Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Baptist Paper
The Baptist Paper
  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Classifieds
  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Classifieds

First person: That night I could just be me

"Normally, when I do venture out into society, for the most part, I feel overlooked or ignored. I have to work so hard just to be seen and treated like a human. On February 7, though, I was not invisible," writes Amber Stewart.
  • February 17, 2025
  • Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware
  • First Person, Latest News, Maryland
(Photo courtesy of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware)

First person: That night I could just be me

We pulled up to our family’s church, and my mom and daddy helped me out of the van. This was a very special evening. Satan tried his best to keep me home, but I made it. I officially entered the 2025 “Night to Shine” at Pleasant View Baptist Church, Port Deposit, Maryland.

Two gentlemen kindly held both doors open as my daddy pushed me inside. I had asked daddy to be my “date” this year, and he obliged. Really, I just wanted him to share in this special night and see how great it is.

RELATED: Check out more from Amber Stewart.

I am always rushing, never fast enough; I am a slow girl in a fast-paced world. Tonight is different, though. I can just be me, I’m enough. Everyone is clapping and cheering for me as I drive into the church, and it sure does make me feel special.

It’s refreshing because I haven’t been out of the house in months, aside from occasional hospital visits at John Hopkins Medical Center. It seems like every time I turn around, I’m either not feeling well, or my wheelchair is broken again. Of course, anything medical takes forever to get fixed.

Normally, when I do venture out into society, for the most part, I feel overlooked or ignored. I have to work so hard just to be seen and treated like a human.

Full story.


EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Amber Stewart and originally published by the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. 

Share with others:

Facebook
X/Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Latest News

  • Gen Z women and the Church
    Gen Z women and the Church
    April 18, 2026/
    0 Comments
  • Teaching resource for Lifeway’s Explore the Bible lesson for April 19, 2026
    Teaching resource for Lifeway’s Explore the Bible lesson for April 19, 2026
    April 17, 2026/
    0 Comments
  • Still meeting needs left by Hurricane Helene
    Still meeting needs left by Hurricane Helene
    April 17, 2026/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

Gen Z women and the Church

Women have long been the backbone of religion in America. They are more likely than men to identify as religious, say faith is important in

Still meeting needs left by Hurricane Helene

As the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches in September, it remains more than just a distant memory for many people in East Tennessee.

Workshop creates ‘real and lasting’ growth among men

Pastor Stephen Brogli of Bethel Baptist Church recently led seven men through a Practical Preaching Workshop, and he offered reflections in an interview with Kentucky Baptist Convention North Central Regional Consultant Andy McDonald.

Tennessee WMU introduces activity kit for kids

As of January 2026, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union (TN WMU) has a new tool to help children’s leaders teach about missions — and it’s free! 

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us

Explore

  • The Kids Edition
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • The Kids Edition
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy
  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
The Baptist Paper
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2026 TAB Media Group
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ

Email:
news@thebaptistpaper.org

About

  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church
  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church

Explore

  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news
  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news

Subscribe

  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe

Hi reader.
We’re a nonprofit Christian news ministry. 
Our mission is to provide grace-filled, trustworthy journalism from a Christian worldview. We make our reporting freely available online because we believe people should have access to reliable information.

Reader support helps sustain this work, offset rising costs, and allow us to continue providing affordable resources to churches and ministries. If you value this work, would you consider supporting our mission today?

Support Our Ministry

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log In

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help
Privacy/Terms of Use

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy/Terms of Use
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel