Faithful Friday: Modern Acts of Christianity In the Real World

Preparing for this week's edition of "Faithful Friday," it occurred to me that my readers may be wondering how I plan on sustaining these unique themes throughout the rest of the summer and beyond. I'm not quite sure of this myself. After all, how many articles on wisdom can one write from a biblical perspective? On the other hand, there are thousands of uplifting songs to choose from; the same is true “celebrity” Christians-that is, those that are willing to live out their faith daily in the public eye no matter what the cost. One such example is Joni Eareckson Tada. Many of you have heard me mention her in previous posts because of her strong commitment to helping disabled communities, especially in underprivileged countries. That being said, I thought I’d share with you a paper I wrote on this exact topic.  I wrote this paper as part of an assignment for my Biblical Studies class at Concordia University of Ann Arbor (CUAA). The title of my paper was: Modern Acts of Christianity In the Real World. In it, I wrote the following:

 "Throughout history, many religious leaders have questioned the divine authority of God and the presence of suffering in life.  This is especially true for it comes to answering the controversial issues involving faith and suffering. It is especially of interest to the disabled community because they question why a loving God would allow the pain of their disability. The Old Testament prophets believed that all physical and mental handicaps were a result of God's judgment and wrath. Others simply reasoned it was an outward symbol of a power struggle between the mind and spirit.  These conclusions all center on the mystery of God's power, His love and suffering in the world. 

 When Jesus encountered a blind man, his disciples asked, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2). Jesus answered them by explaining that his blindness was not the result of sin but was a way that God would be glorified. "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life" (John 9:3).  To be quite honest, I don't know completely why I was born with cerebral palsy. I guess I will never know until I am face to face with God in heaven, but I believe it was meant to be a way to witness the glory of God. God has granted me several positive examples of people with disabilities that I look up to as role models of Christianity. One is Joni Eareckson Tada.

 On July 30^th, 1967, Joni was severely injured in a diving accident. As a result, she was paralyzed from the neck down.  After the accident, the foundations of her faith were being tested. She had people caring for her 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The everyday freedoms that she took for granted had been taken away from her. Joni lost her ability to walk and also was unable to participate in activities that she had a passion for, like horseback riding and swimming. During the trying times, she found comfort in daily visits from Steve Estes. Steve was a family friend who was attending college to be a Youth Minister. He tried to encourage her by reading her Bible verses, such as James 4:7, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This refocused her into wanting to get back on track with God.

Joni now knew that everything had a purpose. She understood that everything was within God's hands and that God was in control despite the way things looked. Romans 8:28 reassured Joni of this, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

In 1976 she wrote a book entitled "Joni." that detailed her struggle as she returned to faith in God's loving purpose after her accident. The book became so popular that it was made into a movie in 1979 and gained worldwide respect.  Joni got married on July 3^rd, 1982 to Ken Tada. Now, she is a role model of Christian faith and hope and provides inspiration to all those dealing with a disability. She has created a foundation called "Joni and Friends" which provides wheelchairs for disabled people all around the world. She has written a number books on faith, having a deeper relationship with God, and on heaven.

I think this situation is typical for modern Christianity because everyone goes through a phase where they doubt God in one form or another. In the end, this phase creates a stronger bond with our Lord and Savior and we know exactly where we stand with Him. He will never leave us nor forsake us; we are always in His care! It also illustrates to people how these everyday problems can create a strong Christian character and dependence on God.
        I believe it's people like Joni that show the world what true perseverance and dependence on God really means. It makes me want to strive for a deeper relationship with Him. Joni has even inspired me to become a Communications major. She has also inspired thousands of people around the world when she travels as a motivational speaker.

 I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Joni in person at one of her concerts in January 1986 in Westminster, MD.  I was impressed with her personal testimony about her struggle to overcome depression after her accident and her journey to dependence on God.  Her determination to spread God's message through song and art was truly inspirational.  After the concert, I had the opportunity to speak with her personally.  I was really young, but I know that she understands what it is like to have a physical disability and that is why I can relate to her. 

Although there are still many doubts about God and His purpose for physical suffering in today's world, I believe it is through this suffering that he is able to build true character, while showing His work in our lives. My encounter with Joni reinforced this for me. "

But what happened next with this paper is definitely a miracle-somewhere in between handing this paper to my teacher for a grade and posting something like this on the web for a class on a whim, one of Joni’s associates actually saw this and passed along the message to Joni herself… As a result, I received a package in my college PO Box a few months later from Joni herself; she had seen what I had written and taken the time to send me her latest devotional, “Diamonds In the Dust”; this was extremely special to me since she took the time to type down my address at school and mail the book to me. Not only that but I rarely got packages at school since I spent most weekends at home with family because I lived only 15 minutes away from campus.

Joni's 70th Birthday Celebration-"Narrow view vs wide view " lens

Dear Readers-

If you’ve read my blogs in the past, I have mentioned Joni Eareckson Tada many times greatest activism with the disabled community. Despite breaking her neck and becoming paralyzed in the early 60s, she remains solid in her faith and has become a mentor to many, including myself. After celebrating her 70^th birthday, she posted this video explaining the difference between a narrow view of life and the wide angle lens that God has. If I’m being honest I struggle with changing lenses on my perspective on a daily basis. I needed this video. Thank you, Joni. I can only hope to be such an example in the future.

We Are The Reason | Avalon

  Welcome Back Readers~

I'm not sure how many of you have been following my ongoing series on Candace Cameron Bure's Kind Is the New Classy on YouTube, but it's definitely been a world wind for me-learning how to record and trim clips appropriately. That being said, it takes me about three days to create and trim a six-minute reflections video. That leaves me with the question for you readers, would you like to see more writing on this blog or video clips on my YouTube. It has come to my attention that it's difficult to to
do both at the same time. It's all about balance for me-balance between working on my computer all the time and living in the moment with my family and friends. So, I would like to ask everyone reading this for a little feedback. What do you think?

Anyway, feel free to view my YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVS_NHAx_sZl5_DkAH9xVCA?view_as=subscriber

On a side note, since it's a Friday, I thought I would include one of my favorite encouraging songs in the post. Originally, this song was sung by Joni Eareckson Tada in the early 80s. I remember singing along to this song on cassette tape when I was in front of my family and friends. I have no idea where the tape is now but I heard this new rendition of the song in a LifeWay store while I was shopping. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMhajmOBr0c

Entering Another Stage Of Life..

Hey Guys~

Recently, a disabled friend of mine got married and entered a new stage of life. I wish her and her husband all the best as they encounter the joys and challenges of marriage. Still, I am at a loss; once again, knowing that this may inevitably change the framework of friendship. in the meantime, I am also struggling with feelings of inadequacy. But I have to believe God has a plan for me and somewhere out there, He is molding my husband to be the man he has to be in order to take on the responsibility of caring for someone that is disabled. That being said, I would like to dedicate the following song and devotional to all those people caring for the disabled, as well as husbands taking care of wives with disability


Can I Borrow Your Hands Song and Devotional

God bless and Happy Friday!
Debbie

Encouragement: Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story | Blog

Welcome Back Readers~

I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to Joni Eareckson Tada next book entitled Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story. She has always been pretty open about how her diving accident changed the way she looked at life; it was through that experience that she found herself looking upwards to a newfound relationship with Jesus Christ. However, little is known about her budding romance with Ken. Along with stories of her marriage and antidotes on her struggle with cancer, I hope she also tackles how to deal with feelings of inadequacy while you wait for God to bring the right person into your life...Anyway,the book is due in stores April! Take a look at the book trailer below:

oni & Ken: An Untold Love Story | Blog | Joni and Friends

Encouragement:10 Min. Interview with Joni Eareckson Tada regarding Her New Book on Suffering

Welcome back,


My apologies for not posting this link sooner. If you follow Joni Eareckson Tada, you may have heard about her recent experience of Breast Cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy and is doing well. In response to the experience, she wrote yet another book on suffering. You can read her 10 min. interview on the book here:

http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/tenminutes/10_minutes_with_joni_eareckson_tada1/

It's been one of those weeks

Hey Guys~

My apologies, it's just been one of those weeks. You know the kind I'm talking about.. the kind where you are once again reminded about permanence of your situation. Your days are consumed with therapy and doctors appointments. You know they have your "best interest" at heart, but you just want to be left alone to live your life. You need to get away, time to breathe and be yourself. You need to remember how special you are in your family's eyes as well as God. After having 14 shots of Botox and training yet another personal assistant, you have no idea how much I was looking forward to this weekend. Maybe it's just me but I don't feel as if this round of Botox is working like the last one. Although, with this stressful life I live, so many factors could influence it.. As I'm writing this, even, I'm wearing a plastic wrist splint on my left arm and having spasms..

Anyway, these are the days and weeks that I need to be lifted up to "higher ground". This idea is not a new one. In fact last night I came across this devotional than I thought I would share with you. It involves one of my mentors, Joni Erickson Tada. In that, she tells the story of one time she was in a car accident on the way to a speaking engagement. They looked to see whether her legs were swollen-a signal to her that something was going wrong in her body. At first, nothing happened and they proceeded to the airport.

