Tag: stories of faith

  • Life and Time

    Life and Time

    Happy Wednesday, my dear friend. I want to begin this blog by saying thank you for your time. Time is such a strange gift, isn’t it? We can’t keep it. We can’t make more of it. We can only lose it, waste it, or make the most of it. When you have a disability like mine. Time seems to go slower. There’s no spontaneity in my life. Either I or someone else must plan every detail. Some days I feel like a tree is growing but not moving. This is not the ideal life, but I am so thankful for it.

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    Some people look at my life and think it must be a living hell. Once, I was walking through a mall. A father saw me look at his child and said, ‘’Thank God you’re not like them.” Referring to my brother and me, the tree grows vertically in the same way the spirit should. I remember feeling bad for this man. Yes, my pride was hurt. The comment was rude. I was wondering how you spent his time. Worrying and being scared. life has its own rhythms and seasons that we can’t possibly comprehend or control fully.

    ‭John 12:8 NIV “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

    It’s easy to look past the tree because it doesn’t move; it just sits there. Sorry, I had to make myself laugh. it would be wonderful for me to always want to blog about all the things I’ve done and places I’ve gone. Those agreed memories and wonderful experiences, but that’s not my daily reality. Most days I’m in front of my tablet or laptop, making Zoom calls. I make sure my calendar is up-to-date. Everyone wants to live a life that is full of joy and great memories That’s a wonderful goal, but it’s not going to happen every day.

    I always get a little offended when someone says they’re bored. For those of us in the Western Hemisphere of the world, we have so many options for what to do with our time. I know that sounds foolish, but you don’t have to work wherever you work. You don’t have to pay your bills. Yes, there are consequences if you don’t. However, there are plenty of people content to live off the grid and off the land. There are people who make plenty of money at home playing video games. To become a doctor, you have to spend 8 years of your life in medical school.

    There are people who spend hours a week in chairs receiving chemotherapy. There are people who are spending their time behind bars. I know the local news has moved on, but there is still a war going on in Ukraine. You may be tired of scrolling through TikTok, but don’t forget about those who have become refugees to avoid bombings in Israel and Gaza. Life and time are about perspective. We have all felt like trees Once in a while, remember that the figure gives life. Without their oxygen, we can’t live, and without our carbon monoxide, they can live. Your life may not be perfect. Sorry to tell you this; it’s never going to be. You can be aware of how you spend your life and your time. As always, thanks for your time. See you next week!

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  • The Faith Choice

    The Faith Choice

    I know today is Thursday. My blogs usually come out on Wednesdays but since the first of the month falls on a Wednesday, my podcast is automatically released on the first and 15th of every month I decided to push this one back a day.

    ‭Hebrews 11:1 NIV‬  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

    Ever heard the saying, ‘Seeing isn’t believing; believing is seeing’? It’s from the movie ‘The Santa Clause.’ While the movie is just okay, that one line always sticks with me. I hope you’re all having a safe and happy week. I’m writing this on Good Friday, though you’ll read it later. I tend to write ahead of time, so that’s why.

    Now, I don’t consider myself super religious, but I do believe in something bigger than us. Once, someone asked me how I could believe in God. My answer? ‘I couldn’t imagine life without Him.’ It’s kind of scary to talk about this sometimes; I never want to offend anyone. But talking about faith seems to stir up trouble these days, which is too bad. Here’s what I think: faith isn’t supposed to be easy. We all find our own way, no matter what we believe in. Disability has affected every part of my life, including my faith journey.

    We’re often told that hard work pays off. Well, let me tell you, I’ve tried to go to college three times, and each time, life got in the way. From having a good GPA and making the Dean’s List to starting over because my credits didn’t transfer – it was tough. But years later, when I did my first interview for a state disability magazine, I finally saw the impact of my efforts. We get so caught up in everyday stuff that we forget to look at the big picture sometimes.

    Sure, I get asked the same questions over and over again, but that’s how change happens – one person at a time. Not everyone will get you; some people just don’t understand. I’ve had people literally run away from me when I try to talk to them. The world can be a tough place. But for every person who doesn’t understand, there are three others who want to listen and see you for who you are. Faith, to me, is about choosing to see the good in people before anything else.

    I’m not some religious leader or anything like that. I don’t go to church as much as I probably should, and I swear more than I should, too. But nothing hurts more than realizing I’m asking for help when I see my caregiver is tired. There are days when I’d give anything to walk again. But when I think about the impact one person can have, I’m reminded that maybe there’s a plan for all of us, even in tough times.

    So, here’s to facing life’s challenges with faith as our guide, believing that there’s a purpose behind everything, even when things seem really hard.”

