the road of uncertainty called cancer.

“We are all cracked-pots in some way or other,” Katie told a group of ladies at a women’s gathering. “We all have our unique flaws. Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Look for the positive things in life. Don’t let yourself dwell on the bad things. This has been the greatest blessing in my life.”

Katie has learned the joy of redeeming the pain by investing in others. And I have a feeling this is just the beginning for her.

Let’s Pray

Dear Father, Healer, Redeemer. Today, I see myself walking down that runway with Katie. Yes, I am broken and scarred, but the crown of a princess rests on my head. You have chosen me to be the child of a King! I am beautiful in Your eyes. Today, I choose, like Katie, not to dwell on the bad, but choose to focus on the good. I choose not to focus on my flaws, but focus on the positive joys in life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

If the Oprah show called you today and said, “We’ve heard about your amazing story of how God changed your life,” what would you say?

Oprah might not call you any time soon, but there are people you meet every day who want to know the “hope that is within you.” This week, take the time to write out your story. Who knows, you might get a call to share it at any time.

More from the Girlfriends

I hope you enjoyed Katie’s story. If you would like to read more stories of hope and healing, or if you know someone who is in need of a bit of encouragement in a difficult situation, see Sharon’s book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God.

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Click here to find out more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

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Matthews, NC 28106

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