The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Tag: stories of faith

  • A “Walk” in a Park

    A “Walk” in a Park

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    Greetings,. I hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving and is still eating leftovers. If you don’t like them, then hopefully it’s not too much. The important thing is that we don’t waste food.

    Is there one moment in your life that just makes you smile? This is something I’ve been wanting to write about for a long time. I know this will not make sense to a lot of people, but I went on a walk with God. This is another blog about my spiritual growth, so if you don’t want to read it, I won’t take offense. However, please scroll down to the bottom for a special announcement.

    Due to the global pandemic and my disability, my brother and I did not really leave the house for the majority of 2020 and 2021. I did not see family or friends. My family all got together and decided to splurge on a cruise for the holidays. The Allure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean The idea was to start 2022 off with a bang. Try to put all this pandemic sadness behind us. It’s easy to talk about how great the lobster and beef Wellington were. Being sunburned and peeled like a lizard in the Caribbean is not my greatest takeaway from this vacation. In the middle of this cruise liner, there is an actual park filled with flowers and bird noises. For someone who only made it as far as the backyard and a few doctor’s appointments, this was mind-blowing. You don’t have to take my word for it; click on this link to see it for yourself A central park in the middle of the ocean. Still don’t believe me? Take a good look at the picture In the future image of this post.

    This may surprise you, but I don’t spend a lot of time on my own. Some mothers may spend a little extra time in the bathtub with some candles just to relax. I don’t get that because I need help in the shower. I can be left alone for about 4 hours until I have to pee. If I’m honest, that’s the best-case scenario. I have to be doing something and not drinking anything. Having diabetes is a real pain. When I was a kid, I would hold it only because I could. Anyway, back on the ship. For a few minutes, I found myself scrolling through this park. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt peace and freedom! What would you do in this moment? I rode around and thanked God. People think they have to go on a road trip to discover him. As I’ve said before, God is accessible; he meets you where you are. I know I must have looked completely insane to everyone else who was strolling by. I was in the middle of a conversation.

    This ship had multiple decks with very accessible elevators. One of my most irrational fears was riding in an elevator by myself. I could get stuck. What are the odds that it will be empty on a ship full of people? It was! I hit the button and went down to meet my family After my conversation was over, I was so full of God’s grace and love that I didn’t even notice until after. We don’t always recognize the little moments that change our lives. The Holy Trinity is not a group of genies. Our circumstances don’t always change, but our perspectives can. It’s more important to recognize the interior change than anything on the outside. The same God that does big things also does small things. The same God that is in a house of worship is in your heart. Don’t forget to look in there also. Once again, I thank you for reading. Please leave any comments.

    A special announcement:

    This is my last blog for 2023. Think of it as the season finale of a good TV show, not a goodbye I will be returning in January with more podcasts and blogs around January 15, 2024. If you like my content, click on the links to support me. I hope you have a blessed holiday season and see you all next year!

    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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  • Grateful Lessons

    Grateful Lessons

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    Happy Wednesday folks!

    Enjoy the new podcast episode. the new blog will be available next week

    In the second episode of November, Kevin breaks down a very common question around Thanksgiving. Simply, what are you thankful for? Every struggle and hardship we go through teaches us a lesson in gratitude. Thank you all for the support Happy Thanksgiving! links to support or below.

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    Order Confessions from Disability Limbo here:
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    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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  • Stories of Faith

    Stories of Faith

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    In the first podcast episode for November 2023, Kevin discusses how God is accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability. He uses personal anecdotes to provide a quick testimony of his love for Jesus Christ. This is a quick pick-me-up, not about conversion. If you want to listen, please do so to the end.

    Order Confessions from Disability Limbo here:
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    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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  • Optimizing Life’s Challenges

    Optimizing Life’s Challenges

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    Greetings and happy Wednesday! WordPress.com informed me that I have been writing this blog for four years. I relaunched it with a podcast in March of 2022 The intention was to spark conversations about disability issues, both the positives and the negatives. Lately, I’ve been feeling spiritually restless, and a recent Facebook memory prompted me to reflect. Sometimes, we all need a reminder that God is watching over us, even when faced with life’s challenges. This is especially true for the disability community, which often grapples with questions like, “If God is perfect, why do people suffer from disabilities or other conditions?”

    “This is my truth: I’m broke. I have bills to pay. I will always use a wheelchair, I will most likely always be single, and people will always underestimate me. Yes, it really sucks! I choose to look at all the good in and around my life. I don’t hide from everything. I just choose not to focus on things I can’t control. You might find it dumb or even wrong, but I’m proud of myself, and I love my life.”

