Shane Goddard of Murfreesboro is truly a “walking talking miracle”. Told that he would never walk again or ever expect to father children, Shane did not give up but held to his Christian faith. Today, he is a successful businessman who praises God each day for his life and family.
I consider Shane a friend and asked him to share a portion of his faith story.
“March 16, 1997 is the date when my life was drastically changed; everything turned upside down in the world that I knew at the time. A horrible accident left me, a 15-year-old kid, facing a scary possibility of being a paraplegic who would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
“I was convinced that God had other plans for me, although I must admit, I was not sure what those plans would be. While things looked gloomy, something down deep in my spirit convinced me that brighter days were ahead.
“Now I live a productive life free of a wheelchair; have a beautiful wife and a young family. The Bible reminds us that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. I believe that I am God’s purpose and that He is my Purpose.
“My mom had a fascination with motorcycles, and she always had one as far back as I can remember. She felt comfortable in allowing my brother and me to have three-wheelers. As I grew older, I even dreamed of one day being a professional in motocross. I grew to love speed and the rush I got from riding.
“I suppose almost anyone would say that life would become perplexed when staring mortality in the face. Or in my case, the words were…get ready to be a paraplegic because you’ll never walk again”.
“I heard those words when I was 15-years-old. It started on a beautiful Sunday afternoon filled with speed, jumps, and a few complex maneuvers on my bike. Then something happened. I wrecked; something that had happened several times before, nothing unusual, all part of sporting competition.
“I simply thought that I would do as before; get up, brush myself off, and get back on the bike. You can almost imagine what raced through my mind when I could not get up. What’s wrong, I thought. Why, why? Then I passed out.
“I awoke at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville after being airlifted. A team of doctors was talking and lifting my legs. They told me that I was paralyzed from the waist down, the result of my spinal cord being severed in the accident.
“My family rallied around me offering words of encouragement, praying that God would perform a miracle. I also prayed, Jesus, please help me. You know me better than any doctor because you made me. Please make me well.
“I eventually was moved to the Stallworth Center at Vanderbilt for rehabilitation. Time passed…but the therapists and doctors agreed on one thing. They said that I should get on with my life…a life that would be bound to a wheelchair. In fact, Mom was told to take me home and deal with me being a paraplegic for the rest of my life.
“However, she did some research on spinal cord injuries and learned about a respected and renowned place called the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. We made the move.
“They first used electrical energy to stimulate my leg muscles…because as the saying goes: If you don’t use it…you will lose it. Days turned into weeks…with therapy…and more physical therapy. Not a day went by that I did not pray. One day after praying…not more than 60 seconds later…I looked at my toes. Guess what? I could move them. I cried as I continued moving my toes. The signal was being restored from my brain to my muscles. Keep in mind that the spinal cord normally does not regenerate.
“Progress was slow…but with more therapy, I was able to move from walking with crutches to walking with a cane. Let me tell you about another “Red Letter Day”. I was in the shower one day, praying to the Lord. I remember praying, Jesus, please let me pee…and not have to use a catheter.
“I felt and saw a miracle taking place. I cried out, thank You. Thank You…Jesus.
“In addition to my miracle, the next most-wonderful gift that I have been blessed with is my beautiful wife, Alma, and our wonderful children. After Alma and I were married, we rededicated our lives to the Lord.
“While I live a relatively normal life, I have reminders. For example, each morning when I get out of bed and go to the bathroom, I have to mentally focus on what is to occur. I mentally tell my body to relax and …”
Shane welcomes leaders from churches or civic organizations who are interested in hearing his personal story to TEXT him or call (615) 653-3978.
Ralph E. Vaughn