  • Find The Why

    Find The Why

    So often, we don’t know why we do the things we do in life. In the second episode for April, Kevin discusses why he does what he does for others. It’s not always easy or fun to sacrifice yourself for someone you don’t know but it can be worth it. Please share and subscribe to this very passionate podcast. 

  • The why of my life

    The why of my life

    The other day I was asked, “Why do you choose to volunteer and advocate for others instead of looking for a paid job?” this is very simple yet complex question, at least for me. It made my heart so joyful to answer this question. I wish I could tell you I remember exactly what I said, but now that I’ve had some time to think about it, I want to give the real answer. I didn’t lie to the person who gave me the interview; I just didn’t go into a lot of detail.

    The short answer is that I cannot get paid because I would lose my social security, which I need to live In addition, I am the vice chair of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, and according to the bylaws, we are not allowed to make a profit from this position. The same goes for my position with SABE, a national advocacy board for individuals with disabilities. My days are long, but I could not be any happier.

    People will never understand this, but my disability is not a curse or punishment from God. It is a platform to be the voice for others who have no one to fight for them. The other day, I had to meet with a congressman’s staff. They made me sit at the head of the table because someone else mentioned,’ Kevin had to go first; he is the rock star. I quickly corrected that I was just a nobody. I could not believe what I was doing. That night, I went to bed with tears in my eyes and a full heart.

    ‭Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV‬ [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

    A Disability advocates do not get a lot of women. I do not look good on dating apps. The most money I’ve made was a gift card for doing something unofficial for a colleague. My body always hurts at the end of the day it can be lonely because most of the time I’m the only disabled person in the room. Sometimes I do feel the weight of a community on my shoulders. When I have these moments I look to my Bible. I don’t have any weight on me because someone else is holding up for me. I’m just a tool. Do I deserve to be this tool?

    No, I don’t. I don’t deserve any blessings. I’m sure I have days when I’ll complain. at the end of each day, I remembered to be grateful because I Was chosen to do the work of my big brother Jesus. That is wonderful! Friends, don’t get so caught up with your narrow view of the world that you forget to look at the big picture. There’s always someone that needs help. Make sure you do your part. Thanks for your time see you next week.

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  • A Disabled Father

    A Disabled Father

    Happy Wednesday Good people I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. This week I was planning to do a whole blog about the new rules the Department of Transportation (DOT) is hoping to implement to help disabled travelers when they are traveling on airplanes. I read a few articles and even drafted a few lines, but I wasn’t feeling it. It was written without love. So I went back and rewrote something I wrote back in 2020. All these years later, it’s still one of my favorite pieces of writing. You can find the original version in my first publication, Confessions from DisabilityLimbo. I hope you enjoy it. See you next week!

    ‭‭Exodus 20:12 NIV‬‬ [12] “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

    Hi there, I’m Kevin Nuñez, and I’m all about standing up for people with disabilities in New Jersey. I’ve got Cerebral Palsy, but that hasn’t stopped me from joining state committees to make life better for folks like me and our families. Now, I get it—when you saw the title of this blog, you probably laughed or rolled your eyes. “How could a guy like me be a dad? Can I even handle changing diapers or holding a baby without dropping them?” Sound familiar? You might’ve even thought, “This is too far-fetched. Let’s talk about something else.”

    Let’s clear the air. I don’t have all the answers. I’m what you call a “realistic optimist.” That means I know how tough life can be, but I’m always on the lookout for the good stuff. I’m 33 years old, and it’s been forever since I went on a real date. So yeah, the chances of me becoming a dad anytime soon are pretty slim. But here’s the thing: life isn’t just about having all the answers. It’s about the journey, about keeping hope alive even when the odds are stacked against you.

    I know not everyone with a disability can have kids. It’s complicated, and I get that. This blog might not resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. All I want is to start a conversation—maybe even one you’ll have at your next family dinner.

    Hey, William Christopher,

    I’ve been holding onto this until you turned 18 because I want you to know how much you mean to me. I wrote this back in 2020, when everyone was thinking about their lives. It was before I met your mom, back when I had all this love in my heart but no one to share it with. So even though I might not be the perfect dad, I want you to know that I’ve always loved you.

    I can’t wait to be there for all your big moments—teaching you to ride a bike, helping you up when you fall. I’m not sure how we’ll figure it all out, but we will. And hey, you’re going to be bilingual—English and Spanish. Trust me, it’ll come in handy someday when you’re filling out job applications.

    It’s not going to be easy when people stare at us in public, but you’ve always handled it like a champ. I’m looking forward to watching baseball games with you and having fun wrestling matches, even if you know it’s all staged. Just remember to balance the fun stuff with hard work, and always treat everyone with kindness and respect.