    Personal Facebook post from 6 years ago

    To address this question,I want to ask the Holy Spirit to help me speak the truth. Some have accused me of lacking humility or bragging about my accomplishments. My only aim is to leave the world a better place than I found it. I don’t hold any degrees; I have only a high school diploma. I pray nightly, seeking forgiveness for any wrongs I may have committed. Just as the song says, “This is me.” I can only speak from my experiences and give my opinions.

    Next, the statement about being broke and having bills to pay: It’s straightforward. I’ve never cashed a paycheck from an employer because, as I’ve mentioned before, working would mean losing my health insurance. Unfortunately, many private insurance companies don’t cover wheelchairs, and because of my Cerebral Palsy, I will always rely on one. There’s no cure for my neurological condition, and my life expectancy shouldn’t be affected, barring other complications.

    Now, the part that keeps me up at night is: Will I always be single? I’ve had a few relationships, both with disabled and non-disabled women, but they’ve been rare. It’s okay to admit that I feel lonely. There’s a space in my heart waiting to be filled. I have a small bucket list of things I’d like to do with that special person. Nevertheless, I keep putting myself out there because I have faith that someone is waiting for me.

    “The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11‭-‬12 NIV”

    However, there’s something special about having Jesus in my life. It’s like having a friend who’s always there to make those empty spots go away. Just knowing that Jesus is with me helps me feel better when things are tough. So, even when life gets hard, I remember that Jesus is like a comforting blanket, filling those empty spaces with his love and warmth.

    Yes, it’s tough. If I dwelled on all the things I can’t do for myself and how challenging my daily life is, I’d likely go insane. No medication or doctor in the world could heal me. So instead, I choose to focus on the little joys in life—the aroma of food cooking in my house, the sound of my brother’s laughter, texts and calls from family and friends, and checking my emails for messages from my advocacy colleagues. Negativity surrounds us daily, but the key is to seek out and embrace positive moments.

    I always welcome comments and encourage anyone reading my posts to share their thoughts. Some may see me as a naive optimist, and that’s perfectly fine with me because it means you gave me the chance to show you more than meets the eye. I genuinely believe that God has a purpose for me and for all of us. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you. Thank you to my small but loyalFollowers for following me on this journey. If you feel so inclined please share

    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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  • What are You Afraid of?

    What are You Afraid of?

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    In the second episode for the month of September, Kevin breaks down what it is like to have fear. Most importantly, what we can do to overcome it. The first step is admitting that you are afraid. To deny your fear is to deny your own humanity.

    Order Confessions from Disability Limbo here:
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    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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  • My SABE Second Chance

    My SABE Second Chance

    Have you missed an opportunity, and it became a nagging thought in the back of your mind that you couldn’t shake? Not necessarily regret, simply something you always wondered about. A “what if” moment. Second chances don’t come along that often. especially if you have a disability. Most of the time, we don’t get a first chance. Well, for the first time in my life, I’ve been blessed with this second opportunity. I’m scared to take it, but I know I’m ready for it.

    In case you didn’t read last week’s blog, here is a quick synopsis. In 2018, I attended the national SABE conference. Self Advocates Becoming Empowered is the leading independent advocacy organization run by and for people with disabilities. Every voting member on their board has to have a disability. The representatives divide the country into regions. New Jersey is in Region 7. Along with Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. At the last conference, I was given the opportunity to represent my region as an alternate. It was kind of last minute. I made a bunch of excuses and decided I wasn’t ready. The next conference was in 2020. That would have been plenty of time to make the right connections.

    Honestly, over the years, I moved on from SABE. I thought it was going to be one of those moments in life. It’s been 3 years, and I haven’t had a conference due to the global situation. I was recruited to serve the region on an income basis. Until the next national conference Why me? I don’t deserve to do anything. So many people have died in the last three years with disabilities. How can I be their voice? I’m a goofball by nature. How can people trust me?

    I’m a firm believer in God’s timing because it’s no coincidence that this opportunity opened back up after my big brother Jesus found me and picked me up. One of the things I have to do is put together a regional conference. A conference made up of every state that I will be representing to educate and collaborate on disability issues. Apart from all the duties of the national organization. I will not lie; I’m more than a little scared. Intimidation is an understatement.

    New Jersey is a small state, and the advocacy community is very small. The organization and the region have been on hiatus. I have to make all new connections and all new contacts. There hasn’t been a regional conference in over 10 years! 

