You may know about David Ring or even have heard him speak. I just discovered him a couple of weeks ago and I want to introduce him to those who haven’t had that privilege and perhaps fill in some additional details for those who have. I’ve never met him, but he has touched my heart and given me renewed inspiration and encouragement.
On October 28th, 1953, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a woman gave birth to a still born son who was laid aside for 18 minutes while the doctor attended to his mother. As a result, David Ring began life with Cerebral Palsy. By the time he was 14, his loving mom and dad had died leaving him in foster care in Liberty, Missouri, without a real home to call his own and very little hope of things ever getting any better. Then, when all odds and life itself seemed to be stacked against him, he began a relationship with Jesus Christ and a friendship with a high school classmate.
Since 1973, David has been a nationally known evangelist and motivational speaker, sharing his story with more than 100,000 people each year at churches, conventions, schools and corporate events. He and the love of his life, Karen, have four children and three grandchildren. David is a little hard to understand at first, but his positive attitude and quick wit have you laughing and crying tears of joy as he states his main theme, “I have Cerebral Palsy – what’s your problem?”
I encountered David on a Gaither music video where he gave a brief testimony and led them in singing “What a day, glorious day that will be” and the chorus of “How beautiful heaven must be.” Wanting to learn more about him, I went to his website, davidring.org, where I found the information above; how you can schedule a speaking engagement; how to buy his latest book, “The boy born dead” or his “I am blessed” t-shirt.
I have had the hope that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for over 65 years, but David gave me encouragement to not only overcome my current limitations with God’s help, but use them in His service. David’s gratitude to God for his ability to button his own shirt and tie his own shoes – little things most of us don’t even think about, has encouraged me to look for and give thanks for the positive things in my life instead of dwelling on my pain and limitations. Not all problems or limitations, physical or otherwise, are visible to others as David’s are, but whatever our problems might be, our personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ will not only keep us from being victims of our limitations or disabilities, but give us the ultimate victory over them.
I have arthritic knees – what’s your problem?