    Happy 18th birthday, buddy. Make it a good one.

    Lots of love,

    Dad Kevin

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  • Spiritual Novel Preview

    Spiritual Novel Preview

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  • Fighting for One

    Fighting for One

    Happy Wednesday, my wonderful readers. Once again, I hope you guys are having a good day. and I want to thank you for spending a few minutes with me. When you hear the word “fighter,” what’s the first image that pops into your mind? Most likely Rocky Balboa or Bruce Lee if you’re over a certain age. If you’re more realistic, you probably think of Muhammad Ali or Randy Couture as two of the best in their sports. That’s not who I think about. I picture Muhammad Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Brad Lomax as people who won impossible battles. They were outmatched, and their lives were in danger. They fought with their words, not their bodies.

    I relate to this because I am physically weak. I’m only 5 feet, and I weigh barely 135 lbs. I have Cerebral Palsy (CP) There are a million things I can’t do for myself. I am unqualified to do anything. Instead, I was called and then qualified. The other day, I was asked, “Why do you keep going? What are you fighting for?” I may occasionally have guest writers, but I have done the majority of the work on this website. I created every single social media post. It can be a little frustrating As a content creator, it is very difficult not to look at the numbers to see whether or not my website’s getting traffic. How many listens does my podcast get? I recently added a bonus newsletter for some paid subscribers. I thought this would add a more fun aspect to my writing. I thought people might enjoy this. As of now, I only have one subscriber. So how do I not get lost in the numbers?

    I’ve just begun to learn that I was given this disability as a platform, not a weakness. Every podcast, blog, tweet, and keystroke is done with the help of the Holy Spirit. My new goal is just to help one person at a time. There are tons of podcasts, and anyone can make a blog. My hope is that anything I produce can make one person smile. I might not know who they are. I might not know their circumstances. I know they’re warriors like me.

    ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

    The show scandal is famous for the tagline “gladiators in suits.” Well, this is to all my warriors in wheelchairs. My warriors use walkers. My Warriors, who don’t use words. My warriors may have invisible disabilities. our battle is long, and your battle is hard, but we can make a difference. we are the difference. The world sees your weaknesses, but you know your strengths. You grow stronger every day because you overcome more every day. Would God save his best warriors for the easy battles or save them for the ones he needs to win? Don’t give up. Keep going. Don’t look back; keep moving forward. Thank you for your time, and I hope to spend more time with you next Wednesday.

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  • A Believer

    A Believer

    You may have noticed that the title of this blog is “A Believer. No, it’s not a profile on Imagine Dragons. I’m certainly not going to sing the song for you. This post would get flagged for inappropriate content if I did. “I live by faith, not by sight.” I want to tell you three things that I believe will happen in my life. I have no logical reason to tell you why these things will happen; in fact, the odds are none of them ever will. However, as Han Solo once said, “Never tell me the odds!” I’ve learned that this life is a journey. The problem is that most people give up on their journeys because they don’t get immediate satisfaction. The greatest things take time and effort.

    ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ For we live by faith, not by sight. 

    My dad is a gigantic Mets fan. To his disappointment, I grew up a Yankees fan because all my friends were Yankees fans growing up in the mid-to-late 90s. I wonder how many followers I just lost by admitting that. Anyway, when Mets catcher Mike Piazza was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I watched it with my father. I can’t remember a word of what Piazza’s speech was, but I remember his father crying like a baby just because he was so proud of his son. Obviously, there is no Hall of Fame for the work I do, but if one day I get some sort of award, I believe I will give a speech in Spanglish and make my whole family cry. Parents and grandparents, please bring your tissues. The day is coming.

    “You will find someone one day.” I find it really annoying when people say this to me, presumably because I have heard it since I was 17, and since I am 36, I am running out of “some days.” It is difficult to hope for someone special because it gets harder and harder to put yourself out there every time. I know I’m not alone. I also know that it can happen. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and experienced it to some extent. If the Israelites can walk 40 years in the desert, then I can wait a little longer. I think I will spend the next 24 hours just talking and getting to know a kind woman. I do not care if she spends the entire evening in a hazmat suit while curled up on her bed, as long as she can see the true me. What matters is the connection, not the sex.

    The final one is somewhat, but not truly, new. I envision myself and my brother living in a house that is more like a duplex, where we can be together but still have our own space, or at the very least, be close enough to one another to be able to see one another when necessary. Without a doubt, my brother is smarter than I am. He is capable of directing his own care, so in some ways he can take care of himself. He reminds me of things most of the time. The issue is that, with the amount of support and physical accommodations, it’s extremely expensive. People never realize how expensive it is to actually have a disability. Disability is big business.