    "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 NIV

    As I’ve said before, I never got to finish college. If, through the glory of God, I get to put together this conference, this will be my graduation. This is the hardest thing I have ever attempted. Zoom and Google Workspace will be tremendous resources. Something that was not discovered years ago. I need to give a huge thank you to the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities for sponsoring me on this journey. By the time this is published, everything should be made official. Someone smarter than me once said, “Life begins outside your comfort zone.” This may not be professional for a blogger, but I’m asking that if you took the time to read this, please pray for me. Not for success. That’s all for God. I’m just looking for wisdom and strength. Never give up, because God won’t give up on you!

    Special Announcement

    I will be taking a small break for the rest of the summer to finish the first draft of my book. Confessions of a Wise Fool. The first draft is always the hardest and I want to get finished before I start working with SABE. I will be back with more blogs after Labor Day. I promise I will still be doing podcasts, so stay tuned to the website! Enjoy the summer.

    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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  • God is Accessible

    God is Accessible

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    Hello, wonderful humans! Most people will say that God or some divine force is always with us, but how do we get access to him? It’s easy to save things like reading the Bible or going to a house of worship. Let us do that. However, what if you can’t read or get out of the house easily? The tagline for this website is “Disability and Spiritual Awareness.” I believe this post will embody that message. I identify as a Christian, and this is part of my spiritual journey. I have no intention to start a spiritual debate at this time. These are the tools that I use daily as a person with a disability to spend time with our wonderful creator. This list of resources is based on my personal experiences. Click on each link to learn more. If this topic does not interest you, you are more than welcome to come back next week. 

    All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 NIV
    • YouVersion/ Bible app This is the most popular app people use because it is available in multiple languages and can be read to you in various languages. You can also highlight in different colors. I can read however with my disability my eyes don’t always want to track To the end of the line. My eyes like to jump down a few lines. It’s not like dyslexia where the letters get jumbled up. I can read effectively it just takes a lot longer.
    • Through The Word(TTW) When I began my journey through scripture, I did not know where to start All I knew is I couldn’t start on page one. In an audio guide, a pastor breaks down each chapter. A one-on-one Bible study. Right there in my headphones. All the themes are separated into journeys. Most of the pastors are men, as a disabled man sometimes it is more relatable to hear from another man. They just did a series called The Manhood Talks To encourage men with faith issues.
    • Blue Letter Bible This app is designed specifically for Bible study It has tons of audio guides and commentaries to break down scripture. When you study the word you always have tons of questions This app helps answer them.
    • Day One Journal This is not an app designed for Bible study. This is where I write down all my thoughts and prayers at the end of the day. I love Jesus but I’m not really good at talking to him throughout the day This is how he and I spend quality time together.
    • Vizion Church-YouTube Since the outbreak of the pandemic, there have been thousands of virtual worship services. I wasn’t sure which one to try because all of them are fake and want money. I was determined not to join any of them. One day, the Holy Spirit said to look up the prodigal son. I came across Pastor Tyson’s sermon, and something just clicked. I don’t know how else to describe it. Since June of last year, I have not missed a Sunday service The pastor doesn’t know who I am. The only one who interacts with me is whoever runs the chat on Sunday live session The Holy Spirit does the rest.
    • The Righteous of God Facebook Group Another part of my stubbornness was that I would not join any Facebook groups because those are where most of the hypocrites are. Anyone can post anything they want, but do something different behind the screen. This group is run by an old friend of mine from school A person who’s not ashamed of their past and is not afraid to tell it like it is. They have several discussion boards and will always respond to every question. The leaders of the group will simply be there for you.

    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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  • Seasons of Life

    Seasons of Life

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    Living the Extraordinary Life episode 2

    In the second episode of her podcast Ms, Betsy Lee takes us through the hardships of watching her daughter undergo multiple surgeries. faith was the only thing that could and would get her through it. Her emotions can be felt in every syllable of her voice. You can find joy in the hard seasons of life. This is a real testimony.

    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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  • The Eternal Flame

    The Eternal Flame

    By David Champignon

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    Martin Luther King Jr had a dream that one day “his children would live in a nation where they would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”. Though human beings both tire and error his clarion call to action lives on in all who seek a better world not only for themselves but for their children and all future generations. Even though in today’s times it’s hard to be an activist or advocate I believe that in America and indeed the whole world today the eternal flame that makes us attempt to seek truly equal justice and a more perfect union is alive and well in the hearts of all people of goodwill. I know for most of us the road recently has been long, winding and sad. The losses from COVID-19 alone have been staggering and a heavy cross to bear. Please know that no matter the heavyness of the crosses that they aren’t ours to bear alone. Remember that in the souls of people of goodwill there is always the hand of God nearby to either let us continue on the path of righteousness or give us the tools necessary to change our actions and our hearts for the better.

