Late last night I was talking to my beloved cousin Jen (we are more like sisters than cousins…oh, I just love her). Anyways, she was telling me about her weekend spent at the Grand Ole Opry. She was working at a trade show for her company when she spotted a person whom she has greatly admired for years… Joni Eareckson.
Now, I cannot believe I had not heard this name before, so I asked why she admired her. Then, she told me her story…
When Joni was young, she dove head first into a body of water, misjudging its depth. This caused her to become permanently paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Through this agonizing experience, she has openly shared her struggle with anger, depression, religious doubts, and suicidal thoughts. However, to God be the glory Joni began depending less on her own strength and finding strength in The Lord.
Joni learned to paint with a paint brush in her mouth, sing, write books, and star in movies giving testimony to her life.
Here’s a video….
As Jen and I were talking, I was so taken back by the choice this woman made for her life. Because she most certainly had a choice. She could have either let herself waste away in self-pitty, or she could have handed over her life to God and give Him glory.
I’m sure she cried out to God on many occasions to take this heavy burden away. But, He didn’t. I’m sure she wanted to give up. But she didn’t.
Ladies, how many of us know how she feels? I know I do. I can’t tell you how many times this bible passage from Paul has played in my mind…
“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. ”
~2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Joni’s pictures and singing wouldn’t speak as loudly as they do if they came from a person who’s body was capable on its own strength. This woman is special beyond words. She has a new admirer…
Whatever it is that we are going through, let us remember this woman. We are all going to face trials- it is promised. But, we have a choice.
Glad you were “introduced” to Joni! She is an amazing woman of God…we have alot to learn from her!
Amen!
I have been an admirer of Joni for a long time and have been able to meet her and here her sing and speak. Her life has been an encouragement to me and is such a great reminder of how we should respond to our trials. She reflects God’s glory in all she does. Thank you for bringing her to your blog.
Christy
She sure is amazing….xoxox
Thanks so much for sharing this. I have loved Joni E. T. for many years….one amazing woman for sure. I have a friend going through a very painful time…I passed this post on to her today and she was grateful for it too. God bless you and all you do.
Awww, thank you so much 🙂 You are just too kind to me, love to you!!!! Janelle
I’ve read one of her books “Heaven”. It’s fantastic and does tell about her life pre-accident and her transition time and her faith life journey. It’s inspiring to say the least. I admire her greatly, living her attitude in life. Yes you’re right we do have a choice. I certainly learn loads from her
I read an old book of hers about her life and accident that my parents had while I was growing up, and wow, what a story he has! But that thorn in her flesh–she couldn’t have blossomed in Christ as she has had she remained fully functional, could she have? It’s amazing what she can do and what God has done through her.
Ohhh, AMEN!
My local Christian radio station broadcasts a short devotional by Joni each day. I think she has an amazing story and ministry. Recently I was dining with my family at our local Chili’s restaurant and guess who was sitting right next to us? Joni! We were able to briefly chat and I was even more convinced that she is amazing.