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Ema McKinley is a Christian woman living in Rochester, Minnesota.
In 1993, while working at the Salvation Army, Ema lost her balance and fell off a ladder from a storage loft.
She struck her head hard during the fall and passed out.
A coworker later found her and called 911.
Ema did not regain consciousness until the following day.
As Ema recovered from her injuries, she developed a widespread nerve disorder (*RSD), which left her entire body in severe pain. In time, this condition made her dependent on a wheelchair.
*Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), a rare nerve disorder that cripples limbs and causes extreme sensitivity to touch. RSD pain – known as causalgia – is said to hurt more than almost anything known to man, surpassing cancer, amputation and child birth, according to the McGill Pain Index.
By 1995, the RSD had taken over Ema’s entire body. For the next 17 years, she was stuck in a wheelchair with her spine bent 90 degrees, her left foot shriveled and her left hand locked shut. High-pitched noises, bright lights or even the rumbling of a semitrailer made her skin feel like it was on fire. Her neck and spine twisted painfully to the left.
Through every hardship, Ema held fast to her hope in Jesus. She often said it was He who gave her the strength to carry on.
Her faith in God was unshakeable. Despite being deformed and in tortuous pain for nearly two decades, she was never bitter at God. Instead, she was committed to spreading His love everywhere she went.
Ema McKinley is a Christian woman living in Rochester, Minnesota.
In 1993, while working at the Salvation Army, Ema lost her balance and fell off a ladder from a storage loft.
She struck her head hard during the fall and passed out.
A coworker later found her and called 911.
Ema did not regain consciousness until the following day.
As Ema recovered from her injuries, she developed a widespread nerve disorder (*RSD), which left her entire body in severe pain. In time, this condition made her dependent on a wheelchair.
*Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), a rare nerve disorder that cripples limbs and causes extreme sensitivity to touch. RSD pain – known as causalgia – is said to hurt more than almost anything known to man, surpassing cancer, amputation and child birth, according to the McGill Pain Index.
By 1995, the RSD had taken over Ema’s entire body. For the next 17 years, she was stuck in a wheelchair with her spine bent 90 degrees, her left foot shriveled and her left hand locked shut. High-pitched noises, bright lights or even the rumbling of a semitrailer made her skin feel like it was on fire. Her neck and spine twisted painfully to the left.
Through every hardship, Ema held fast to her hope in Jesus. She often said it was He who gave her the strength to carry on.
Her faith in God was unshakeable. Despite being deformed and in tortuous pain for nearly two decades, she was never bitter at God. Instead, she was committed to spreading His love everywhere she went.
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“You could ask the door guys at Mayo Clinic, the clerks in Walmart – everywhere we went, people were touched by Ema because she always had a smile on her face,” said Cathy Ruggeberg, Ema’s personal caregiver since 1994.
You could ask everybody at the Rochester Salvation Army, too. Ema has been volunteering there every Thanksgiving and Christmas since 1984. Even after her accident in 1993, being in a wheelchair never stopped her from spreading joy.
“She’d sit at the door every Thanksgiving and Christmas to welcome all the people coming to eat,” said Major James Frye, leader of the Rochester Salvation Army. “She’d tell them not to give up. She’d say, ‘Look how bad I have it, and I’m still able to be positive and give thanks to Jesus.’”
As time passed, blood clots began to form in her legs.
Doctors warned that the clots could spread and strongly urged her to undergo the amputation of both legs.
Despite the poor prognosis, Ema continued to pray for healing.
In 2011, on the night before Christmas Eve, Ema was alone at home. And she fell from her wheelchair.
She was unable to get up and lay helpless on the floor for 8 hours.
Then she saw Jesus enter her room. He was clothed in a bright white robe.
When He touched her, her twisted feet became straight. Her hand that had been clenched into a fist for more than 18 years began to open.
Jesus then offered her His hand. She held onto it as He raised her to her feet.
As she stood, her bones cracked and sounded. He gently helped her place weight on her legs.
And together, they began to walk.
