A man I recently met, Mark Irvin, has discovered the key to finding contentment after a life-changing accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.
What began as a simple late-night task to adjust the thermostat on the air conditioner ended in a tragic accident that altered Mark’s life. Facing the devastating reality of paralysis from a C5 through C7 cervical vertebrae injury, Mark had only minutes to make critical decisions prior to his surgery.
In those critical moments, unknown to his wife, Mark had intentions to issue a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) request. As far as Mark was concerned, he felt useless. He wanted to die. Yet, on the other side of surgery he was thrilled that God didn’t let him have his way. But he would soon find out that God’s plan was full of grace, mercy, and a calling to help others.
After the surgery, Mark’s journey took on new purpose with unwavering faith in a Way-Making God. Mark’s renewed mindset not only sustained him through rehabilitation, but is empowering him to advocate for other spinal cord injury victims.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
From what I can tell, Mark is refusing to let the word “paraplegic” define him. By his actions, he shows that he won’t let his inability to walk limit his potential. So, with new determination and hard work through therapy; paralysis no longer rules his new-life decisions. Mark is living his best life, despite everything.
The old days might be over, but the future looks bright and full of hope with the launch of his new website markirvin.net: A for-profit entity with a two-pronged approach. One approach supports healthcare professionals who promote self-advocacy to their patients and clients. The second approach places focus on design and construction, in order to remove barriers to the built environment.
I never heard Mark’s inspiring story before June 29, 2024, but it would become one of two stories about overcoming adversity that crossed my path that day. The second story was told to me by ABC evening news. They featured Shake Allen, an incredible young man, who survived a car accident that also left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite his tragedy, Shake, a former track and field athlete, overcame his afflictions and is coaching young athletes using his former track experience.
How astonishing! Both Shake and Mark are using their setbacks to uplift. They are utilizing education, advocacy, and encouraging words like, “keep on going,” “be thankful,” and “never give up.” And it appears to be working.
Although neither man mentioned Philippians 4:11-13, this scripture resonates with their journeys of finding contentment and never giving up regardless of circumstances. In Philippians, Paul’s sentiment conveys the thought that it doesn’t matter if you have much or little. It doesn’t matter whether you have plenty to eat or not. It doesn’t even matter if you rely on a wheelchair or your legs to maneuver within your environment. The believer’s secret to contentment in any situation is summed up in this phrase: “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.”
There’s no giving up in that phrase. I see no hint of doubt. It’s all about faith in Christ. The bible teaches that Christ advocates for you. The Holy Spirit lives in you. And, God sees you. So you’re not alone.
Here’s how I rephrased the believer’s secret to contentment. With faith, I can achieve to the fullest extent all things Christ has called me to do or become. So, if I get knocked down, I get back up. When life gives me lemons, I make lemonade. And like Robin Roberts on Good Morning America says, “make your mess your message.”
No matter what happens in your life, work hard to find contentment. Be courageous. Never give up. Gain new strength in Christ when you feel depleted. Isaiah 41:10 says, “do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
No matter where you find yourself. Despite the storms. You can still contribute to society and find contentment. Don’t take my word for it. Take the word of someone who has persevered and found contentment: Mark. He said, God has taught him how to thrive instead of survive with a brand-new assignment.
Brenette Wilder, formerly of Altheimer, Ark., is a blogger at wordstoinspire105953116.wordpress.com and author of Netted Together, https://nettedtogether.org.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles for consideration to shope@pbcommercial.com or shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry. Writers should have a connection to Southeast Arkansas.