The Story of Amazing, Joni

One evening, not long ago, we were together with our small group or “life group” from church.  I am so blessed by this group of people, and love that we can form deeper relationships together as well as our walk with the Lord.  As we were sitting together in our living room, we were beginning our next lesson on, “Can A Loving God Exist in the Midst of Evil and Suffering? 

The video we watched was thought-provoking and powerful.  There were many personal stories that were shared: one was a father who had accidentally run over his young son.  Tragic and completely shocking. I can’t imagine going through something so horrific. 

Another testimony was the story of Joni Eareckson Tada.  Joni had just graduated high school.  On a hot July day, she went with her family for a trip to the Chesapeake Bay.  She dove in the crisp blue water from an anchored raft, only to find out in that moment, her life would be changed forever.  The water was too shallow and she then became a quadriplegic for the rest of her life.  Her story captivated me in that instant.  As she was speaking from her wheelchair she had a vivaciousness and joy that went straight to my heart.  I decided to order her book right away, I just had to hear more of her story.

I will share some highlights with you.  If we pause on that thought – a seemingly small action of diving into the water – and becoming a life changing moment in more than one way, has arguably become the most pivotal moment in her life.   I can’t begin to think of how many times she would have probably replayed that moment over and over in her head.  It would be so easy to be angry with God and asking, “Why?”  “Why me?”  “Why did this happen?” 

After being stripped of many physical capabilities, she still had her mind.  Although, this was no easy challenge to overcome.  For many months she lived on a Stryker hospital bed and had to be flipped every few hours.  She had to completely depend on hospital nurses and staff for her most basic needs.  Joni faced denial, depression, and at times even contemplated suicide.  Through her physical suffering and sometimes doubt, she was determined to not give up on the Lord.  As much of our Christian faith can be a journey, with bumps along the way, and highs and lows, she overcame her doubts and fears by finding her true purpose: all things work together for good to those who love the Lord.

Through her trials, she realized that she did have a story to share: using her imperfect life to bring glory to Him.  Don’t we each have a story to share?  How has God used you in your life?   She even discovers an amazing talent of using her mouth to paint – learning to hole a paint brush in her mouth for hours! 

From her book, “Joni, (God) says our lives are like paintings that God is making. Your body- is only the frame for God’s portrait of you. Y’know, people don’t go to an art gallery to admire frames.  Their focus is on the quality and character of the painting.”

A key verse that she solely relied on is:  1 Thessalonians, “In everything give thanks.”  She writes, “But sometimes I didn’t want to give thanks.  Emotionally, it was something I just didn’t feel like doing.  Yet, I could give thanks with my will, if not my feelings.”

And another from Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” She goes on to say…”And he wasn’t finished with me…For the first time in my paralyzed life, it was indeed possible for the wheelchair to be an instrument of joy in my life.”  Simply amazing.

She shares in her book, “It is my hope that in the course of reading this book, the Holy Spirit has enlightened your heart and mind to these truths.  Jesus is alive and His power is available to you…He proves Himself daily in my life, and what more couldn’t He do in your life!  Are you a part of God’s heavenly family?   For indeed, I hope on day we shall meet in glory.”  Her story is an amazing triumph! I encourage you to read her story, too. She is a remarkable woman, full of  faith, joy, and love.  Find out more about Joni at: Joni and Friends | Sharing Hope Through Hardship