With the 2010s now in the rearview mirror, I compiled my “top five” from the past decade across a variety of subjects.

Last time I shared my top books and quotes from the 2010s. Today I’m sharing my top moments, most popular blog posts, and favorite Bible verses that inspired me this decade. Plus, what I am most looking forward to in 2020.

Blog posts

My go-to list for the best post-SCI resources I have found

5 things not to do when people need you the most

Should I just die with dignity now?

I married my second-grade sweetheart

I still plan on walking again no matter how insane you think I am

Bonus: The release of my short E-book: 7 Keys to Living with Purpose and Passion

Moments

I got married. I graduated college. I regained movement. But I have already written about all those things at length. Here are five other moments and occurrences from the 2010s that have in one way or another drastically shaped where my life is right now.

March 2010: After four months in the hospital (most on a ventilator), returning home was a relief as I geared up to face a new battlefront at the dawn of a new decade.

September 2010: Nearly a year of intense physical therapy not producing the physical results I had envisioned was the catalyst that ultimately led me to recognize my much deeper need for a Savior.

September 2013: I launched FlatOnMyBack.com to start sharing my story and honing my writing craft. This opened up numerous doors for speaking opportunities, new friends, helpful resources, and a YouTube channel.

May 2015: Being surrounded by a dozen teenage boys praying for my physical healing was one of most powerful experiences of my life in the final meeting of a weekly group on growing in manhood that I led.

February 2019: My mind and body had descended into a dark place, culminating in seizures that led to nearly a month in the hospital, but ultimately giving way to both emotional and physical healing. The freedom and deliverance I experienced this past year has been miraculous and perspective-shaping and stirs my excitement for what is ahead.

Bible verses

This decade marks the first time the Bible ascended beyond the status of “textbook” in my life. Some seasons were defined by intense focus on the miracles of Jesus while others consisted of my excitement for heaven being amplified like never before.

Here are some of the key words that have fueled my intentionality, perspective, and excitement about what is ahead.

Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”

Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

Revelation 22:12: “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

What I am most looking forward to in 2020:

Publishing the memoir that I finished writing this year. Be on the lookout for more information in the near future.

What about you? What were some highlights for you from the decade?

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I released a mini e-book to commemorate ten years since my accident. Check it out here