Why Rolled Called?
As believers in Christ, we all are instructed to spread the Gospel. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
I had always believed that God wanted me to minister specifically to people with disabilities. I knew He had allowed my disability to happen for His greater purpose. As I felt God calling me to ministry, I began to put together what I had thought were plans for a ministry dedicated to women with disabilities and mothers of children with disabilities. I had what I thought to be the perfect name, “Joyfully Driven”! I wanted to share that even though we may face difficult circumstances, we should be driven by joy. But as I dug deeper into God’s Word and prayed, my heart was unsettled! I heard God teaching me that to be a driven person places much of the emphasis on ourselves and what we can do. Apart from God, I can do nothing, but with Him, I can do all things!
I felt that God was calling me out of my comfort zone into a place where I could no longer rely solely on my expertise and experiences. Into a place where Christ is the foundation and through His power alone, this dream that He gave me could come to reality.
For the first time, I heard very clearly that I’m called to serve women. Not just women who have experiences with disabilities! Just women, all His daughters. I felt like Peter in Matthew 14, when Jesus asked him to step out of the boat onto the water. I wanted to ask, “Are you sure, Lord?” But before I could finish my thought, the God of the universe who knows me better than I know myself quickly answered, “I am! Will you trust me?” My answer is “Yes, Father!”
I went to David and began to tell him the things God had revealed to me! I said, “I’m confident that this wheelchair does not drive my life, but it is a part of who God wants me to be. It’s a part of my role in ministry of telling people who God is and what He has done for us.” The living room stood still for what felt like twenty minutes, but I could tell he was hearing something from the Lord. The silence broke as he shouted, “ROLL CALLED!” I wept tears of joy!
That night, I began to pray for the future of Roll Called and for the lives we may be able to touch in the upcoming years. For several weeks, I prayed and studied God’s Word to make sure I was following His lead. I gathered a group of women I trust who committed to pray for you, the mission of Roll Called, and myself!
God calls us His daughters through Jesus and He’s calling us to live an adventure with Him!
A Little About Angela…
Angela lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, where she was born and raised. She has been with her life partner, David, for 11 years. David Together, they have two fur babies, Mr. Business and Missy, who always make the house a tad bit more lively and never a dull moment, especially when they get the 2 am zoomies!
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a very young age, doctors told Angela’s parents that she would never talk, work, or do much with her life. BUT GOD had a much different plan! Upon graduating with her Master's degree, Angela started working right away at an organization dedicated to serving families with children with disabilities. She enjoys encouraging others that may be living in similar situations.
In 2015, she served as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. During that year, her passion for speaking into people’s lives was ignited! As she traveled throughout Virginia, she loved visiting elementary and middle schools! With this experience, she has grown to love to speak to different audiences. She has spoken to smaller bible studies, as well as, entire school assemblies. She uses her humor and personal stories to authentically connect with audiences inviting God to move in hearts!
Angela knows she is called to spread the Gospel by speaking into women’s lives, despite her speech impairment. Whether using an interpreter or slowing down the delivery, she is confident that the Holy Spirit speaks through her!
*A very special thank you*
Thank you for dreaming with me and leading me closer to the heart of God! You always push me to have big ideas! Even when I say, “I can't do that.” You say, “No, but God can. Now, let Him use you!” You make up new songs every week which help our daily routine never to be boring! Thank you for always supporting me and making me laugh. I love you always!
-Angela