Are you one of those who read the Joni book back years ago?
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, the author of that book, and you wouldn’t believe how many children I meet these days who are now reading that book for a school project. It’s amazing! And you know when the Joni book was first released in 1976 – yikes, that was so long ago – I had no idea that God would use it in as many lives as he has. My goodness, it’s our main way of sharing the Gospel of Jesus when we distribute wheelchairs in Muslim nations where they speak Arabic! Who would have thought the Joni book would be in Arabic?!
Well, as a result of that book, I receive so many letters. Most of them sound like this one – I have a letter right here. It says, “Dear Joni… I have a nephew who recently broke his neck and is now paralyzed. He is so depressed and keeps asking ‘Why?’ I thought maybe you might autograph him a copy of your book and send it to him. Thank you… Love, Lisa.”
Wow! You know, my heart goes out to people like Lisa, not to mention her disabled nephew! It’s so frustrating to stand beside the bed of a suffering loved one and not be able to do anything. We all want to share encouraging words and give something that would help and something that would assist that person in coping or adjusting, but I’m not sure that a book about a quadriplegic like me is the right prescription when a person has suffered a brand-new injury, especially one that’s so devastating and permanent.
For instance, Lisa’s nephew is probably not ready for advice or maybe even biblical insights after something as drastic as a spinal cord injury. When I was 17 years old and lying in a hospital bed those first few weeks, I don’t think I would have been ready for a book written by someone who had successfully dealt with her disability. It takes time for a person to realize that he will never walk again, or that he really does have terminal cancer, or that she really will lose her leg in surgery. After a person has had time to work through those devastating injuries and illnesses, then he or she usually gets into the “asking” mood… and then our advice and counsel is helpful.
I’ve read books and heard speakers imply that if we were really giving thanks for all things and viewing our sufferings from the perspective of God’s Word, then those sufferings wouldn’t even seem like suffering. But, you know, that sort of unrealistic approach to trials can’t be found in the Bible. “Giving thanks in all things” is not the same as “feeling like a million bucks in all things.” Hurting people like Lisa and her nephew should have the freedom to experience the grief of loss… loss of a body that no longer works.
So, friend, if you’re in a position like Lisa today, wanting very much to help someone you know who has experienced a devastating illness or injury, I have something especially helpful for you – it’s a booklet I wrote on this very subject and I’ve called it Patience. Like, slow down and think – really think – about what would be most helpful to say and do. You can get your free copy, just visit me at joniandfriendsradio.org, click on the cover of the booklet called Patience, and we’ll get one off to you right away. Again, that’s joniandfriendsradio.org or you can always call us toll-free at 1-888-522-5664.Please pray for Lisa’s nephew, would you? Please pray for all the young people who’ve suffered spinal cord injuries as of late as we minister the love of Jesus to them and their families. It’s what we love doing here at the ministry and all of us at Joni and Friends truly thank you for the prayers.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends