01: Who is Logan Garner…and why should I care?
Sometimes, I clean up pretty nice.
Logan here.
If you’re reading this, you probably fall into two categories: a family member or friend of mine (hey, Mom and Dad!), and you believe in me. That is to say, many people know that I’ve been interested in stories and storytelling for just about my entire life, and they’ve encouraged me to do something about it. However, my journey in the past few years as a writer has been sporadic; I’d put out little pieces every so often, but other times my impostor syndrome and distractions of life would leave me tired, unable to form my ideas into anything more than ideas. Do I really have anything unique or meaningful to say? Will I ever make anything close to that of my heroes? Am I letting down the people who love me? These are just a few of the questions that have kept me from pursuing this whole writing thing more seriously. However, here’s the upside: I, like you, dear reader, am a human created fearfully and wonderfully in the image of a loving God. That truth alone is proof that I, like you, have a story worth telling. However, to tackle that story, I need to set the scene.
For those that don’t know, I was born with a neurological condition called cerebral palsy (CP). It presents itself in countless ways for each individual, but in my case, I have limited function in both legs and my right arm. I’ve spent most of my life using a wheelchair and relying on those around me for help. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system: two parents and three brothers and a sister-in-law who have put me first countless times, friends who’ve invited me into community, providing encouragement and letting me hitch rides whenever possible, spiritual mentors, teachers, the best physical and occupational therapists known to man (I said what I said), and a job that teaches me the value of service every day. My story is marked by people who believe in me enough to sacrifice time, convenience, resources, and their comfort, so I can have opportunities to succeed. If you are one of those people, thank you doesn’t suffice.
I’m certainly well-loved and cared for, and I try to stay joyful and positive. Even still, from a physical standpoint, anybody with a disability likely wouldn’t believe me for a second if I said that I didn’t sometimes wish I was created differently. I’d love to be able to drive, to take myself to the bathroom, to imagine a reality where I can live in total independence. Beyond my physical circumstance, I’m no stranger to spiritual and emotional struggle. Lust, intrusive thoughts, bitterness, anxiety, doubt, and isolation are all familiar foes. I idolize the perception of others, working really hard to make everyone see me as the happy/funny/faithful Christian/kind/thoughtful/talented/hardworking guy, some sort of inspirational figure for people everywhere. Even now, as I write, I’m dwelling on what you might be thinking, obsessing over your praise. I am far from perfect, and as long as I’m alive on Earth, I never will be. I’m guessing you’re aware of that truth in yourself as well. Each one of us are indeed wonderfully made, but we’re also all broken.
Yet, here’s the upside: I, like you, have the opportunity to wake up everyday to accept and live in the sufficient grace of Jesus Christ, working through my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and let His power be displayed in me (John 9:1-3). I’m not defined by my mistakes, I’m not defined as a writer, I’m not even defined by my disability. Those are the parts of my story that He’s written in me so that you might see and know Him who’s writing a story in you. Some of you may not believe that about yourselves, and if that’s the case, you’re not alone. I’m glad you’re here!
So, now you know who I am. Why should you care? That’s a great question! You shouldn’t. Writer on Wheels is my creative expression, weaving together my personal stories of faith, disability, and humor. But it’s not about me. I aim to boast in my weakness, glorifying Him who is my strength. For now, I plan to post monthly(ish), and develop a more regular rhythm. In the meantime, I hope you’ll stick around, leave a comment, shoot me an email, and if you feel so inclined, tell your friends (or your enemies) to come along. I’ve got my chair charged up, seatbelt on, and I’ve got plenty of room for you to hop on the back. I don’t think you’ll regret it.