Joni

It wasn't until recently that I started to read more about Joni Eareckson Tada. She has an amazing testimony and an amazing spirit. Her story really spoke to my heart; reading about her ups and downs with dealing with her disability and then how God brought her through and used what happened to her for His glory. I was so captivated reading her book and her honesty was greatly appreciated.

Over the summer, working with so many disabled people it made me appreciate my ability and helped me to realize that He gave me ability not to use it selfishly but to use it to reach out. For Joni, she questioned why God allowed her to have an accident to make her disabled but God had His purposes. She has been such light, encouragement, and inspiration to both those with abilities and disabilities. She states herself that it was very likely that without the disability, her life would have taken a totally different path. Her disability brought her to the end of herself and thats where she truly found and experienced God.

I am in awe of Jesus and how He gives people that capacity to endure and therefore lead others to Him through their testimony. Being able to met and talk to so many people with disabilities has given me the utmost respect for them.

I want to share one story that relates to some of what I've been talking about. While in Kenya this summer, I was able to take part in Challenger's meetings, a group that was composed mainly of people with disabilities but also with families of the disabled and those who worked with the disabled. Sometimes that Challengers would go to different places to encourage other with disabilities. I went on one such mission with them to a school for the physically handicapped. It is the case, because I am American, that when I go somewhere I get a lot of attention whether I want it or not. What I loved about going with the Challenger's to this school is that all the kids paid attention and wanted to know all about them...they were even willing to stand in line for a chance to talk to them. It warmed my heart and made me realize how powerfully the Lord was using the disabled to speak truth into other disabled people. They can reach them in a way I cannot.

And that is why I know that I must continue to have those with disabilities be a big part of the future home. Plus, I know that I have a tremendous amount to learn from them and so I want to surround myself with such fellowship. What a honor and a blessing to be able to get to know so many wonderful, strong individuals.