No matter what size the wheelchair, I always feel close to kids with disabilities, especially, a child with a disability like Hannah. Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and I recently met Hannah and her sister, Sarah (who also has special needs) when I was speaking at a conference. Hannah has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair; Sarah is learning disabled and walks with the aid of crutches. Their mom and dad had been anxiously waiting behind the platform to introduce me to their daughters after I was finished speaking. They had told three-year old Hannah, “Joni uses a wheelchair just like you do… and she is very happy because she loves Jesus!”
Even for a kid her age, I think Hannah was skeptical of this. Well, I wheeled up to this child in her wheelchair and she looked up at me with her big doleful eyes. I gave her my hand, at which point she clasped my fingers in her little fist, as if to say, “Can you feel this?” I told Hannah that even though I could not feel her hand around mine, it was okay – it looked good for her to be holding my hand even though I couldn’t feel it! That was the important part, I told her -- just bridging the distance between us, just closing the gap. Even if it was a handshake I couldn't feel!
At that point, Hannah had a vice-grip on my hand. She was holding it with both her little hands. I was immediately mindful – and struck with the privilege – that this child probably does not know many Christian women in wheelchairs; she probably didn't have many role models. Obviously, she had chosen me to be one. So I smiled and said, “Hannah, just remember that God loves you and is your very best friend. And don’t forget to keep sharing your smile with other people so that they will see Jesus in you, too!”
When I returned home I sent my children’s books to Hannah and her sister. Well, I want you to know I received back the nicest letter from their parents and this is what they said: “Dear Joni… Thank you so much for the example you are to my daughters. As Hannah grows we will have the photo of the two of you to remind her of God's love. I'm sure we'll be reading the Joni book together and passing down to Hannah and Sarah a spiritual heritage. It is my desire for my girls that they will be as beautiful on the inside as on the outside! Shalom and thank you…”
Well, that’s a privilege to receive a letter like that from the parents. You know, as Christian adults, you and I should be about passing on a spiritual heritage to boys and girls. And I do feel a special responsibility to pass on that heritage to children with disabilities! Kids today need examples to follow; especially boys and girls in wheelchairs. Oh, to help shape the character and mold the mind of a child who uses a wheelchair, white cane, or walker! May in everything – absolutely everything – I reflect Titus 2:7 where it says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
And speaking of examples, friend, take a minute today to stop by my webpage at joniandfriendsradio.org and take a look at a wonderful video I posted of another young friend in her wheelchair. Her name is Emily and years ago I was this child's role model, too. Now, Emily's grown and is entering her sophomore year at Cedarville University and what she has to say is nothing short of amazing. And while you're at my website, ask for your gift of three of my note cards and envelopes -- jot a line of encouragement to that young person for whom you serve as a role model. Especially if, like Emily, they are off to school this semester. Let them know you're praying for them. Again that's joniandfriendsradio.org. Let us hear from you. Until next time, thanks for listening to Joni and Friends!
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