A few hours later, Ema's two sons came to celebrate Christmas Eve with her. And they could hardly believe their eyes.
Their mother was walking out to greet them! They had not seen her out of a wheelchair since 1993.
With tears of joy, they ran into each other's arms.
“You could ask the door guys at Mayo Clinic, the clerks in Walmart – everywhere we went, people were touched by Ema because she always had a smile on her face,” said Cathy Ruggeberg, Ema’s personal caregiver since 1994.
You could ask everybody at the Rochester Salvation Army, too. Ema has been volunteering there every Thanksgiving and Christmas since 1984. Even after her accident in 1993, being in a wheelchair never stopped her from spreading joy.
“She’d sit at the door every Thanksgiving and Christmas to welcome all the people coming to eat,” said Major James Frye, leader of the Rochester Salvation Army. “She’d tell them not to give up. She’d say, ‘Look how bad I have it, and I’m still able to be positive and give thanks to Jesus.’”
As time passed, blood clots began to form in her legs.
Doctors warned that the clots could spread and strongly urged her to undergo the amputation of both legs.
Despite the poor prognosis, Ema continued to pray for healing.
In 2011, on the night before Christmas Eve, Ema was alone at home. And she fell from her wheelchair.
She was unable to get up and lay helpless on the floor for 8 hours.
Then she saw Jesus enter her room. He was clothed in a bright white robe.
When He touched her, her twisted feet became straight. Her hand that had been clenched into a fist for more than 18 years began to open.
Jesus then offered her His hand. She held onto it as He raised her to her feet.
As she stood, her bones cracked and sounded. He gently helped her place weight on her legs.
And together, they began to walk.
A few hours later, Ema's two sons came to celebrate Christmas Eve with her. And they could hardly believe their eyes.
Their mother was walking out to greet them! They had not seen her out of a wheelchair since 1993.
With tears of joy, they ran into each other's arms.
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Ema later said:
"Jesus has never let me down. He has always been there for me.
His Word promises that He will never leave us or forsake us.
I am no longer the crooked woman with a broken body in a wheelchair.
I am now known as the woman of the Christmas miracle!"
On both Thanksgiving and Christmas 2012, Ema walked through the doors of the Rochester Salvation Army to continue her tradition of service. In both instances, jaws hit the floor.
“One lady’s eyes got huge and her mouth dropped – the realization had kicked in that Ema wasn’t in her wheelchair,” Ruggeberg said. “Tears were falling down her cheeks.”
Tears were falling down everybody’s cheeks.
“For the first time in years, I was able to give these people a hug at eye level,” Ema said. “I enjoyed every minute of sharing the joy, of seeing their expressions. We were all so overwhelmed.”
Dr. C. Robert Stanhope, the surgeon who cared for Ema at the Mayo Clinic, stated:
"What happened to Ema is simply not explainable to my knowledge from a medical perspective.
I believe the only explanation has to be that God intervened in her life with a miracle."
Ema later said:
"Jesus has never let me down. He has always been there for me.
His Word promises that He will never leave us or forsake us.
I am no longer the crooked woman with a broken body in a wheelchair.
I am now known as the woman of the Christmas miracle!"
On both Thanksgiving and Christmas 2012, Ema walked through the doors of the Rochester Salvation Army to continue her tradition of service. In both instances, jaws hit the floor.
“One lady’s eyes got huge and her mouth dropped – the realization had kicked in that Ema wasn’t in her wheelchair,” Ruggeberg said. “Tears were falling down her cheeks.”
Tears were falling down everybody’s cheeks.
“For the first time in years, I was able to give these people a hug at eye level,” Ema said. “I enjoyed every minute of sharing the joy, of seeing their expressions. We were all so overwhelmed.”
Dr. C. Robert Stanhope, the surgeon who cared for Ema at the Mayo Clinic, stated:
"What happened to Ema is simply not explainable to my knowledge from a medical perspective.
I believe the only explanation has to be that God intervened in her life with a miracle."
