“For I, the Lord your God hold your right hand, it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I will help you.” –Isaiah 41:13
Joni Eareckson Tada was a lively young lady who enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. As a teenager, Joni loved to be active, riding horses, hiking and playing sports. She loved to spend time in the ocean and enjoyed diving. One day, while swimming with some of her friends, Joni dove into the water. Unfortunately, the water was too shallow and Joni suffered a severe spinal injury.
Joni’s injury changed her life forever. At the age of 17 she became a quadriplegic, losing the use of her hands and being confined to a wheelchair. The lively young woman, who enjoyed such an active life, now had to wrestle with a complete change in lifestyle. She wrestled with anger and depression. Joni spent two years in rehabilitation learning how to live with her disability.
Thankfully, Joni did not let her injury take away her adventurous spirit. In the years since her injury, Joni Eareckson Tada has become an accomplished artist, a best-selling author, she is an advocate for people with disabilities and has served on the National Council on Disabilities. Joni has written over 50 books where she shares he faith in Christ and encouragement to others who are struggling. She actively shares her faith on her national radio show Joni and Friends.
I have been blessed, by the writings and work of Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni reminds me that, despite our limitations, we can be a blessing. God can use us to make a difference in the lives of the people around us and around the world.
We often allow our shortcomings to keep us from acting. We focus on our circumstances and allow our impairments to stop us from making difference. The life of Joni Eareckson Tada reminds us all, that despite our faults and shortcomings, what we do matters. We can be a blessing. We can make a difference.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
