In another episode of a Joni Q&A, she tackles some intriguing and difficult questions that are sure to bless you! Joni is discussing dreams, relationships, and favorite Bible verses.
Ask Joni a question here!
SHAUNA: I’m Shauna, with Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Here’s Joni with a special word. We love hearing your questions for Joni, and this is an unusual one that came from Carol. Here it is, Joni: “I have a question for you concerning dreams. In my dreams, I am not crippled; I don’t limp. I assume this is because I do not see myself. But in other words, the vision of myself is the way I see others. I’m curious if you, Joni, are able-bodied in your dreams.”
JONI: Oh, my goodness, this is an unusual question. Most of my dreams – they’re happy, believe it or not. In one dream recently, I had lunch with President Reagan. Sometimes I dream that I’m playing the piano, or I’m hiking. But like you, Carol, I’m never aware of myself; I don’t see my body [unless it’s my fingers playing the piano]. I don’t know the psychological implications of me, a quadriplegic dreaming that I’m you know, hiking, playing piano. But you can certainly see why I should wake up feeling good about those dreams.
SHAUNA: Oh, that sounds wonderful Joni. Okay, here’s someone else asking about your advice for a young person whose boyfriend couldn’t handle her disability.
JONI: Ooh, well, I would just say it’s a good thing that this precious girl found out now about her boyfriend’s aversion to disability rather than later. And I can honestly say, I know how she feels. I was painfully jilted by a boyfriend [that was long before I met Ken Tada]. And when this guy said goodbye – man, I felt like I was drowning in misery. Like I couldn’t breathe. And so, I consumed anything I could find about the Bible, hoping to help get you know, my emotions back under control. And I cannot say that I landed on this exact Bible verse, but listen to Isaiah 50:7. It says that “because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” And so, I say to my young friend with her disability, don’t feel ashamed about being jilted. Take the advice of Isaiah and set your face like flint on the Lord and His purposes for your life. And remember that God works all things, even this thing with your old boyfriend, He works even that – all things together for your good. Your better future. For your character development and so much more. So, set your face like flint on Jesus, and He will lead you up and out of your pain and regret.
SHAUNA: Oh, that’s so good, Joni. Okay, here’s a simple question. Dave asks, “Hi Joni, what’s your favorite Bible verse?”
JONI: Oh, Shauna, Dave’s question is not simple because my favorite Bible verses are changing all the time! But the one verse that keeps rising to the surface is Galatians 2:20. I chose it as my life verse after I became a Christian ages ago. And it goes, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” And Dave, I picked that verse when I was 14 years old, a sophomore in high school, just back from a Young Life weekend retreat. But little did I know that in just a few short years, I would break my neck and I would have to gain a whole new understanding of what Galatians 2:20 really means.
SHAUNA: Wow, Joni, well, I want to hear what you think that verse really means.
JONI: Well, then let’s cover that in our next program!
SHAUNA: Great Joni, that’s such a good idea! So, Dave, you need to listen in for more on Joni’s favorite Bible verse. And don’t forget to send in your questions at joniradio.org
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