You Can Dance To A Different Beat Poem by Michelle Kidwell

Sunday, May 3,1992, Autianya was on her way home while singing to her groups Demo tape. Because of something she had just done...she decided to say a prayer, asking for forgiveness, guidance and courage. Then she asked, 'Lord, please help me with my career. I want to be different and I want to touch Your Children.'

What happened next is tragedy to others, but a miracle to her.

She was traveling north bound on the famous Hollywood freeway, when suddenly a car cut directly in front of her causing her to slam on the breaks. As her car screeched and spun out of control, it hit the center divider head on. The impact was so strong that it caused her back to snap in half and severe her spinal cord. When she came to, she found it difficult to breath because of internal bleeding. She began to gasp for air. Without success, Autianya lost the battle and experienced the unknown.

She states, 'I felt these two strong hands, pull me out of my body while I kept on saying, I didnt get to say good-bye to anyone, re p e a t e d l y. When suddenly I heard Gods voice answer', 'It is ok My Child, Im giving you what you asked for. I have prepared you for this day and I know that your spirit is strong. You will encounter several trials, but you will overcome them all to become one of
My Chosen Ones! ' She then concluded, 'Next thing I know I was released back into my body to find the paramedics fighting to keep me alive. When I woke up in the hospital, I found that I could no longer feel my legs and the Dr. told me that I would never walk or dance again.

While Autianya was still in a rehabilitation hospital, readjusting, and learning how to adapt to her new lifestyle, she began to host her own Award Winning Music Video Show named N-Motion. The show was extremely successful and she interviewed several well-known entertainers.

Only a year into her new life, Autianya seemed unstoppable. That was until her Mothers illness slowed her down. On a two weeks notice, cancer would claim the life of her biggest support & best friend, her Mother.

Indeed, from 1993 until 1999, Autianya encountered many trials that would lead her down a dark road and spiraling towards death. But with strength, God instilled in this vessel, she overcame them all one-step at a time.

After rededicating her life back to God, Autianya began to follow the right road that God had designed for her.

In October 2002, Auti-Angel (Autianyas Artist name) competed in the World Championship of Performing Arts. This invitation only competition is held yearly and consists of actors, dancers, musicians and vocalists from around the world. This prestigious competition has been compared to the Olympics. Auti-Angel won Gold for Dancing, Silver for Acting, Silver for Modeling, and Silver for Singing. Mind you that she competed against 30 different countries while being one of the only two competitors in a wheelchair! She was reported to be, An Awesome Entertainer who can dance her wheels off!

In the same year, Auti-Angel collaborated with an Occupational Therapist to start a Performing Arts Program at the famous Rancho Los Amigos. Their first successful show was on Dec.6 2002 that landed them an article in the LA Times. They dedicated it to the families and the lost lives of the New York tragedy.

In November of 2003, Auti-Angel danced on the Vibe Music Awards with the famous rap artists Ludacris (in her wheelchair) . In April of 2005, Auti-Angel performed the lead role, Amy, in the amazing short film Wings of Legacy; written, directed, and produced by Neeta Mittal. As an artist, Auti-Angel is presently perusing her career as an all around Entertainer (Actress, Singer, Rapper, Dancer) and is looking for the other Chosen-Ones who will step out on the last limb with Her to touch Gods Children! ! !

http: //www.Autiangel.com

Autiangel could have let Tragedy define her life in a negative way, but instead she took something negative and turned it into a postive with the Grace of God...

You can dance to a different beat

You can sing a new song of praise

And in tragedy still find that grace.

You can look to the Savior

And see your true measure

Or you can look to the world

With all it's

'You can not's and believe

What they say

Or you can look to

The king of the impossible

And see that in Him

Anything is possible.'

Copyright Michelle R Kidwell

March.21.09

10: 32 P.M PST