I was born with a disability. Now, I’m using my voice and my faith to bring light to others.

By Amanda Chirelli

Amanda Chirelli

My faith took root in August 1984, the day I was born with a lifelong disability: Cerebral Palsy. 

Because of the diagnosis, which limits my movement, I have always needed help with everyday tasks most people take for granted, like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and toileting. 

I couldn’t run, jump, or play like my able-bodied siblings at our home in Ocean County, New Jersey. If I went to see a friend, I had to worry about whether their house was wheelchair accessible.

My family worked hard to make sure I was given the same treatment and opportunities as everyone else. I attended and graduated from a regular public school and was active in school activities, like choir.

But most importantly, my parents instilled in me an unshakeable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the knowledge that I could conquer any obstacle that life throws at me. 

Searching for direction

A big turning point in my life came after I graduated from high school. Like many young adults, for the first time in my life I felt I had no direction. But having a disability makes it ten times more difficult. 

I didn’t know what programs were available for people with disabilities, and there weren’t a lot of transportation options for me. 

I’ve always tried to stay upbeat, but I couldn’t shake the sadness and loneliness. I thought there was no purpose for me in life.

It was a dark time for me, but I knew in my heart that as long as I kept my faith and kept on praying, things would get better. And they did.

About five years later, in May 2007, I enrolled in a work program for people with disabilities where I was able to improve and enhance my work skills. 

About a year later, I was offered a part-time job as a branch greeter for Investors Bank in September 2008. At 24, I finally earned my own pay, made friends and for the first time worked in the community. I finally felt that I had a purpose and a place in the world. 

The job was an answer to my prayers. But little did I know, God also had other blessings in mind for me. 

About two years after starting my job at the bank, I was asked to speak publicly and to share my story at a benefit dinner for a nonprofit agency that helps people with disabilities. 

I finally felt I was living out my life’s purpose from God of using my story to help others. Then, in March 2020, my life path changed again.

Living out my purpose

When the pandemic hit, the bank’s branches closed to the public. After 12 years with the company, I was no longer able to work. 

I was reminded of the time, following high school, when I felt a darkness from not knowing what was next. I prayed to God to shine a light and show me what direction to go in. His answer was again an opportunity I never would have imagined.

The day after I prayed to God for guidance, a friend of mine asked me to join her church group for people with disabilities called Wonderfully Made in Barnegat, New Jersey. Through this faith community, I learned to better listen to and talk to God. I’ve since become a leader of the group, as well as a member of the church’s welcome team.

At the same time I was accepted into an advocacy program through Rutgers University called NJ Partners and Policy Making. Through this, I’m learning to become a better advocate for myself as well as other people with disabilities. 

When I graduate the program this spring, I will sit on advocacy boards and be a voice for people with disabilities like myself. 

I’ll be telling my story to even more people.

And I’ve started sharing my story with others. I was recently a guest on Jill Dobrowansky’s podcast called “Feed Your Spirit.” 

I spoke about my life living with a disability. I told her about my first time getting into the ocean as an adult, thanks to a beach chair a relative made for me. It was freeing. I spoke about how God has shaped my destiny. 

Through the many twists and turns in my life, I’ve learned that as long as I keep my faith and love in our Lord Jesus Christ, there are no limits to where He can take me. 

I know that whatever scary or unpredictable situations come my way, He has my back. My trust is in God. 

Whenever I need encouragement, I think of Proverbs 3:5-6, and I’m reminded that when darkness comes, God is my light.

“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.”

Amanda Chirelli lives in Tuckerton, New Jersey with her parents, grandmother and aunt. She’s been a branch greeter at Investors Bank for 12 years and is passionate about advocacy and public speaking in her free time. She can be found on Instagram at @amandajazzy2984.