The Remarkable Journey of Diana Discipio: A Life Devoted to Faith and Compassion
Navigating Challenges, Finding Strength, and Spreading Hope
“I am a Disciple of Christ who works full-time as a proud Educational Assistant, dedicating my life to facilitating education for high school students with special challenges and medical conditions. But my role doesn't end there. I am a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, living in a full house that's always bustling with love and energy. I'm also a devoted dog lover, and I once had the joy of sharing my life with a blind rescue dog who brought immense happiness into our home. Sadly, I had to bid him farewell, but his memory lives on.
In addition to my educational work, I am actively involved with a local Food Bank, where I contribute to the mission of providing for those in need. My faith is a cornerstone of my life, and I proudly administer the Eucharist weekly at my Catholic church. I am also known to attend Catch the Fire Evangelical church, embracing the spiritual diversity that enriches my journey.
But my commitment extends beyond my daily life. I have established my own website, "Healing Hearts and Souls," where I offer hope and healing to those grappling with loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Through a collection of healing videos, podcasts, blogs, and services, I aim to be a beacon of light for those traversing dark times.
As a part-time evening student in the Master of Theological Studies Program at The Toronto School of Theology, I delve deep into scripture reading and prayer. These practices form an integral part of my daily life, and I often conduct Zoom Bible meetings with friends, fostering a sense of community in the digital realm. My desire to spread the message of Christ has led me to initiate or participate in Zoom evangelization meetings with extended family.
Beyond my religious pursuits, I am a dedicated social and political activist, particularly in the realm of human rights. I've added my signature to numerous petitions and consistently promote the gospel as a source of inspiration and guidance.
One of my most significant achievements is the publishing of my book, "Pride & Judgement," available on Amazon. This work delves into the theme of pride, exploring the dangers of excessive self-importance and vanity. Additionally, I consider being part of the lives of these beautiful special children and adolescents, who endure immense challenges, as a huge achievement. It's a privilege to be a source of support and encouragement in their lives.
Throughout my journey, I've faced a series of challenges:
Disillusionment with my home parish and its management, including issues related to my involvement, group dynamics, and the behavior of individuals in other groups. These experiences revealed instances of hypocrisy and apathy.
Encounters with toxic work environments in past full-time jobs, marked by challenges in staff and administration relationships. However, it was never the students who posed challenges.
A negative experience with an Evangelical group.
A lifetime of feeling like I didn't fit in or belong.
These challenges taught me several valuable lessons:
1. God's faithfulness: I've learned that God never gives up on us, and His faithfulness is unwavering (2 Timothy 2:13).
2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) ¹³if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself
2. The constancy of Christ: People may fail us, but the love and support of Christ remain steadfast.
Matthew 28:20 (NIV) ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
3. Empowerment: I've realized the importance of not allowing ignorant or self-serving individuals to control the direction of my ministry or calling. I've learned that with Christ by my side, I can steer the course of my life.
My message to everyone out there is simple yet profound: Hold your head up high, and consistently think and speak good words about yourself. Our self-worth is deeply rooted in our childhood experiences, both positive and negative. The words and actions of others have a profound impact on our self-esteem, especially if it has been affected by negative stimuli or neglect.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) ²¹The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
While we can't control how others treat us, we can control our own reactions and responses. With God by our side, we can find the strength and determination to see ourselves as the Lord does. Prayer plays an essential role in this journey, providing the nourishment that only the Holy Spirit can offer to our souls.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) ⁷But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
I don't believe I am more remarkable than my neighbor, but I have a unique ability to empathize with people's pain and an intuition that guides me when something isn't right. I choose to stand by those who are crushed in spirit and brokenhearted.
Most importantly, I consider myself remarkable because I have the privilege of working alongside these special individuals who face intellectual and learning disabilities. Every day, I wake up with a smile because I am honored to be in their presence.
In conclusion, my life is a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and resilience. I hope my journey serves as a source of inspiration for those who may be navigating similar challenges or seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ.”
Follow Diana on X: @DiscipioDiana #FaithJourney
Enjoyed this article? If you'd like to support my writing and help me continue creating content, you can make a donation of any amount through PayPal. Your support goes a long way in keeping this platform thriving and allows me to bring you more engaging stories and insights. Thank you for being a part of this journey!