Joni Eareckson Tada: Encumbered, But Unlimited

I will admit that I am given over to complaint. I have fibromyalgia and some days I'm in so much pain that I just wander around the house muttering about it. I shouldn't whine: I have plenty of good days and much to be thankful for. Yet, sometimes it's difficult for me to move beyond how lousy I feel.

Then I think about Joni Eareckson Tada, an extraordinary woman who has encouraged millions of people worldwide.

In the late 1960s, Joni was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident. She was 17 years old at the time. When many people might have given up on their existence, Joni fought hard to maintain hers. Years ago I read her biography and was in awe of her endurance. (Remember, medical practices have come a long way in 40-plus years!) Joni's story was so compelling that books were written about her life and a movie was even made.

More than a decade later, Joni and her friends had answered so many letters from fans and other people who were either disabled themselves or had physically challenged loved ones, that a ministry was born called Joni and Friends. Millions have been touched by this ministry.


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But wait...there's more!

During her time in rehab, Joni learned to paint -- by holding the brush in her teeth! There are some days when I can't even hold my toothbrush between my teeth, let alone a paintbrush!!

However, Joni found a way to hone her artistic abilities, and her strong faith is evident in her incredible and beautiful artwork. Many of her paintings have been printed onto greeting cards, note cards,  Christmas cards, and framed artwork.

But the fact that, through her struggles and striving just to maintain everyday life, Joni thinks of others and reaches out to them -- that's amazing to me. Today, Joni and Friends has 13 different ministries which seek to help people learn how to better cope with their disabilities. These organizations also encourage the physically challenged and their loved ones to tap into their God-given gifts. We all have them. Everything is possible with God.

So tell me about your limitations -- or UNlimitations.