Heidi Flootman - DeLand, Florida

My name is Heidi Flootman. Soon after my birth, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I have never been able to walk or stand without support or even tie my own shoes. The left half of my body is stiff, so my physical movements are severely restricted. My life has been a series of physical challenges. I long to be able to run, jump and feel free. I have some cognitive problems also.

With three brothers and two sisters, I was fortunate to live in a home where there was always action, discussion and some small drama; so I didn't live a totally sheltered existence.

Because reading is difficult for me, I have always loved talking books. They are the way I was able to learn about the world outside of my restricted existence. The characters in the books became my friends. I lived life through those characters and their experiences. They helped me feel connected to the big world around me and helped me to discover and investigate thoughts and emotions I would not otherwise have been able to tap into.

When I was nineteen years old my Dad went to be with his Savior. He was only 57 years old, in good health, but he suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack. This was such a huge shock to me that it totally changed the way I thought about everything. I started to think about the realities of life and death and to seriously consider what happens after the body dies.

I thought about the concept of eternity and the reality that time will never end. Eternity is a simple fact. I thought about the reality of my soul and where it would be in eternity.

My Mom took us to gospel meetings in DeLand, where preachers were talking about eternity, the soul, and what would happen to our soul after our bodies die. A few times, I stayed after the meeting to talk to the preachers about these matters and they tried to help me come to a clear understanding, to a place of spiritual peace. I talked to them and listened, but still felt confused about things. I began to realize I was a sinner who needed to be saved.

On the night of February 28, 1996, after we got home from a meeting, I was alone in my room thinking about my guilt. I was feeling terribly depressed. I had a vision of myself in hell. It was so disturbing that I called Mom. She came into my room, worried about what might be wrong with me. I said to her, "Mom, I just HAVE to get this settled!"

Mom started reading to me from the Bible. She read, "No man cometh unto the Father but my me" (John 14:6). These were words spoken by Jesus when he was living on the earth. They really made me think hard and realize that the only way to find peace is through God's Son, Jesus. She read a lot more but I kept asking her to go back to read the same verse because it made sense.

All of a sudden, it became clear to me, that Jesus died to provide my forgiveness and I accepted it just like that. I felt like Jesus was standing in front of me with his arms wide open and hugging me to himself. I was totally filled with love and peace and felt lighter than air. I looked at Mom and said, "What a relief!"

This is the story of how I found true, permanent peace. I will never forget that night!

Regardless of your circumstances in life, you too can find peace with God, forgiveness of sins, happiness and meaning to life. It is found only through trusting Jesus as your Savior and putting your future in His hands.

Thank you for reading my story.

Heidi

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