I'm Joni and today’s program is special because of an amazing family.
Jim and Janet Slaight knew God's promises, but back in 1999 those promises were tested. And, it happened on a country road not far from their home. They were heading out on vacation when they were hit head-on by a speeding car. Jim and Janet suffered lots of broken bones, but it was their kids who suffered the most. They lost their 4-year-old little girl, Hope. And, nine-year-old Hannah and 6-year-old Joey suffered spinal injuries. And, both landed in wheelchairs. That tragic accident occurred 13 years ago. And, I will tell you this story has a powerful message. And here to share that message is my friend, Hannah Slaight.
Joni: Welcome, Hannah and tell us how old you are now?
Hannah: I’m twenty-two.
Joni: Well, you were only 9 when that accident happened. And, I’ve got to ask you, what got you through it at such a young age?
Hannah: Honestly, it was through, you know, just God … And, I mean, reading your books and just having other people who went through the same experience that I have. And then also, just looking at other people that God brought into my life because at such a young age … I mean, I didn’t fully understand like all the things that were going to come from being in a wheelchair. And, I guess bringing those Godly people into my life that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Joni: And, I remember meeting you and your brother at one of our family retreats. And, there you were. You both were in your wheelchairs. And, do you remember that night after, I think it was a talent show … we went speeding down a hill, racing?
Hannah: Yes, I do.
Joni: And, you … I couldn’t believe how well you handled your wheelchair at nine years old. And how is your brother Joey who is now 19 years old? How is he doing?
Hannah: He is doing really good. He is finishing up his senior year of high school. So, I mean, and he just recently got a job at an assisted-living place really close to home. And, he does the sound there on Sundays. So …
Joni: Good for him. And both of you in your wheelchairs moving forward into life. I love hearing that … And, Hannah, you’ve got a special announcement you’d like to make, right?
Hannah: Yes.
Joni: Tell us about your marriage.
Hannah: Well, it was definitely one of those days where I wouldn’t take any of it back. It was like … things went so well. And, everybody in the wedding … it was so perfect. And, it was hard to explain because it was one of those things that … people said when they were there … you could feel the love … between Brandon and I … just between our family members … And, you know, the presence of God was there …
Joni: Tell us your husband’s name?
Hannah: Brandon.
Joni: Okay, well, there’s Brandon probably standing next to you. You sitting in a wheelchair in your wedding gown. Would you please send me a photo so we could post it on my radio page?
Hannah: Yes.
Joni: Absolutely. Hannah, you’ve accomplished a lot in your wheelchair. How do you hope to serve God in the days ahead?
Hannah: Well, it was like, I’ve been thinking about, you know … lately, it’s like, Brandon … I feel that we’ve been … like, Satan’s been attacking us and just little things have been happening … it’s been one thing after another. And, I feel like, lately … you know, really trusting in him and knowing he’s going to be there for us and our marriage. Just kind of like, living it out. I mean, letting others know… with us together that is in our life and, we’re going to trust him no matter what. So, and that’s something I think that put us together. It’s going to be something we’re going to have to learn and live out together.
Joni: Absolutely … absolutely. Let me tell you from experience—me in a wheelchair and my husband, having been married thirty years … You’ll get there.
Hannah: Yeah.
Joni: You and your husband will do it. And, you will be a bright shining light to many other couples who need to see powerful examples. Hey, friend, listening … if you’d like to learn more about the Slaight family’s story, “Joni and Friends” did a TV episode about them and I invite you to watch it online on our website. And, also, go to our radio page today at joniandfriends.org to see that great photo … Quite inspiring. Hannah, thanks so much for joining us.
Hannah: Well, thank you.
Joni: Take care.
© Joni and Friends, 2012
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