Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and do you remember that movie “The Blind Side?”
Oh, let’s see, what was it, maybe three or four months ago when it was so popular? You remember it. “The Blind Side” was based on a true story about one wealthy family – a Christian family from Memphis, Tennessee – it was about how they reached out to a poor, mostly illiterate black kid from the other side of the tracks. The boy’s name was Michael Oher and as a result of all the time, effort, love, and attention this family showered on that kid, Michael not only ended up graduating from a Christian school in Memphis, but he went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens. During the recent football season, Ken and I really enjoyed watching Michael Oher play left tackle whenever the Ravens were on TV – we’re not necessarily fans of the Baltimore Ravens (although I am from Baltimore)… it’s just we were so inspired, so moved by the movie and by Michael’s story; actually, by the story of the whole family.
It was a wonderful example of Christian charity and it was a great illustration of Psalm 82 where it says that we are to “defend the cause of the weak and needy… the fatherless… and rescue the needy.” You know, when you read that Psalm, you can’t help but notice that it’s a command, it’s written in the imperative. We are to actually do something; we are to take action. We are to defend and rescue someone in dire straits, someone who needs help. The Psalm is not a pious platitude or an ideal to simply reach toward or think about or talk about. God expects us to meet the need when we see it in the life of someone who’s in need of help. That Christian family in Memphis took Psalm 82 to heart and, as a result, not only did one young man’s life become changed, but the life of that family changed, too.
That’s what happens when we invest what God has given us in the lives of those who need his help; it’s what happens when we lose our life for the sake of Christ. Not only does God transform the lives of those we touch and are reaching out to, but our lives are transformed.Now, there are many ways you can put Psalm 82 into practice. There are as many options for action as there are people in need! But I’ll tell you what, if you’re looking to transform a life of someone in need, I’ve got a way you can do it, because it happens all the time at our Joni and Friends Family Retreats. You see, you don’t have to be wealthy or privileged; no, at our retreats, you just have to be willing to invest the time and talents God has given you into the life of a disabled kid or adult and their family members – five days of serving, helping push that wheelchair, hold a Bible, be the hands of a quadriplegic, sit next to them in worship service and hold the hymnal, even help someone play a little wheelchair basketball, or how about doing a little wheelchair square dancing. Friend, you can do this, you really can! I wish you could join us this week as we kick-start our Family Retreat up in Central California, but there’s plenty of time for you to sign up at any one of our Family Retreats which are spread across the country this coming season. They are all around and I’m sure there is one right near you. And for all the information you might need to learn how you can volunteer at one of our Joni and Friends Family Retreats just visit today joniandfriends.org. Cover the blind side of someone in need, someone who could use a little help. Their life will change… but you know what, so will yours! Again, just visit joniandfriends.org and click on the link to our Family Retreats.
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JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
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