Joni Eareckson

 A few days ago, I read a biography book of Joni Eareckson. It was by chance I found this book in our church library room. At that time I was desperate to read a book, it's my thing that I love to do just to keep my mind busy and mostly to escape from bored-ism. The moment I saw this book, just looking at the front cover had already got my attention. I said to myself,"Hm-mm... This looks interesting." I got so interested on the book, I finished reading it for only two days.

Moreover, when I read it I was so blessed and encouraged by Joni's life story of her struggling against quadriplegia(lifelong complete paralysis of the body from the neck down) and depression. It was an incident that changed her life. When I read the book, I was moved by the struggles she had wherein at the point she was at the edge of the cliff ready to jump off just to escape the suffering she's bearing. She struggles to accept of the fact that she will not be able to walk again. As well as, she doubted of her faith and even herself. She often wondered...Will she ever be able to do the things normal people do? Will she ever get married or even experience it? Or if possible,will she be able to walk again?

On the book, many of her church friends and family often tell her that maybe her paralysis is a blessing from God. Joni couldn't accept that it was a blessing; she was too clouded and blinded by all the pain, depression, and pity she had that she didn't see it as a blessing at all. She felt like there was no hope, she saw it as useless. But over the years, she began to understand little by little the purpose of living as God show her through His mercy and love. She simply trusted and let God take control of her life, molded her the way He wants her to be.

And in spite of her handicap, He did showed her that her disability can be a blessing. God continued to used her even to this days. Joni Eareckson is now an evangelical Christian author, artist, singer, radio host, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community." Praise the Lord for that!

 I like to ask each one of you this question... If God were to strike you with any kind of sickness it can be like what Joni have; the same as any problem you have in relationship, family,etc.. Will you still praise God and thank him in the midst of your struggling? Joni did, she conquered it. She accepted and appreciated of what she have, because God knows what's best for her(this includes us as well.)

 Many people these days don't appreciate what they have. We often take advantage of the little things he gives us. Be a blessing to everyone. Don't waste it! Don't wait until God bring down calamity in you and your family. Accept what you have as a blessing from GOD. 

I encourage you to read this amazing book. Joni Eareckson's life gave an inspiration in my life and I hope it will be to you too.

If you were in Joni's situation right now will you be able to say, "I am willing Lord?"