Inspiring Stories: Naomi’s Story

This month's inspiring story is written by Naomi Raber. Naomi lives by example that the **choices of how we respond to our circumstances is what forms our life.** As you read her story, you'll see a humble, genuine person. I am honored to share her story, *hoping it will encourage others needing hope in the midst of adversity. * She humbly shares this wanting the story not be be about her, but about her Savior through a life of losses and challenges.

Here is her story:

*What to share is a big question in my mind?* One thing that really dominates my thoughts is what I learned growing up -** a*****lways be real, never be someone in private and someone else in public**.* Of course my brothers and sisters and I fought and argued like an anyone else. But my dad always said, "*Jesus sees you at home as well as in public and he is the one to live for not other people.*" I try to teach my children that, and I hope I live that as well. Even though I often fail, I try to be the same at home as I am with other people.

[](http://66.147.244.135/~brenday1/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mp900387459-1.jpg)**I grew up a middle child of nine children in an Amish home.** I was too young to hang out with the older siblings and too old to hang out with the younger four. Though I thought I was the deprived "middle child," I have lots of fond memories of childhood with my siblings from playing boards games to kickball out in the front yard. I still enjoy spending time with them. They have been a** great support system** in my life.

**My mom died when I was seven**. My dad was always my idol and I know I was a Daddy's girl. I could go to him and cry as well as laugh. He didn't always answer me that way I would have liked, but he was always honest with me.

**I've been married almost 30 years now to my husband who is a paraplegic.** He was injured in an **industrial accident four months before we married.** He has had multiple surgeries, hospital stays, and months of not being able to work and provide for his family. We've had a lot of emotional and financial struggles. We have come to know that **God is in control and has always been faithful. He has seen us through what we have had to endure.**

We have been blessed with three wonderful sons and now a beautiful daughter-in-law as well as an adorable granddaughter. Having three sons has been such a blessing. They have grown into Christian young men. There have been many times they have also kept us humble! As much as we all want to think our kids would "*never do this or that*," that's what they will do! ***Never think your kids are so great they would never fail or falter**. *Be open-minded with them and have grace and forgiveness is needed.

**God has been wonderful in my life.** Without Him on my side I don't know how I would have endured things that came my way. **When I was just a little girl of seven years old, my Mom passed away.** Then at fifteen, my *younger sister,* *who was thirteen, also died.* As a young mom, we had **twin babies that went to be with Jesus**. Just a couple years ago my Dad, who had been such a pillar in my life, joined all of them in Heaven. In March, my nephew, age fifteen, also went to Heaven. **Through all this God never left me and He never will. **I really am looking forward to a great reunion when I get to Heaven. I can't imagine worshiping God right by His feet!

**Those all have been such hard times in my life, but God has been faithful and by my side**. I also have many godly friends and family who have held me accountable and have helped me along the way. These are all a gift from God.

I pray I will leave a legacy that God can be seen working in my life and that God will be glorified through my life. Not for my glory but all the glory be to God.

[](http://66.147.244.135/~brenday1/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/431777_10151720882514734_781581833_n.jpg)

Naomi and her family live in Northern Indiana on a small farm. She is a school bus driver, a custodian at her church, and gives willingly to anyone in need. She and her husband, Ervin, have twin sons who will be attending college this fall, and also have a son, daughter-in-law, and a baby grand-daughter.