It’s Disability Awareness Month, so keep your eyes open for people living with a disability who need help and hope. Give that hope, give that help, and the Lord will give it right back to you.
SHAUNA: Hi, I’m Shauna on Joni Eareckson Tada Sharing Hope. And Joni, I’ve been wondering about this list of people that you keep next to your office phone.
JONI: Shauna, I’ve been doing it for years. These are people who have chronic conditions, or are living alone, facing surgery, some of them in need of encouragement. And I keep the list updated, I’ll add new names, retiring others. As you know Shauna, it’s tacked up next to my office phone; it’s just “something I like to do” when I have a few minutes between appointments or projects. But after a few calls to these people – many of them disabled or struggling in some way – my reasons for making these calls have changed. Because now? I don’t call to encourage others; I do it for my own encouragement. Like, when I’m rushing ahead or operating on automatic rather than the grace of God, I know it’s time to stop, move to the phone, take a deep breath, and dial the number of someone in need. Somehow, some way, when I hear that voice on the other end, when our hearts are opened to each other, needs are expressed, Scriptures are shared, or hymns are sung over the phone, [I don’t know] my priorities straighten, and my speed slows down. Jesus becomes the main thing.
It happened the other day when I called Bruce. He’s somewhat new to his wheelchair and new to my list. And like me, he’s a quadriplegic. Bruce lost his job; his wife just filed for divorce. And when I dialed his number, I could tell from his voice he was really struggling. He sounded tired from the hurt [and after we talked for a while, I could tell I was tired from the hurry]. So, we spoke slowly, leaving lots of quiet spaces between our sentences. And as his heart quickened, my heart, thankfully, slowed down – and soon our heartbeats seemed to match each other’s as [I don’t know] we discussed, we mused over, we reflected on, and even sang about the goodness of our God. His hurt was eased; and my hurry was quieted. All because we focused ourselves on and centered our thoughts around and sang songs to Jesus.
You know, often gently pointing people to Jesus is the thing that helps us. It helps not only the person to whom you’re ministering; you know, the one who needs encouragement [like Bruce]. Pointing people to Jesus helps you. It focuses your heart on God. It encourages you. Because whether someone is hurting, or in a hurry, the need is still there. The need for Jesus. Yes, for the one who’s hurt and heartbroken, and for the one who is hurried and harried. Both need to be reminded that there is a great God and Savior who gives peace, rich and deep; who can heal the hurt; and who can slow down the rush.
That day when I spent time on the phone with Bruce, I missed my next appointment. But that was okay. Because that day Bruce and I – we just became good friends; we both saw Christ at the center of everything. So, friend, listen today, if you have the chance, encourage someone in Christ. Listen to their needs and pray with them. And as you do? Open your own heart to receive encouragement. After all, Luke 6:38 assures you, “Give, and it will be given to you.” And that’s not just about money, that includes encouragement. Hey, it’s Disability Awareness Month, so keep your eyes open for people like Bruce who need help and hope. Give that hope, give that help, and the Lord will give that help and hope right back at you. Yep, the encouragement will mirror right back to you. Just ask Bruce. Oh, and you just might want to tack a list of needy people up next to your phone as well so you can call them and receive encouragement.
© Joni and Friends