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Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled award-winning author (with twenty book awards, including nine Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Awards), motivational speaker, self-empowerment expert, poet, author of nine books, contributor to seventeen, and a parental rights advocate, has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy. Owing to years of hospitalization, she received no education until age eleven.

Back then, she knew only her ABCs and very simple English; other than that, her book knowledge was non-existent. However, after only about 180 days of special education in elementary school, she mastered grade level in all areas and entered a regular sixth grade class in middle school. Unfortunately, Shirley lost her eyesight at the age of seventeen. After a successful eye surgery, she hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University. Visit www.shirleycheng.com

Thank you Shirley for taking the time to answer some questions for us! Would you please tell us about your latest project?

The latest book I've written, which has just been published, is on Christianity, titled "Do You Love Jehovah? God Almighty's Infinite Love & Wisdom to Propel You to Greatness." It's an inspirational Christian book that empowers readers to develop a sacred, lasting relationship with Jehovah God Almighty, and to find life's truths directly from the  Bible, the Word of God.

Besides answering life's colossal questions, "Do You Love Jehovah?" clears up some of the most commonly misunderstood teachings about the Bible, such as:

- The Holy Trinity mystery: Who is really God? Who is Jesus Christ? How about the Holy Spirit?

- What happens after we die? Do we really have an immortal soul?

- Since Jesus died for us, does that mean we will automatically enter the Kingdom of God?

- Are we predestined?

- Why does God allow suffering and wickedness?

- What will happen to the wicked? Will they burn for eternity in hell?

- And many other misconceptions about the Word of God

The book has received many rave reviews, including:

"...this book deserves to sit on the shelf next to the Bible...Shirley has all of the properties, emotions, logic and spiritual being that (Jehovah) was hoping to instill in each one of us.

"Shirley may be in a wheelchair, but has walked the universe. She may be blind but see's the true color and beauty in the world, the people and in life. Shirley has found a way in her writing, to open our eyes to the world around us, the blessings bestowed upon us, the path to follow and the life that is yet to come." -Jan Hayner, Professional Organizer, Motivational Speaker and Personal Coach.

"(Shirley) could preach a sermon with the best of the 18th century preachers." -Laura Evans, United Methodist Pastor's Wife, Certified Instructor

"[Shirley's) common sense analysis of the Bible will shock mainstream Christianity. She arouses logical questions and presents answers based on the Bible..." -Maria D. Georga,MBA, Author, Greece

"(Shirley's) grassroots story telling make this book an excellent read for individuals who haven't made the time to read the Bible. This book would benefit anyone who has feelings of loss, loneliness, anger, selfishness, and low self worth. Great for children to learn the foundation their life was built upon." -Trish Lay, Life Coach, Speaker

Have you received any awards for your books?

Yes, I have won twenty book awards so far. My book, "Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings" (foreword by New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Brian) has won eight book awards, including 2009 Mom's Choice Awards®. My book, "Embrace Ultra-Ability! Wisdom, Insight & Motivation from the Blind Who Sees Far and Wide," has won twelve awards, including nine Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Awards.

Of all the books you've written, which one is your favorite?

So far, my favorite book - and by far the most important - is my latest release, "Do You Love Jehovah?"

Who is your biggest motivator? Who inspires you the most?

First and foremost, it is Jehovah God who grants me the power and strength to move forward. I'm brave as I know He's always there, guiding me, supporting me, and loving me. I'm a sheep in His green pasture, and He's my Savior, my Shepherd, and I will never be in want as long as I know Him. And second, it is the most special person and treasure (besides my own life) He has given me: my dear mother, Juliet Cheng, who is the cornerstone and light of my life, the foundation of my happiness, strength, and success, besides my Heavenly Father.

What are you most grateful for?

I'm extremely grateful to be alive; I'm so honored that God has chosen me to live so I can experience all the wonderful things life has to offer. Compared to the entire universe and all the beauties it contains, my problems are tiny! I'm never scornful for losing my eyesight and the ability to walk; instead, I'm simply grateful for having owned these powers before. Plus, I'm still the owner of so many other great gifts: I can still hear, I can still talk, and I'm still alive, so I utilize all these treasures to become an award-winning author and motivational speaker to touch as many people as I possibly can to bring humor, hope, and healing.

I'm also extremely grateful to God for giving me the best mother anyone could ever ask for. She is the world to me!

What's your personal mantra?

Dance with your heart! When you dance with your heart, you are dancing using your heart, you are dancing together with your heart, and in turn, you become a dancing heart to lead others in your dance steps so they, too, can become dancing hearts.

Although I'm blind, I can see far and wide; even though I'm disabled, I can climb high mountains. Let the ropes of hope in Jehovah God haul you high!

What's your ultimate secret to success?

My ultimate secret to my successes is my deep faith in, my gratitude toward, my hope in, and my love for Jehovah God Almighty.

What is your future ambition?

After a successful eye surgery, I hope to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University, and become a professional visual-art artist.

But above all else, I hope to bring the Word of God to as many people as I possibly can. I urge people to recognize the importance and blessing of life, of every minute, of every second...but you couldn't have experienced all life's splendor without Jehovah granting you this privilege in the first place!

What do you want to be most remembered for?

When people think of me, I hope they would think, "She was a living proof what God-gifted powers can do for you in your life." God can always turn a situation from impossible to possible. I hope people can learn from my story that no one and nothing can stop you if you do not let them--only you can stop yourself. People can do whatever they can to you physically, but no one can touch your spirit as long as your faith is rooted deeply in God.

Where can others learn more about you?

My story is featured in the current fall issue of Rick Warren's new magazine, Purpose Driven Connection. Readers can see how the loss of my eyesight is actually a divine turn of events for the betterment for both yours truly and others as well.

People are also welcome to visit me at my site, www.shirleycheng.com

Thank you Shirley! You are truly an inspiration to all of us!