I first read Joni Eareackson Tada's biography Joni at age 17. I vividly remember thinking after I closed the book that I had not a single thing to complain about ever again. I'm sorry to say my spirit of contentment didn't last long before I was back to whining.
This year on October 15th marks Joni's 75ht birthday and I wanted to re-read her biography in honor of this milestone birthday. Now, 23 years later at 40, my perspective has changed as I've faced various trials and heartaches along the way.
It is amazing and beautiful to see how God has worked in Joni's life to be a witness for Him and exalt His Kingdom. In every interview I've seen with Joni, she is a wonderfully gracious woman, filled with gratitude for what God has done in her life, despite living as a quadriplegic for 58 years. I was inspired by her courage to overcome insurmountable obstacles, challenged by her deep and abiding faith in Jesus, and humbled by her gracious demeanor and amazed at how she can write and draw using her mouth. It's truly remarkable how God designed the human body to function and compensate when presented with trials and difficulties. It brings tears to my eyes and shame in my heart at my often-ungrateful spirit and ungracious attitude. We can all learn from Joni.
Joni and Friends is an organization she founded in 1979 to bring Christian ministry to the disabled community. She has also authored 48 books on disability and Christianity.
Joni's incredible story can be summed up in the last line of her biography. "For Jesus is ecstasy beyond compare, and no matter your age, it is worth anything to be His friend." (Tada, 205). This dear reader is what it's all about! If you only ever read my review of Joni, I want you to glean this morsel of truth.
My hope and prayer is that you will not only read Joni for yourself, but that you'll also be encouraged and challenged in your own faith.
Reading is an adventure,
Emilee
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