Let The Healing Continue
Jacquie McIver
In light of the recent events impacting our nation, what advice would you give to people in order to help them navigate the uncertainty?
Living a life full of uncertainties is common for me in this season of my life. As a Caregiver of my 9-year old son, who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Autism & host of other medical fragilities; coupled with caring for my 94- year old mother who has Alzheimer’s simultaneously. I had to learn really quick that I am NOT in control. A key discovery for me was that being human means we have limitations. If I am doing the best I can, then I have to find Faith in someone greater than myself. My personal relationship with God gives me my center and balance I need each day to face the uncertainties. My true desire is to start my day with prayer, meditation, worship and reading of my Bible. However, reality is that my day can have many challenges before I even get out of bed. I don’t beat myself up if I don’t get to spend time with God at the beginning of my day. Honestly I’ve learned that praying continually throughout the day helps to navigate through the daily obstacles. Unfortunately, as a Caregiver no two days are alike, so you have to be very flexible in how you handle each day. I’ve heard many people talk about religion is important during times of uncertainty. I would disagree and say a Relationship with Jesus Christ is essential. The key to the relationship is that it’s requires two-way communication. It is crucial that I share with God what’s on my heart and ask for His help (prayer) and then I take time to listen to God (meditation). No matter how crazy things get, for my own sanity I make sure I spend time some way with God daily. During our current condition we have lots of time to ourselves to give God a few minutes of the day. It’s a choice and one that will help keep you going.
Please share one or two available resources that can help people right now.
There are two FREE resources available. One resources is the Bible and you can get it in all different formats from book, digital, audible and even with music (on YouTube). If you don’t like to read you can now have the Bible read to you by downloading a Bible App. Another resource that is available for FREE is music. Find the music that lift’s your spirits and stay far away from music and lyrics that are dark or focuses on negativity. Music brightens up a room and sets the atmosphere in a place.
What is your personal mission in life?
My mission in life is to passionately spread hope to those parents/caregivers of special needs children, those living with disabilities, those caring for elderly parents and for hurting people who have lost hope. I believe unequivocally that everyone has a distinct and unique contribution to make and that my purpose is to touch the lives of those I encounter with a message that helps them understand this indisputable fact.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have overcome?
One of my biggest challenges was embracing the fact that my son who entered the world at 1-pound & 15-ounces and only given 24-hours to live has a greater purpose. I’ve learned to believe God for his life and after 9-years God has not failed me. My son has fought to be here and now he should have a voice to be respected in spite of any disability. He should have every opportunity to live a very fulfilled life and not be treated differently. Acceptance of my son as human and not a medical diagnosis is something that continues to be an uphill battle. However, it is one that has many victories because of the awareness and acceptance by others. From the very beginning of his life, I’ve taught my son that he has a purpose and is here to help others know that they have a purpose.
What was one action that helped you overcome this challenge?
For my 50th birthday instead of having a party, I made a decision to launch a non-profit organization; that focuses on helping Parents/Caregivers and those living with disabilities to know that they should “Live Beyond their Disability”. It’s called Jeremiah’s Voice, Inc. We are committed to the transformative mission of providing supportive opportunities for those with a disability to live their lives to the fullest and with great joy.
How do you define leadership?
Leadership is knowing how to serve and follow others with humility.
What advice would you give to someone that is ashamed to share their story?
I would share with them that you matter and your life matters. You are a valued human being that has overcome many challenges that others need to hear, so they can overcome the challenges they face in life. No experience in life is ever for ourselves, but for us to share to help others survive and thrive in life. We are all born to serve one another and sharing your story will serve somebody who may not know how to make it. Don’t allow anyone to hinder you from sharing your story.
How can people reach you?
Website – www.JeremiahsVoice.org
Facebook – Jeremiah’s Voice
Instagram – @JeremiahsVoice
Twitter – Jeremiah’s Voice
Email - info@jeremiahsvoice.org
Jacquie McIver Bio
Jacquie A. McIver is a single mother of her son, Jeremiah, a wonderful little Angel Gift from God to nurture and love. As a former Pastor, it has always been her true desire to embrace everyone and help them discover their purpose in life. As an entrepreneur consultant, she helped organizations to exceed their own potential. After graduating from Arizona State University with a MBA, in Marketing she spent several years traveling the world as a management consultant in corporate America with one of the top four firms in the world; Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLC.
Parenting is similar to business management in that you must utilize time and resources effectively. As a parent/caregiver of her son with special needs, her professional and educational skills come in handy to provide daily solutions. Jacquie is committed to a life in speaking, coaching, advocating, encouraging, strategizing, supporting and inspiring others. She is the visionary of Jeremiah’s Voice, Inc. A combination of her educational, ministerial, professional and parenting skills, she launches an organization that believes will help to aid those who care for and those who live with disabilities. She is transparent, open, honest and firmly believes unequivocally that everyone has a distinct and unique contribution to make. Furthermore, she understand that her purpose is to touch the lives of those she encounters with a message that helps them understand this indisputable fact.
Ms. McIver’s life passion is to spread hope to Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children, those living with disabilities, those caring for elderly parents and who are hurting or hopeless. She stands on the premise that your past circumstances do not dictate your future position in life. Her words are empowering, uplifting and bring encouragement to those who may have lost hope and affirmation to those who have already discovered and are walking in their purpose. It is her belief that God has a plan for every person and each person should be equipped with accurate information. She anchors her belief in Jeremiah 29:11.
Compiled by Tanysha W Carroll Executive Coordinator www.tanyshawcarroll.com