Answer: Because that’s how God created me. He created me different because He creates each of us different and unique. And He created me with a specific purpose, a purpose that somehow involves the absence of my right arm.
Now, you might think this answer sounds like a cop-out. You might be thinking, “Becca, I know God created you with one arm, that’s what you always say. But that’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking why, from a medical perspective. What happened?”
The truth is, I don’t know why. I’m not sure what happened in the womb. All I know is that my arm didn’t fully develop. Even doctors don’t agree on the exact causes of limb defects.
In my case, the doctors weren’t expecting me to be born with one arm. Nothing from previous ultrasounds gave any indication that my limbs would be less than normal. When I was born, the nurses in the room were caught off guard. A feeling of shock shaded the normally joyful moment that a child was born.
But, the night before I was born, my dad had a dream. He dreamed that he and my mom were going to have a daughter with one arm. At the scene of my birth, he was a calm presence. He’d already known. God prepared him so that there would be peace in the delivery room that day.
That’s one of my favorite stories.
So, why was I born with one arm? I’m not sure why, but I do know that I was designed by God for a beautiful purpose that is intertwined with my unique appearance. I know that my arm gives me a starting point to share the gospel. I know that I’ve already had many conversations that begin with my arm and end with Jesus.
I don’t know why I was born with one arm, but I know I wouldn’t want it any other way. This is the way God created me. This is the way I am meant to be.
And never forget… you are onederfully created.
Love,
Becca
