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Through a bizarre mailing that appeared at our house today, I was made aware of the Lifetime Television’s project Lifetime Celebrates Remarkable Women. It seems that this cable television show is dedicated to presenting a biography every week about a remarkable woman. The headline on the website states,

“Lights, camera ... take action! Following the historic ‘year of the woman’ in politics, Lifetime Television is unveiling a new effort - Lifetime Celebrates Remarkable Women - to shine a spotlight on an extraordinary woman, and to inspire and empower others to make a difference in their communities and the world.”

At Roma locuta est, we think the idea of celebrating 52 women, one for each week of the year, is a fabulous idea. Therefore, we will be starting a new series called Roma locuta est Celebrates Remarkable Women. We will take nominations via email . Nominees can be taken from the Church Militant or the Church Triumphant. It would be good to submit a name and a brief biography, but it would be better if you would write the whole entry yourself: I am happy to give credit where credit is due.

And without further ado ...

Roma locuta est Celebrates Remarkable Women

by Guest Columnist MaryBeth Eberhard

VII. Theresa Marie Lucas

“I truly feel that I am here for a reason and there is work for me to do.” Theresa Marie Lucas is a painter. One can find her in her studio painting hours on end bent over a canvas humming to herself as she creates what her mind visualizes. The results are amazing and

even more so because they were painted with the steady concentration of holding a paint brush in her mouth.

You see, Theresa was born with a rare neuromuscular disability called arthrogryposis that left her mobility in her arms and legs severely affected.

Her family embraced the gift of raising a child with special needs and treated her as they did every other child. Growing up in a large extended family gave Theresa the challenge to find ways to do things for herself, and she has certainly succeeded in doing so.

Having helped form the national support group for arthrogryposis five years ago, Lucas now sits as the president. Here she has helped grow the online community of parents, friends, family members and those affected by arthrogryposis to over one thousand members. At the annual convention, Lucas holds a jammed packed workshop where she gives everyone the freedom to paint as they are able. With the help of local Indiana artist M. K. Watkins, the result is a stunning creation of artistic mastery.

Theresa’s faith life grounded her during a storm of challenges as she grew up. From typical challenging school transitions to family and friends’ medical situations and deaths, all these events made her rely heavily on and submit to the Lord’s grace.

Over the last 5 years, Lucas has been traveling to work with kids from various schools to teach them how to paint. She does this in her own unique style, of course, by using her mouth. Part of the exercise is to challenge the students to paint using just their mouth to hold the brush. It gives them a new perspective on appreciating everyone’s different skills in life. One of the words Lucas has coined is difability.

“I don’t get crazy if you use the word handicap or disability. It’s just that the prefix dis means not or can’t. And I can... I just do it differently.”

Theresa Marie Lucas is a model of courage, fortitude, and Christian hope, and for this reason, we celebrate the remarkable woman that she is.

http://causafinitaest.blogspot.com/

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=139691

http://www.style1media.com/101116_wetv.html

http://www.kathydavis.com/kathy-davis-blog-home/entry/scattering-joy-through-art-overcoming-disabilities.html

Scattering Joy Through Art: Overcoming Disabilities

There are so many reasons to occasionally take a break and travel to someplace new. It re-charges your batteries and inspires with new sights and experiences. My recent trip to Mexico was filled with many simple pleasures, from the beautiful beaches and ocean to the colorful handicrafts I found in the small shops. But one of my favorite reasons to travel is the new people you meet - people you would not have met otherwise...people who often challenge your thinking and remind you that in spite of the interesting differences among people from around the world, we are, in many ways, very much the same.

While in Playa Del Carmen, I was lucky to meet a fellow watercolor artist, named Theresa Lucas.

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Theresa, from Indiana, won the trip as an award from Wyndham Worldwide! Her talent is very special, indeed. Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (a rare condition that affects one in 3000 births), Theresa has overcome her "diff-ability" by holding the paintbrush in her mouth. (Theresa prefers the term "diff-ability" over "disability". She says "dis" means "can't", and she "can" do things, just differently!)

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One of my favorite paintings of Theresa's is called "Blue Serenity". It has a very calming beauty about it.

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In addition to painting, Theresa teaches and does motivational speaking about overcoming disabilities. She has been featured in Ladies Home Journal and recently was honored with the "Women On Their Way" award.

Theresa's story is a wonderful example of finding joy through art - and sharing that joy with the rest of the world.

Please visit her website. www.theresalucas.com

I hope you find her story, talent and courage as inspiring as I do.

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Friday, August 20, 2010

Roma locuta est Celebrates Remarkable Women:

Scattering Joy Through Art: Overcoming Disabilities