    I for one have had to have my path righted to truly atone for actions that were clearly wrong both at the time and in retrospect. They where wrong and hurtful to people I deeply care about. However on my journey once I accepted help I was given the tools necessary to avoid those actions from occuring again and gladly use those tools everyday. The hardest thing for us to do as human beings is to accept the need for change in our hearts and actions. For even in those guided by the eternal flame accepting the need for change or the evolution of human beings is a hard winding and twisty road. Too often we see the need for change in others but not in ourselves.

    It’s always the other person’s fault whether it’s true or not. For those with the eternal flame inside their hearts the road can be long but God allows to stop along that road to see how we are doing in treating others well or not. For each one of us the question is are we approaching the intersection blind or do we still see the need to be beacons of light for other people? Do we in this uniquely challenging place and time still see both the need to acknowledge our successes but also be willing to do the work necessary to form that more perfect union we keep promising ourselves and future generations as the world keeps turning? My personal awnser is yes and I know others with courage follow that vision everyday and not only do I thank you but the rest of the world thanks you as well. Those with the eternal flame in their hearts pursue justice even In the face of injustice and hate. Those who have the eternal flame in their hearts seek justice and peace not onlu for those they like and admire but for every living soul the world over too. Those with the eternal flame of goodness in their hearts seek to make the world a better place even for those who would curse at them for doing that very thing. With these words go forth to love and serve the Lord and each other in whatever way you can. Peace be with you everyday warriors.

    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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  • My Big Choice

    My Big Choice

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    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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    My mother used to read a book to me as a child called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I usually keep my posts uplifting and/or educational. I have one rule never publish anything I write when I am upset or feeling anxious. Today I’m choosing to break that rule to hopefully help someone else. I’m not thinking of anyone in particular. I know in my spirit someone else needs these words. Today I went to talk about two subjects that the mere mention of them makes my skin crawl.” Inspiration Porn” and Valentine’s Day. Let me explain, according to Urban Dictionary inspiration Porn is defined as:

    “A portrayal of people with disabilities as one-dimensional things that only exist to warm the hearts and open the minds of able-bodied people.”

    An example of this is when we see a video on social media of a handsome young man who took a girl with Down syndrome to the prom to make her and everyone else feel good. There is more to a person than just their disability. We are all taught to look past a person’s physical skin color. disability has no skin color. Yet, when you see someone like me rolling up to you the disability is all you see. I was that kid who was taken on a mercy date to prom. That’s a larger story that I will save for another day.

    Today I am “inspirational” because I self-published a book on Amazon and I have a slowly growing podcast. Most folks purchase my book without finishing it. Spoiler alert! There is a whole chapter against “ inspiration porn”. I feel like I should issue a massive refund. in February I began offering bonus episodes for paid subscribers to the podcast. I currently have one subscriber. He is my friend. I should give him his money back. The truth is if I offered the kind of subscriptions with nude photos I might make some money. I don’t want any money! I can’t lie It hurts to produce all this content and people miss the message.

    This brings me to my second point I cannot stand Valentine’s Day! I am well aware it is the stupidest holiday America invented I’m writing this the day before Valentine’s Day. at 35 from this world’s point of view, I am a failure. I have no official job. I cannot live on my own. I am not the typical man a girl pictures when they go on a date. I’m not giving up on finding someone, However, Valentine’s Day is my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Not because I feel bad for myself but because for a lot of people, those misconceptions are true. People with disabilities are isolated. They are abused mentally, physically, and sexually, daily. most by the very people who are supposed to protect them. forced into financial slavery while people waste money on things they don’t need.

    So why do I choose not to give up? for me, because my hero and big brother Jesus did not give up on me. He suffered so others wouldn’t have to. I am not self-righteous. I have countless sins. I am not a pastor, a priest, or a rabbi. I am saved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe that I and those like me other “lucky ones” choose not to sleepwalk through life.

    “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
    Romans 15:13 NIV

    The other day I had a dream. I was dreaming of walking on a beach with Jesus holding my hand. it lasted less than 2 seconds because I was woken up by the garbage truck coming down my street. I know this is a lot to think about and this is probably part of a larger conversation. Some of you might think I’m crazy.

    Here’s what I know, this world is unfair, unkind, and ungrateful. I know I may have a lot of more unpleasant days in front of me and people will not understand a lot of what I go through no matter how many ways I describe it. That’s okay because I don’t do it for them, I do it for him. it may not be fun at the moment but 100 lonely Valentine’s Day’s is worth the rest of the eternity. Do you think Jesus enjoyed the events leading up to and then going up on the cross?

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    Thank you for your response. ✨