Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to a new semester at school!
Well, maybe not for you, but, as you know, for countless students across the country, whether in elementary or secondary schools, universities or Bible colleges. My young friend, Emily Shanahan, in fact is starting her second year at Cedarville University back in Ohio and, boy, is she charged up and ready to go.
Never have I ever seen a young person so pumped up, so thrilled about attending school. And it may be because Emily has a pretty serious disability. For her, school has never been easy in her wheelchair, especially since her cerebral palsy makes it difficult for some people to understand her. In fact, some folks have thought she was mentally handicapped, but I tell you nothing could be further from the truth!
Emily not only has a bright intellect, she made top grades at the close of her freshman year at Cedarville. And her major, well she is studying constitutional law and plans to carve out a career in public service and I think this girl’s going to do it! Far from being a liability, Emily's physical impairment has been such an asset at Cedarville University. That's because she has gathered around her what she calls an “academic team” -- that is, a bunch of students who assist her in her studies; and she’s gathered what she calls a “dream team” -- these are the students who take rotating shifts to stay overnight with Emily in the dorm in case she needs anything while she's in bed. This young woman's circle of friends has expanded tremendously since she first registered at Cedarville University and she has turned that campus upside down.
For this reason alone, Emily is a shining example of Philippians 1:12-14. And I can just hear her say, “Now I want you to know, everyone, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout Cedarville University and to everyone else that I am in my wheelchair for Christ. Because of this, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
Doesn’t that sound like Emily could have written Philippians 1:12-14? ’Cause it’s true! Emily Shanahan has a witness throughout the entire campus and it causes the rest of us to be even more courageous and fearless when it comes to sharing Christ. When I look at her with all her limitations – I look at her in her young age – I think, Wow! If little Emily can do it with cerebral palsy, I can do it, too, in my wheelchair.
I really want you to meet this young woman because I know you’ll be inspired just like I have been. All you need to do is visit me today right on my radio page at joniandfriendsradio.org and click on the video of Emily that I posted right there. You may know of a student who needs a little inspiration for this new semester; and if so, I want you to introduce that student to my friend, Emily, on my radio webpage. And while you’re visiting, please ask for the note cards of my artwork. That’s right, I'm making available three of my new cards as well as envelopes. The cards show my sketches and tell them to look up Emily’s video for themselves and enjoy this kid’s testimony on my radio page. Plus, I’d love it if you’d take a minute and write me on my radio page at joniandfriendsradio.org – just click on Contact Us and tell me your impressions of Emily, because if you’d like to see more, you can click over to our television page to enjoy the entire TV episode on Emily’s life and, hey, if you feel led, write Emily herself while you are on joniandfriendsradio.org.
In closing, I hope that you can say with Philippians 1 that what has happened to you has served to advance Christ’s Gospel in unusual and wonderful ways in your circle of friends and until next time, thank you for being a Philippians 1 type witness for our Savior.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends