About

Hello everyone, thanks for visiting my website.

First I will tell you a little about my Career-life:

I’m a writing mentor, editor, author, and teacher. I’ve taught many courses at churches in the metro Detroit area. I’ve taught creative and structured writing, grammar, essay, and other Language arts courses. I’ve incorporated free writing classes to teach high school that have included: journaling, essay, college prep, the five-paragraph, research papers, and going beyond the standard high school essay.

I’ve taught many subjects and have worked with thousands of people from different backgrounds and parts of the world. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and a minor in History. I also have an Associate degree in Liberal Arts.

I’ve worked as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Instructor for many years and have taught grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, pronunciation and have trained students to take standardized tests for business placement and college examinations.

I’ve taught English to automotive execs and managers at corporations here in Detroit: General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota.

I’ve taught numerous children and have accumulated many jobs throughout the years.

Writing-career

I’ve written well over 500 articles. My guest posts have been featured in Christianity Today, the Southern Writers Magazine, the Breathe Conference website, the Salonpas blog, and the Suite T blog among other places.

I’m the author of the best-selling books, Not Without God: A Story of Survival and Not Without God: Hope In the Storm.

I’ve been an active member of writer’s groups both offline and online and have developed, “Writing Because I Can’t Not Write Group – For seasoned and aspiring authors.” I created it in August of 2022. We meet on zoom every Friday and share our writing. Each person brings two to three pages for expert feedback and editing. Some members just join. We are also a networking group, so the majority come and don’t bring any material.

I only special feature award-winning and best-selling authors or speakers. If you have an interest in writing, want to write a book, or simply want to gain more exposure for your brand or books, make sure to contact me so I can get you started: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085121127473&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Keep in mind…

God loves you. He loves you because you are you, his child.

He loves you the way you are, grace is not earned—it is freely given. If grace were given to us because of our works we would not earn it. 

God is able to pull you out of your past so that you can live fully in the present.

There is no greater time than now to turn our lives around. At times the path will not be an easy one.

When you follow God, it isn’t always a “live your best life” kind of path at times it will be difficult. You may even suffer hardship and rejection from friends.

Following Jesus is not a one-time-event; he is continually molding and shaping. It will be worth it in the end.

I’m passionate about my faith and friends. Having a relationship with God through conversation and prayer is important.

After being hit by a car while trying to cross the street on my way to school at just sixteen years old, I became paralyzed.

It’s a miracle from the Lord I’m alive and able to walk. I use crutches (the kind with the rings around the arms) and hope to one day walk without them. Some doctors predicted I would never walk after my accident, so the progress I have made is good.

Thanks for visiting my page,

-XO

~Zina 

144 thoughts on “About”

  1. Thanks god I am looking about solution of complete spinal cord problem I have got ur sugession from web. I am going to inform you about my problem my father about 60 yrs now he hot bus accident and spinal cord problem hand and leg. He cant move have you any idea about treatment thanks for your co-operation. -Pralhad thapa from nepal now in portugal

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    1. Dear Pralhad, thank you for writing. I’m sorry about your father’s accident, and I hope he feels better and recovers. There is still no found cure for spinal-cord-injury, but there have been some advancements in technology. Rehabilitation (physical therapy) still gives us the most benefits. It sounds like your father’s accident was not long ago, you can ask his doctor when it will be safe for him to begin a physical therapy/exercise program. This will help him to regain some strength and function. If you have any further questions, you can email me at: zina@zinahermez.com. I have also written many articles on this subject, please click on this link: https://zinahermez.wordpress.com/category/sci-medical-information/

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  3. It’s been 16 months now since that fateful day. I know most people don’t remember their accident but I was the passenger and my mother in law was in the back seat not belted down. We went out for a quick trip to pick mom up at the cabin in Colorado and bring her home. Just as we went across the pass my husband passed out at the wheel with his eyes wide open and head cocked back and us leaving the highway. I’m glad I’m the only one who remembers the accident. We ended up in the freezing cold water at the bottom running into our badly beaten up car. It seemed like forever before help arrived and the helicopters had to shut down that two lane mountain highway to land. My being a nurse did not make things easier because I knew from the first time the car hit my back was broken. I too was not to ever walk again, told I am a miracle and it is completely because I have been healed by God except for one minor detail. I have severe neuropathy pain not controlled by meds and the spasticity at night keeps me awake a lot. Do you deal with this and how so? I pray a lot for it to be taken away. Any advice?

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    1. Hello Janette, thank you for sharing your incredible story! It is good to know that everyone came out alive. I am very sorry about your accident. It sounds like you are a big miracle! I do not experience any neuropathy or spasticity in my legs. Your pain will continue to diminish since it has only been 16 months. I had a lot of pain in the beginning. Recovery from SCI takes a long time, and often times–many years. Don’t be discouraged. I recommend that you read all of the articles in my section titled “SCI medical information.” I focus on recovery, and please read all of the comments on this page.

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  4. Hey am rodolfo on 2013 i suffered sci t11/12 complete n told i never walked again its been a year since my accident due to car accident but wen i try to my legs i can feel this tingling like when your arms or legs fall asleep but still cant move them does this means anything at all need some help am 20 years old

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    1. Yes, Rodolfo, the tingling in your legs is a VERY GOOD sign!! Don’t give up! A year is not a long time. Please read all of my articles on the “SCI medical information” section on my website, and read all of the comments on this page. I have shared lots of information on recovery.

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  5. I was over at Northville Barnes and Noble and started to read your book. Nov 17, 2013 I was hit by a car while I was doing my last training ride for the year. I was a tri-athete. I was very fortunate he was only do 20-25. I was able to walk away form this accident I only had a broken arm, skull fracture and some internal injuries but on the whole nothing even close to what you had. I trusted God in all things He never left me When I thought he was so far away He was beside me. Something that I will never forget.

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    1. Hello Dwight. Thank God your accident was not worse, and I’m happy to hear you are doing well. Yes, these are experiences we can never forget. I’m glad you are able to see that God was beside you the whole time. I know He is beside me. Thank you for sharing your story. I met a friend, a hero, the late Jim MacLaren. He was also a tri-athlete. Google his name. He has an incredible story! Thanks for your note.

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  6. Zina , I am also a sci my injury is t8. I deal with pain daily but use no meds only mind over matter. I am happily married with 5 beautiful children in which I conceived and birthed all after my sci injury in 1994. Life is full of blessings and challenges every day. Every day I’m thankful for the life I have been given.

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    1. Hi Tricia,
      Thank you for stopping by and writing on my blog! It was a blessing to meet you and spend time with you in the hospital that year in 1994. We were two young girls, and our lives had completely changed. I’m happy to see you with a beautiful family, healthy and strong. XO

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  7. Hi Zina,

    I have had three surgeries on my thoracic spine. I am still able to walk but it’s been very difficult to do without pain and electrical signals. I can’t walk very far. I have had this condition since 2009. I don’t know if I will recover fully but I have faith that God will restore me completely. I just need to have trust that He will. Thank you for sharing your life. You are a blessing.

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  8. Hi Zina, I really want to say thanks for your blog it’s full of inspiration. I’m also a SCI patient suffering from T3-T4 level injury since 1998. After a lot of exercise I’m better. I appreciated all the tips you give to get better every day!!

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  9. Hi, im also a SCI patient, suffering from T11-T12 level injury since March 2013. Ive regained my sitting balance again and have full control when I sit. Ive been doing exercises on muscle strengthening and trying to get myself to stand up. I have been trying my best to get my legs to move but they just twitch and at times move without me moving them. Tell me, when the first times for you to move your legs was it really difficult and how did u go about doing it? And I really appreciate what you have written and how you’ve helped others, its nice to know that someone out there is sharing this and wants to help.

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  11. Dear Zina,
    Thanks for your msg, My friend is T4 level SCI injury since 1993 (20years) he is paralyze and now going to do surgery for SCI and he is also doing PT continuously . We hope and pray one day he will stand from a wheelchair . I believe Jesus will bless him. We are going to do surgery soon, I will let you know, Thank you

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    1. To Zina thanks for encouraging all of us with back injuries .You are a real inspiration to us Have a Blessed New Year God Bless !Tom Siemer

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    6. Hi Zina ,God has helped all of us is so many ways.I do have a few injuries and I pray how I can do different jobs with theseinjuries.and The Lord always shows me.Daniel 6 26-28.Zina you really did help me through a dark time in my life.I say thanks! signed Tom from Australia

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    9. Hi Lisa, you are a real inspiration.I was in a major car crash. Tboned by a car going 60 miles an hour. From 2 crushed vert. I had a lot of pain. Rehab. But miraculously, the Lord healed my family and stood with us. God Bless! Tom

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Zina you are a real inspiration.The christians around the world need your inspiration. Thanks for you prayers. Robyn and I will be praying for you also. God Bless! Tom Melbourne Australia

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  14. Hi Zina Praise someone understands.You are inspirational, I was just in a auto accident.T5-T6 other injuries.My wife and I were missionaries in Africa and Europe. I know the Lord has other things for us. Thanks again for your blog, Signed Brother in Christ Tom F. Siemer

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  15. Hi Zina:

    My 17 year old son is a recent (May 2013) paraplegic. He is walking with forearm crutches and has even challenged the PT to let him walk without any assistance. He is determined. His biggest concerns are the feeling that everyone is looking at him when he is in public. We too have ice in the winter and think your blog will help him. He hasn’t reached out to the SCI community yet and wonder if you might suggest a method to get him to find out whose there to talk and support with. BTW, he has is own individual PT, his MOM, who I am finding to be incredible in his journey.

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    1. Hi Mike, I can relate to your son’s concerns. I was around his age when my accident happened. It’s great that he is so determined. As far as reaching out, please feel free to let him know about my blog. He is more than welcome to write to me or subscribe. I will send you an email with networks, foundations, or on line support that I know of. It is wonderful that his mom is his PT. It sounds like he is already making a lot of progress!

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  16. Hi Zina,

    You are truly an inspiration. Your optimism and your faith is what heals you. I am happy to hear your stories. There are many people who needs your words of encouragement. I’ll share this with my friends who have been victims of personal injury.

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  18. Hello Zina,
    I have read your Blog, I fully agree with your opinion. I also like to spend a time in the book store in the US. But In Japan, we can’t see any cafe areas and tables & chairs in the book store. I think Japanese book store has a strong tendency to avoid that the customer would stay there for a long time, but the US case is completely opposite. I like this type of the US culture. Everyone can spend a good time in the store which they like. I hope I could read the book which you wrote near future. Of course, I will purchase your book at that time!

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  19. On July 17th 2012, I sustained a spinal cord injury from a dirtbike accident. I fractured my T-5, T-6, and C-6 with a dislocation. What a blow to my life, or anybody’s life for that matter….It’s only been 7 mo post accident and feels like a bad dream that I can’t wake up from…I’m a paraplegic…I didn’t have any movement after the surgery..I went to Craig Hospital for 2 mo after the accident for rehab. I started getting rapid return in movement of my legs…when I got back home I started hammering out PT 3 days week..first I used a standing frame…then I went to a walker with no wheels….now I’m in the process of learning to use crutches and its only been 7 mo post accident. The spinal surgeon said the probability of me ever walking was slim..so by the grace of God and hard work, I’m determined to beat the odds!!! So never give up!!! It’s great to see people on here giving support, advice, and mostly HOPE…

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  20. I’m so happy to have found this blog. I feel like I’m smiling as I read this. I don’t feel so alone. PRAISE GOD!!! Thanks for your kind words Humblejuan and I’m so sorry to hear about your accident. Zina thank you for all your support as well and the emails. Well I’m hoping today is going to be a productive day. I’m going to a store that sell products for the handicap to make life easier for us to get around. I’m just praying its not to expensive. I was given a walker and a cane. I think the one that holds both arms would be better for me a regular cane is scary I feel like I’m going to fall. I’m kind off excited to be leaving this house it’s been so cold and so much ice outside I’m so afraid to go out. I need to ask God to take away my fears. Well off I go this morning to do some shopping just waiting for my daughter. I’m so blessed to have met you all may The Lord bless you and keep you all under His wing. God bless

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