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1996, with undiagnosed Lyme Disease
My Story…
“If I could only find enough pills to swallow — I wouldn’t have to do this anymore!”
I was in the depths of despair. Just a few years earlier as a teen, I was on the fast-track to a life of ministering to others as a musician and speaker. But then my life turned into a nightmare …
1991, Miss Texas Pageant
In 1991, at 20 years old, I was a senior honor student at Baylor University, a musician, and a motivational speaker. In a matter of weeks, an undiagnosed illness suddenly progressed, taking me on a downward spiral. Finally in 1996, a correct diagnosis was made — late-stage Lyme disease.
By this time there was little left that resembled the teenager who had begun the journey. What began with a flu, fatigue, stiffness, and pain had progressed until I had been confined for years to a wheelchair, a bed, and then confined within my mind as the infectious disease caused severe cognitive destruction and mental torture.
God’s grace brought me through that decade of suffering and in the midst of it, gave me the most invaluable gift I could ever receive — that of knowing Jesus more intimately. Stripped of all self-sufficiency, I came to exist by the life of Jesus and the power of God’s Word.
I would do it all again because of how the suffering caused me to know Christ!
I was a guest on Life Today with James Robison in 2002
Although I still have health challenges, I take God’s grace to audiences across the nation and around the world through TV and radio appearances, conferences and speaking engagements, proclaiming the truth and power of God’s life-changing word. Since 2000, I have ministered to thousands of people around the world, challenging them to seek and apply the word of God in every circumstance of life.
God led me to found Shades of Grace Ministries in 2000. His commission for the ministry was 2 Corinthians 1:4, which remains the ministry’s mission: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (You can read more about what Shades of Grace does here.)
About Shades of Grace
Popular Articles
- About Fasting
- About Prayer
- About Overcoming Adversity
- Resting in God’s Sovereign Rule: The Complete Series
- Praying After You Have Received Your Promise
- Waging War With Your Promise
- Finding Contentment and Thanksgiving in Suffering
- Resurrection Ground: Your Sunday’s Coming!
- God Still Clothes the Lilies: 10 Lessons for Seasons of Uncertainty – the first of fifteen articles in the series
- Thankfulness Training: Confessions of a Perfectionist – the first of eight articles in the series
- God’s Power in Weakness (5): Scriptures About Weakness and Strength – the fifth of five articles in the series
Popular Links
- Media Center (main)
- Natalie’s Journey
- Interviews
- Messages on Faith
- Messages on Fasting
- Submit a Prayer Request
- Pursuit 21
- Donate
“Natalie Grace Nichols is experiencing God’s grace and freely expressing it. My wife, Betty, and I thank God for the ministry of Jesus through Natalie.”
“I’m so thankful that God is raising up women like Natalie for a new generation, providing biblically balanced teaching, encouragement, and comfort for people who are enduring life’s trials.”
