A LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS: WFWP ARKANSAS HERSTORY AWARDEE SHARES OF OVERCOMING DISABILITY

Linda Thomas seated center surrounded by participants of the April 30th meeting

During our April WFWP meeting, held at the William F. Laman Library in North Little Rock, Arkansas on April 30, eleven guests were inspired by our featured speaker, Linda Rowe Thomas. Ms. Thomas was one of our HerStory Award recipients at our December 2017 Bridge of Peace event.

She spoke of a life without limits. She is a burn survivor who was badly burned in a house fire at age two. She lost her six year old sister to that fire. The doctor had told her mother that if Linda lived, she would not amount to much, and that her life would be very limited. To this, her mother replied, “You do not know the God I serve.” Linda attributes her success in life to God and to her mother. Her mother taught her to never feel sorry for herself, to be or feel like a victim, or make excuses because of her disability.

Her mother encouraged her to never say “can’t,” to never let anyone put her in a box, and that she had unlimited potential. In high school, she was a track star and got a scholarship to run track at the University of Central Arkansas. Her competitive spirit propelled her to excel. She learned from her mother to never think of herself as disabled. She would always compete with her brothers. To help her rehabilitate, her mother taught her to knit and this led her to dreaming of fashion and eventually becoming a nationally known fashion designer that services many major store outlets, like Belks. She has designed clothes for famous celebrities. She has received numerous awards, but she said these are not as important to her as seeing her fashion designs be successful and also helping other burn victims find value in their lives through her philanthropic work.

She shared that when she was a young girl, her mother would place objects on the floor for her to pick up as a way of rehabilitation. Her one hand is badly debilitated. Her mother would ask her to pick up the objects and bring them to her and turn her back so Linda would not see her mother’s tears.

One of the girls Linda mentored at the camp for burn survivors, a 13 year old, was very shy and withdrawn. Linda worked with her and she went to college, excelled, and is successful today.

Everyone was moved by her story and now want to visit her fashion room. One member, SJ Hansberry, has a production studio and does a radio program and made plans to interview Linda soon after the meeting.

Linda is an amazing lady with an inspiring story of faith and courage. She said she was initially was very hesitant to speak publicly, but after speaking at her mother’s funeral, she realized she has a story to share. She said that in life and in death her mother was her greatest inspiration. Labels don’t keep her from achieving her dreams!

Linda Thomas