By Niesha Mack Massingill
When life changes in an instant, many people break. But Tracey Bowen Bell? She bends, leans into her faith, and rises again…this time on a mission, with more grace than ever before.
A survivor, a speaker, and a spiritual powerhouse, Tracey is living proof that God truly makes no mistakes.
A Journey Marked by Pain and Purpose
Tracey’s journey took a dramatic turn after a series of devastating losses, beginning with the passing of her father in October 2022. That grief spiraled into unexpected medical complications, ultimately resulting in the amputation of her foot.
“It was during my weakest moment that I realized just how strong I really was,” she shares. “That’s when His grace took over.” In her deepest valley, God whispered simple but powerful words: “One day at a time.” Then later came a divine nudge “For my glory.” That’s when everything changed.
Some days felt victorious, others not so much. But Tracey held tightly to her faith and the promise of an abundant life. “I focused on returning to the things I loved, but this time, with intention…for His glory.”
“God Made No Mistake” Isn’t Just a Phrase…It’s a Mindset
When asked what the phrase “God made no mistake” means to her, Tracey doesn’t hesitate: “Surrender. Fearlessness. An expected end. Hope.” She’s learned that God doesn’t always answer in the way we expect and that’s a good thing. “He knows the end from the beginning.”
Even now, when asked if she as ever questioned her purpose, Tracey admits she still wrestles at times. “Yes, yes, and yes—as recent as today!” she laughs. But peace often finds her outside, under the stars, listening to the crickets and hum of the highway. “It reminds me how big God is, how small I am, and how loved I am in spite of it all.”
She channels that peace into purpose, traveling 17 times since her amputation, completing a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and maintaining a balanced schedule filled with work, rest, and joy. “Being still doesn’t always mean sleeping,” she says. “Sometimes it’s just doing something creative, unbothered.”
Navigating Faith Spaces with Grace and Boldness
Tracey is candid about the challenges she faces as a woman with a disability in church settings. “It’s often not intentional, but some spaces just aren’t equipped to accommodate us,” she explains. Physical access is one thing, but emotional boundaries are another: “Please don’t touch me or my chair without permission. I know it’s meant with love, but it’s important to ask.”
Even when facilities are labeled as accessible, Tracey has found glaring oversights. “I stayed at a hotel with a roll-in shower…great, right? Except the shampoo and shower gel were behind me and over my head. I still don’t know if I washed with shampoo or soap!” she laughs.
But she doesn’t just critique, she educates. Tracey is learning to advocate gracefully, understanding that many people simply don’t know what they don’t experience. Her advocacy is not just personal; it’s spiritual.
Faith-Fueled Practices That Sustain Her
Daily prayer keeps Tracey anchored. So does music. She curates custom playlists that speak to her soul, often letting autoplay selections guide her mood and devotion. Her outdoor devotions are intentional, and she frequently pairs them with photography to enhance her spiritual connection.
Through her disability, Tracey has found a deeper calling. “My journey touches so many areas; advocacy, ministry, healing. The evangelist in me has found her voice. I represent the voiceless, and I equip others to speak too.”
A Message to the Church and to Women Like Her
To churches and faith leaders, Tracey offers this loving reminder: “Healing doesn’t always look like what you expect. Love, pure love, is the greatest healer. Offer people a safe space to say where it hurts. Eliminate communication barriers. Let people with disabilities serve in meaningful ways.”
Her favorite quote? One from Dr. King: “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” That includes people with disabilities, if we make space for them.
And to women who feel unseen, misunderstood, or forgotten? Tracey has this encouragement: “Take the risk to be seen and heard but start in safe spaces. Connect with organizations that support your needs. Some of my greatest inspiration has come from strangers who became my tribe.”
She reminds us that shame doesn’t get the final say. “You’re not as bad or as good as you think you are. You’re a work in progress. So, give yourself grace. Listen for that still, small voice. And trust that God made no mistake when He made you.”