In her own words, I will continue the story: "All seemed fine, so we cautiously proceeded on to the airport. Midway through our flight, my leg began to swell. When we arrived at our destination, an ambulance took me to the hospital where x-rays confirmed I had broken my leg. It was 3:30 a.m. by the time they put on a cast and released me to go back to our hotel. To calm my nerves, I asked God if he would give me a hymn to sing. Immediately, I began humming, "Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's tableland; a higher plain than I have found - Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." The next day I traveled onto Lancaster Bible College to give the commencement address. As I sat on the platform, the graduation program began with a hymn. The audience stood and sang - I couldn't believe it! - "Still praying as I'm onward bound, 'Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.'" In that moment, she was reminded of God and his constant presence in every circumstances.

Next time you feel down, look around God shows himself in many different ways. I have to remember my citizenship is that of Heaven. Where no pain and discomfort exists

Coping with A Disability: Both Perspectives

Welcome Back~

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Mine was uneventful, except for our weekly family dinner. It was nice just having time for us to talk and be a family. As I get older, I learn to treasure these times, creating mental pictures to remember for the future. In fact, I can hardly believe I will be 29 soon. But you know what they say-time flies when you're having fun. Life should be fun though..

Growing up, people have asked how I am able to maintain such a positive attitude and outlook despite my daily challenges. I hope I have made it clear through my posts that I haven't done this alone. It is only because my faith in God and the belief in my future that this is possible. In today's post, I have included two links. The first is a blog that features a YouTube link on the theological aspect of suffering in life. Why does God allow it? In this video, Joni Eareckson Tada debuts topics that will be featured in a new class at Dallas Theological Seminary:
http://lifereframed.blogspot.com/2009/03/joni-eareckson-tada-on-disabilities-and.html

The second link features a blog focusing on a parent's perspective of coping with the disability. It features some of the most common questions that will surface. These questions include: how will my life change when my child arrives and how to deal with the emotions of guilt:
http://fragilex.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/coping-with-a-diagnosis/

Encouragement: What Is It

Hey everyone,


I came across this devotional excerpt from one of Joni's books and I thought it would provide a good start to the next week. The premise, what is encouragement? As I said many times before, having a disability is not always a positive experience. After all, we often have to depend on others for our every need. But it also allows us a unique opportunity to inspire others through everyday perseverance.

Or as Joni's puts it, "Focusing on suffering is a dead end. Rationalizations and justifications do nothing but harden your heart, making things worse. However, softness of heart comes when we encourage one another in our suffering - spreading truth, imparting hope, bearing the burden, sharing the load, praying alongside, and offering a comfortable shoulder to cry on. Thank God there were Christian friends who stuck with me, scolding me when I complained, and cheering me on when I chose a brighter outlook. My hardness of heart melted and I became soft and pliable in the hands of God."

So, today remember Hebrews 3: 13

Personal note; If any of my readers want the link to get the devotionals themselves, please feel free to e-mail me. The devotional that I just paraphrased had a great impact on me, I would also be happy to forward a copy of that e-mail to you. Because I have to admit her words are even more powerful than mine. =)

Back to reality

Everyone,

Even though I am about a week behind on my posts, I figure it is better late than never. Some days are harder than others to remain positive. I'm not just talking about my disability. After all, look at the economy. People are wondering what the future holds. In times like these, it's easy to get discouraged. Believe me, I know.

That being said, I wanted to share a little story with you. This story tells of the courageous life of Dorothy Williams, a British missionary sharing the message of God's love in the 1930s. It came in part of a devotional I received from Joni and Friends . During one of her missionary journeys, she noticed that her colleagues who are nurses, seem to be in distress. She inquired why.

' "Oh, Mum, I am feeling much afraid today,"

This was Dorothy's response:

"Dearie, look at these shiny instruments on your tray." The British missionary picked up the pointiest one, then added, "The devil has a tray of instruments, too, and the shiniest and sharpest is his tool of discouragement - it's sharp because he uses it so often." The student nurse smiled, blushed, and then went on her way with fresh resolve.

Striking, right? But Dorothy is so right. Discouragement is simple, but it can have a huge impact. On a personal level, it can affect a person's self-esteem. On the other hand, it can stop us from doing so much. After all, much of our human actions are impacted by the way we feel rather than what we know we should do.

Think about that the next time you are discouraged. I certainly will

Encouragement: Stick To Your Story

Okay,
So I'm still running a bit behind. But I figure it's better late than never. That being said, I will be adding two posts today.. One of a encouraging nature , one of a serious nature. Let's get the fun started, shall we?

Since I haven't really written much this week, I have had a lot of time on my hands. I'll admit I have spent most of my time playing games on Pogo.com; I'm only human and sometimes I realize that it seems easier to spend your days on mindless activities rather than accomplishing your dreams. That got me thinking- I had forgotten about making God part of my day. