Health doesn't impede Texas woman

HURST, Texas — Susan Slade is certain that she's on earth to help people find what they need.

"My purpose is to encourage people to find their purpose in God and to express it," she said.

But Slade's done so much more than that since she earned bachelor's and master's degrees at Oral Robert's University in Tulsa, Okla., then became an ordained minister. She has performed weddings, made inspirational videos, appeared on television, preached from pulpits to hundreds at a time and used a prophet-like insight to find meaning in Scripture.

Born with cerebral palsy, the 46-year-old woman did all that from a reclining wheelchair or a hospital bed. The only parts of her body that she can control are the thumb and forefinger of her right hand.

"I call it the fiery finger," she said. "When I start getting into Scripture, that finger really starts going."

People who visit Slade in her grandmother's home, where she has been confined to a bed since May, have watched that fiery finger fly as she emphasizes points she is making.

Illnesses and conditions that include neuropathy, scoliosis, osteoporosis and the loss of a kidney have complicated Slade's life, but they haven't impeded her ministry, said John Tyler, senior pastor at North Pointe Baptist Church in Hurst, Texas.

He called Slade "a prayer warrior and encourager in our church family."

One who has benefited from those talents, Dennis Bass, said Slade has talked him through some desperate times.

"She's helped me through depression," he said. "My mom passed away, and everyone said I couldn't make it without her. Susan helped me get through that and through the anniversary of her death."

Slade's ability to intervene with God on others' behalf may be her strongest ability, Bass said.

"You can call on her anytime you have health problems, family problems, problems with finances and she'll pray for you," Bass said. "It's like a miracle happens, and you just get through whatever it is."