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Ema’s story continues to spread around the world. In addition to regular speaking engagements in the Midwest and invites to do so from across the country and world, she’s been featured on “The 700 Club” and is in the middle of a book deal that’s being pursued by multiple publishers.
Ema’s message is simple: “I want the world to know that Jesus is real,” she said. “This is not my miracle. This is everybody’s miracle. No matter what you’re going through, take His hand and trust Him – He’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Ema’s message is simple: “I want the world to know that Jesus is real,” she said. “This is not my miracle. This is everybody’s miracle. No matter what you’re going through, take His hand and trust Him – He’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Cbn
A Christmas Eve Miracle Restores A Crippled Life
Ema McKinley was injured in work accident and for almost 20 years she lived in constant pain until a Christmas Eve miracle changed her life forever.
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Happy New Year from @CallToBattle and thank you for being a part of this family.
Whether you reached last year’s goals or not, Jesus is our good shepherd who promises to be our steady leader in the new year.
“I’m sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
Whether you reached last year’s goals or not, Jesus is our good shepherd who promises to be our steady leader in the new year.
“I’m sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
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There is something endearing about this scene. The kitty playfully engaging with the light snowfall just makes me smile and say; “Thank you Lord!”
Everyone knows life can be so full and complicated sometimes that we forget to stop and notice those little things.
One can make goals and such for the new year—nothing wrong with that, but let’s try to remember to notice the wonders and moments that God places before us.
Take care to steward what God places in front of you. In fact, that is the word that God gave me for the new year…Stewardship. What does God want you to steward well this year?
Plans for 2026
Behold the tiniest wonders of His world around me.
Steward the passions and things that challenge me daily.
Become more engaging, intentional with what God places before me.
Be softer, and yet stronger in a world of uncertainties.
Hold all things loosely, and place in God’s hands.
Blessings,
—Paula
@CallToBattle
Everyone knows life can be so full and complicated sometimes that we forget to stop and notice those little things.
One can make goals and such for the new year—nothing wrong with that, but let’s try to remember to notice the wonders and moments that God places before us.
Take care to steward what God places in front of you. In fact, that is the word that God gave me for the new year…Stewardship. What does God want you to steward well this year?
Plans for 2026
Behold the tiniest wonders of His world around me.
Steward the passions and things that challenge me daily.
Become more engaging, intentional with what God places before me.
Be softer, and yet stronger in a world of uncertainties.
Hold all things loosely, and place in God’s hands.
Blessings,
—Paula
@CallToBattle
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Forwarded from Joe M Storm Is Upon Us
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MUST WATCH: 104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli played the national anthem on the saxophone at the Rangers-Islanders game
Pretty special stuff🇺🇸
Subscribe and share 👉 @StormIsUponUsJM
Pretty special stuff
Subscribe and share 👉 @StormIsUponUsJM
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Forwarded from Filling Our Cups With Hope
Blessed 1st Sunday of 2026 🤍
The year begins not with noise, not with striving, but with a choice..to step into the presence of God.
As the first Sunday of 2026 unfolds, we come not because attendance completes us,
but because His presence realigns us.
We gather not to impress heaven, but to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. We come weary, hopeful, grateful, expectant...and He meets us faithfully, just as He always does.
Let this first Sunday be a holy declaration:
that before schedules fill, before plans unfold,
before the world demands our attention,
God comes first.
May this year be anchored not by resolutions, but by devotion. Not by busyness,but by abiding.
So come. Come with your prayers unfinished. Come with your faith trembling. Come with your heart open.
Because when the year begins in His house,
the rest of the year follows His lead.
Come into His presence today..not out of obligation,
but out of love, hunger, and reverence for the One who holds this year in His hands
W.B
The year begins not with noise, not with striving, but with a choice..to step into the presence of God.
As the first Sunday of 2026 unfolds, we come not because attendance completes us,
but because His presence realigns us.
We gather not to impress heaven, but to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. We come weary, hopeful, grateful, expectant...and He meets us faithfully, just as He always does.
Let this first Sunday be a holy declaration:
that before schedules fill, before plans unfold,
before the world demands our attention,
God comes first.
