Bitterness can be a poisonous thing.
Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and not long ago I received this email from a woman named Evelyn. She wrote, “Dear Joni… I'm so sorry but seeing you makes me feel angry. I have a disability; in fact, several, but I get no help, have no friends and am sidelined by society. You, however, have support from family, friends and God from the minute you were injured. Do you worry about how the washing gets done? How to get a meal, how many days it will be before you can talk to someone? Where the next penny comes from? There are many others like me in the world and I am sad that such a person as you who does so much good can make me feel so angry. I wish I could afford holidays and socialize, but NO. WHY? I went to a disability exhibition in my hometown; it was open to everyone but there was NOTHING for people of my generation. I wish all I had to worry about was thinking my thoughts and chatting to people about how hard my life is!”
Oh, my goodness, yikes. Catch your breath everybody. Well, an email like that will get you on your knees, but it will also provoke a thoughtful reply, and I wrote back to Evelyn and said, “Evelyn, first, let me say that my heart really goes out to you, what with your many challenges and disabilities. Yes, I am keenly aware that I am blessed (in fact, I often joke that I am, indeed, the most blessed quadriplegic in the world). Which is why, Evelyn, I spend every waking minute, every ounce of energy, every resource God has given me, and every opportunity in my path (especially through Joni and Friends) to pass on the blessings to others! My heart aches for the world's one billion people with disabilities in developing nations whose plight is probably far more desperate than even yours (and I've met many of these people).
“Evelyn, no one should ever suffer alone -- it's why God created spiritual community. It's also why I am copying a few friends of mine who live in your area – I want them to contact you to see how we can help. Because remember, as we suffer, God constantly calls us to 'look out for the needs of others.' Even Jesus, as He was dying on the cross, was thinking of the needs of others (when He reached out to the thief on the cross beside Him). Jesus puts it this way in Mark 8:35 where He says, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." Yes, it's a hard saying, especially when you are going through so many challenges and so much suffering. But there are always individuals who suffer much more than we do, and they need our prayers (they they need your prayers). And remember, Evelyn, according to Psalm 10:17, your prayers because of your disability have a special power with God because you voice them from your hardships.”
Well, I clicked on the “send” button and I was happy to get it off my desk and reach out to her. Have I heard back from Evelyn? Not yet, but I'm praying that she can get connected with my friends who live in her area. Drastic suffering can do crazy things to your mind, and I just want her to experience the peace and comfort that Jesus brings. Because this Christmas season is all about reaching people like Evelyn with the Good News, right? And if you know someone who’s hurting, who’s suffering this season, I have a small gift I’d like to put in your hands to give to them. It’s a beautifully illustrated presentation of the Gospel of Christmas. It’s called the Christmas Story, and you can pick up a copy for your friend today by visiting my radio page at joniandfriends.org. And one more thing: join me in praying for dear Evelyn.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends