At sixteen, Katie Matthews’ life changed in an instant. A car crash left her a quadriplegic with a traumatic brain injury. Doctors said independence would be impossible. Darkness closed in as lies whispered that her life no longer mattered. Katie admitted there was a time she didn’t want to live anymore.

But then, a small crack of light broke through. Gratitude. Choosing even in the hardest moments to see the smallest glimmers of hope shifted her perspective. Her mother’s prayers carried her when she couldn’t pray for herself, and those prayers became a living testimony of God’s power to breathe life into what seemed broken beyond repair.

Another moment that stood out to me in Katie’s story was the wisdom of her coach. Instead of focusing on what she could no longer do, he asked her, “What can you do for yourself?” That simple shift unlocked possibility. He reminded her there are hundreds of ways to do almost anything we just need to find the one that works for us. Those reframes became lifelines, carrying her through the trial-and-error of learning new skills and discovering her own way forward.

Today, Katie is not only living independently she is thriving as a founder, author, speaker, and coach, inspiring countless others to see that with God, all things are possible. In fact, just the other day, I watched a video of her fly fishing in Montana. It was such a striking picture of freedom Katie out in creation, enjoying life in ways that once seemed unimaginable.

The Power of Shifting Perspective

Katie’s story reminds us that gratitude and perspective are not small things they are lifelines. Scripture tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Transformation doesn’t begin with changed circumstances; it begins with changed thinking.

Her coach’s simple question, “What can you do for yourself?” mirrors this truth. When we focus on what we can do, rather than what we can’t, possibility opens up. Gratitude reframes despair into hope.

Neuroscience confirms what scripture has long declared. Our brains are wired for neuroplasticity, meaning new thought patterns can reshape the brain. Gratitude activates neural pathways that release dopamine and serotonin, lowering stress and lifting mood. Over time, this rewiring builds resilience, creating space for light where darkness once dominated.

Please add the Link to the Podcast Episode Part 1 and Part 2

How You Can Show Up as Light

Shifting perspective isn’t just about personal breakthrough—it becomes a gift we carry to others. Here are a few ways you can be light for someone walking through their own darkness:

• In marriage: Instead of focusing on flaws, affirm the good you see. A gentle word (Proverbs 15:1) can open more doors than criticism ever will.
• As a parent: Teach your children gratitude by modeling it. A simple nightly practice of naming three things you’re thankful for rewires their brain toward hope.
• As a friend: When someone is discouraged, sit with them and ask, “What strength do you see in yourself right now?” That reframe can spark courage.
• In community: Speak stories of transformation out loud. Jesus called us the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14–16) because hope multiplies when shared.

A Reflection for You

Katie’s story is living proof that what feels impossible can become possible when gratitude shifts our focus, prayer sustains us, and perspective is renewed. Her mother’s prayers, her coach’s reframes, and her own choice to keep moving forward opened the door to a life filled with purpose and freedom.

Who in your life needs that kind of light today? A spouse weighed down by discouragement? A child learning how to navigate fear? A friend who feels like giving up? A community longing for hope?

You carry the power to pray, to speak life, and to shift perspective not just for yourself, but for others.

And don’t keep this story to yourself. Share Katie’s testimony with someone who needs to know that the darkness isn’t the end of their story. Sometimes hearing how another has walked through despair and found light is exactly the reminder they need to keep going.

Reflection Prompt:

Think of one area where you’ve been focused on what you cannot do. How might gratitude and a shift in perspective open a door to what you can do today? And who can you share Katie’s story with this week as a gift of encouragement?