May this year be anchored not by resolutions, but by devotion. Not by busyness,but by abiding.
So come. Come with your prayers unfinished. Come with your faith trembling. Come with your heart open.
Because when the year begins in His house,
the rest of the year follows His lead.
Come into His presence today..not out of obligation,
but out of love, hunger, and reverence for the One who holds this year in His hands
W.B
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Testimony Tuesday
I have a question for all of you.
Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit nudging you to assist or help a stranger, but you felt a little weird about it? Or, maybe you’re just doubting if it’s even the Holy Spirit speaking to you?
I’m talking about either saying something to that stranger or confronting them. You begin to doubt, or even wonder if you even need to get involved. Or you lack confidence because you don’t even know what to say.
You know what I’m taking about don’t you?
There will be times the Holy Spirit will nudge you to confront someone you may feel a little uncomfortable about, but when we obey there is usually a huge blessing involved, not just for that person but for you as well. There is a purpose for sure.
When we sense those promptings, pay attention and obey quickly.
Many years ago (90’s), I was in a Women’s Bible study, and one woman was sharing a testimony about the subject—listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying that voice.
She described a situation when she went to local trail park to go hiking. After her short hike she was heading back to her car. She saw a van she didn’t notice before parked not too far from her. Something told her to go over to that van, but she felt unsure about it. She ignored the prompting, got into her car and drove home.
The next day she found out on the news that a young man had committed suicide in a van at the same park she went hiking. She was horrified because she recognized the van that was shown on the news.
As she described how she felt to all of us women, we all felt that same conviction and humility she did. What would I have done in that situation?
I’ve never forgotten her story. We were all so humbled. We realized how important it is to walk closely with the Lord, and listen to His voice.
I’m still learning to hear God’s voice more clearly, and to obey that voice. This is why it is so important to study His WORD, to have that close relationship with the Lord. He says; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
Today’s video is about obeying the Holy Spirit…even when you feel uncomfortable and or don’t know what to say. Trust the Holy Spirit will give you the words to lead and guide you. Try not to question it or understand it. Just go with it, and learn to dance with the Holy Spirit as you trust the outcome to Him.
—Blessings
Paula
@CallToBattle
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
I have a question for all of you.
Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit nudging you to assist or help a stranger, but you felt a little weird about it? Or, maybe you’re just doubting if it’s even the Holy Spirit speaking to you?
I’m talking about either saying something to that stranger or confronting them. You begin to doubt, or even wonder if you even need to get involved. Or you lack confidence because you don’t even know what to say.
You know what I’m taking about don’t you?
There will be times the Holy Spirit will nudge you to confront someone you may feel a little uncomfortable about, but when we obey there is usually a huge blessing involved, not just for that person but for you as well. There is a purpose for sure.
When we sense those promptings, pay attention and obey quickly.
Many years ago (90’s), I was in a Women’s Bible study, and one woman was sharing a testimony about the subject—listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying that voice.
She described a situation when she went to local trail park to go hiking. After her short hike she was heading back to her car. She saw a van she didn’t notice before parked not too far from her. Something told her to go over to that van, but she felt unsure about it. She ignored the prompting, got into her car and drove home.
The next day she found out on the news that a young man had committed suicide in a van at the same park she went hiking. She was horrified because she recognized the van that was shown on the news.
As she described how she felt to all of us women, we all felt that same conviction and humility she did. What would I have done in that situation?
I’ve never forgotten her story. We were all so humbled. We realized how important it is to walk closely with the Lord, and listen to His voice.
I’m still learning to hear God’s voice more clearly, and to obey that voice. This is why it is so important to study His WORD, to have that close relationship with the Lord. He says; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
Today’s video is about obeying the Holy Spirit…even when you feel uncomfortable and or don’t know what to say. Trust the Holy Spirit will give you the words to lead and guide you. Try not to question it or understand it. Just go with it, and learn to dance with the Holy Spirit as you trust the outcome to Him.
—Blessings
Paula
@CallToBattle
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
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