by Ramona Partridge
🧡 Introduction
There comes a moment in every believer’s life when “I can” runs headfirst into “I can’t”—and that’s where grace steps in. This is a story about those moments. About waking up in pain but still whispering hope. About watching my mother ring the bell after chemo and radiation, knowing it wasn’t just medicine that carried her—it was prayer, grit, and the grace of God. We’ve walked through fire, and we’re still walking. But we’re not alone. Because when “I can” meets “Grace Alone,” miracles happen.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Corinthians 12:9
đź’¬ The Journey
There was a time when saying “I can” came easily. It rolled off my tongue like a promise I believed in. I used to tell my children, “Can’t never could,” because I wanted them to chase every dream without fear. I read them, The Little Engine That Could, cheering along with “I think I can, I think I can!”—and for years, I lived that way too.
But life has a way of testing our declarations.
These days, my body doesn’t always agree with my spirit. Pain greets me before sunrise, and some nights I wake up more times than I can count. My husband Steve helps me up when I can’t do it alone. And that’s hard—because I’m not built to be needy. I’ve always been independent, energetic, the one who kept everything running: homework, housework, sports practices, concession stands, cheering from the bleachers.
Now, I find myself whispering “I can” through clenched teeth and quiet prayers. My body may falter, but my faith does not. I believe in the healing power of Jesus. I believe in touching the hem of His garment, just like the woman in Mark 5:34, when He said:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”
🌸 My Mother’s Testimony
That scripture lives in me—and it lives in my mother too. Just last week, she rang the bell. Her chemo and radiation are complete. Her next step is surgery, and we’re praying hard. Watching her walk through cancer with courage and grace has been another reminder that “I can” isn’t about strength—it’s about surrender. It’s about trusting that God’s plan is bigger than our pain.
We’ve had many prayers. Some were whispered through tears, others shouted in praise. And through it all, we’ve seen His hand.
đź’Ş Closing Reflection
So no, I don’t fear what I can or cannot do. Because I know:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13
Even when I feel weak, He is strong. Even when I say “I can’t,” He says “I will.”
🙏 Invitation to Readers
If you’ve ever found yourself at the edge of “I can’t,” I’d love to hear your story. Let’s celebrate the grace that carries us when our strength runs out. Drop a comment below or share this post with someone who needs a reminder that they’re not alone.
