Faith and family: Local woman says she is learning to walk again, in life and with God

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 25, 2016

By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Many situations in life can present as a test of faith, and for Hannah Durkin, these situations have taught her much more.

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Two days after turning 26, Durkin underwent back surgery. Two months to the day after that surgery, she was involved in a car crash which left her temporarily unable to walk.

“When I had my back surgery, I really turned to my Bible,” Durkin said. “I found a journaling community Facebook, and doing that really help me take my mind off of things.”

After her back surgery, Durkin was made to walk immediately, however, she has not been able to do so since the wreck.

“I did not get bitter after my surgery, but I did after my wreck,” Durkin said. “It has been a real test of faith.”

After the wreck, Durkin’s friend Brittany Daggett set up a GoFundMe account to help with medical expenses for her and her boyfriend, Chris McKinley, who was also injured in the wreck.

Durkin and McKinley were scheduled to go to Honduras on a mission trip on July 30, but the trip has been postponed.

“Looking back on things right now, I was so stressed about this mission trip and trying to raise enough money to be able to afford the trip,” Durkin said. “I don’t think I was trusting God enough to provide for us.”

Durkin said she has been fighting hardest to learn that she cannot control everything in life.

“Recently, we bought the game of Life, and that is something you may think you can control,” Durkin said. “But, even that can’t be controlled. It is really just a game of chance.”

Durkin, who made the decision to change her life at the beginning of this year, said she has not really claimed a church home. She and McKinley have been visiting Springfield Baptist Church, though, for several months now.

“When something like (the wreck) happens, you see just how big of a support system you have,” Durkin said. “The folks at that church checked on us and cooked us meals and made sure we had what we needed.”

Durkin said her decision to change her life came after so many trials in her life and the near end of some of her personal relationships.

“Our lives were so exhausting, and Chris and I were on the outs,” Durkin said. “Once we brought God to the center of our lives, everything changed.”

The disappointment of not being able to make the mission trip weighed on Durkin, but the couple does have plans to make the trip in the future.

Fortunately for Durkin, she has a job that allows her to work from home, which has been helpful since doctors have not given her a definite date when she will walk again.

“It could be much worse, at least I have both of my legs,” Durkin said. “I am just learning to take it slow and trust Him.”

Durkin faces more tests and the possibility of more procedures in the future, but said she only sees all of her trials adding to her testimony.

“It is in situations like this … people are able to see your light more,” Durkin said. “You never know how people see your situation from the outside, and you can really witness to them in times like this.”

Through these incidents, Durkin has learned to be thankful for what she does have.

“All of this has given me such a change of perspective on life,” Durkin said. “It is the little things that matter and we take for granted. I know this could have been so much worse.”

The GoFundMe account for Durkin is still active and a co-ed kickball tournament fundraiser to help with medical expenses is set for July 16 at Duncan Park.

Information for the tournament can be found on the event’s page on Facebook.