In seasons where days are hard and life can seem crappy, it is so easy to focus just on ourselves and our problems. However, for me, that only leads me into more despair. One way that helps me to look up and to be encouraged on the hard days is to read inspiring testimonies from other believers. One of those testimonies is from a woman who has had great impact on my life, and that is Joni Eareckson Tada. I, like Joni, have a disability, and throughout the years Joni’s story has been an encouragement to me. Joni’s life has not always been easy but she has dealt with her trials with Christ-like joy and allowed God to be glorified through her difficulties.

A couple of years ago, Joni spoke at an event with the comedian I managed at the time, and I was able to be there and meet her and that was such an honor and a privilege. She is such a lovely lady and reading back through her story over the past few days has encouraged me to press on.

I wrote a review of her autobiography a few years ago for another website. I came upon it recently and thought I would share it with you here —

JONI: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada is a touching autobiography of a woman who became a paraplegic at the age of eighteen, and since then has overcome tremendous obstacles in her life to be the woman she is today.

In the first few chapters Joni educates the reader on her interests and hobbies from painting to riding horses.  However, not too long into the story she takes the reader inside of what we know is coming, which is the diving accident that changed her life forever. Joni then describes her journey of learning to live life as a paraplegic. She allows you to see inside the times when she was the most bitter, and when she was most joyful. Even though Joni went through a period of time where all she wanted to do was give up and die, she eventually realized that she could still have a meaningful life with a disability, and God could use her trials to glorify Him and help others.  She began painting again, but instead of using her hands she drew with her teeth to create masterpieces of art.   Her unique paintings became popular and have provided opportunities for Joni to share her story with the world including being interviewed by Barbara Walters on The Today Show.  Joni also founded a Christian-based organization called Joni and Friends which provides assistance to disabled people all over the world.

Joni writes all of this in such a way that makes the reader feel like they are there with her experiencing all that she is going through.  In one sentence she has you laughing but in the next has you crying. At the end of her book, I was blessed by her testimony. I was reminded that God is not limited by our limitations, and that He can use them for His good.

This is the first of many books that Joni has authored. I would recommend you read this as well as her others. Her books are excellent resources for people who are dealing with a disability or chronic illness. It will leave you encouraged and challenge you to grow in your relationship with Christ. To learn more about Joni, and to purchase her books visit her website here.

To read more posts in this series visit here.