    I know some of you think after reading this that I’m nothing but an ignorant fool, and I fully understand if you believe that none of this will happen to me. I know most days it’s hard to believe, but that’s why we have to believe. I can’t get the award for my family if I don’t put in the years of work for others first. No girl is going to show up at my front door waiting for me to take her away to a magic castle. The Extreme Makeover Home Edition TV show will not show up on my front lawn to design a house for my brother and me. I have to take the journey through all the highs and lows. It will not be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Please tell me in the comments: What do you believe? Thanks for reading, and have a great day.

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  • Spiritual Breakthrough

    Spiritual Breakthrough

    Hello readers, I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me. I had a really nice moment that I want to share with you all today. Before I do, let me just give a quick recap of who I am and my mission for this website, in case I have any new visitors.

    My name is Kevin, and I’m a Puerto Rican male living with cerebral palsy from New Jersey. I serve on various state and national boards advocating for people with disabilities. The purpose of this website is to create conversations about faith, society, and disability. The Purposely Broken World produces two episodes a month. On the 1st and 15th of every month. With the accompanying blogs every Wednesday. In addition, every so often, I have a few contributors that add to the website. For example, Miss Betzy Lee hosts the Living the Extraordinary Life Podcast.

    I will never charge for any work produced on this site. If you enjoy it, please leave me a few dollars in my Cash app or PayPal. There is also a link to support the podcast directly. Think of me as a musician just playing a song on the street. All links are above every post.

    As a writer, I’m always finding myself in front of a keyboard, typing my way through an idea. It may not surprise you to find out that I have a journal where I write letters to Jesus. Essentially, they are my prayers. On rare occasions, I share them with a friend. After reading it, I was asked a simple question: “Why don’t you ask God to help you walk?”

    This might sound naive or even strange, but I never gave it much thought. Once, when I was down the Atlantic City boardwalk, two inebriated gentlemen asked to pray over me. I didn’t want to be rude, and prayer is always good, so of course I said yes. They prayed that the demon would leave my body so I could walk. This was years before I was saved, so I didn’t take it seriously. Truthfully, I thought it was a bit rude. After all, they didn’t even say my name when they prayed.

    I will not lie my disability can be exhausting. People think it’s all about not walking and not being able to do stuff. There is no day off, which can be annoying, but it is what keeps me up at night. Even the best mother has been known to hide in her bathtub for a few extra minutes. Any dad will admit that they have stayed in the driveway of their house just to finish a song before going in. I can’t go for a run when I feel stressed. Physical therapy is not the same thing as a workout at the gym. Like most people, when I pray, I ask for my family, my friends, and a loving partner to accept me. Here is a fact: God is not a genie. One of the biggest challenges as a Christian is accepting his will over your own.

    I do not believe that God is not punishing me. I don’t believe I deserve to walk. My life purpose is to accept the gift of grace he’s giving me. I don’t have perfect faith. I also know that I don’t need to have perfect faith. I realized by thinking about this simple question that I’m not the man I used to be, nor am I the man I want to be. I think a lot of people like to pretend and lie to themselves about how strong they are in their faith as if they could show it off on Instagram. It’s okay to say you don’t understand God’s plan right now. It’s okay to say I’m willing to be God’s miracle. A miracle is more than just splitting the sea. It’s answering a text from my friend. It’s buying someone dinner. It’s doing a Bible plan with a friend. Faith is laughing until your ribs hurt. Faith is not being afraid to ugly cry.

    I can’t say I’ve ever seen myself walking down the street. However, I never thought I’d be going to Washington DC, regularly to be the voice for others. I just made the arrangements for my next trip in April. I know I’m going to dance with Jesus one day. That’s what faith means to me. At the age of 36, here’s my new prayer.

    ‭‭John‬ ‭9:1‭-‬3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [3] “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

    “Jesus,

    My Lord and Savior. The keeper and protector of my faith. It would be wonderful to run, jump, and take showers by myself. If you’re willing, may I be healed physically so I may be able to do things like everyone else? So my life won’t be so hard.

    More importantly, may I be healed spiritually. So that I may be a miracle for your glory to help others. My life may not be easy, but because of this journey you gave me, I’ve done more than I ever thought I would. I’ve surprised so many people, including myself. Keep the devil from me so I may continue to thrive. My life can get lonely, but I know that with you by my side, there will never be a moment alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, I say

    Amen

    Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this very personal testimony. Have a good day. Tell me in the comments: What do you pray for?

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    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Faith and Action

    Faith and Action

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    Happy New Year!  To start the second year of the Perfectly Broken World, Kevin breaks down what it means  To have faith followed by action. To start the new year, all actions should lead to both physical and spiritual goals. This is not about inspiration but about motivation Join the conversation today.

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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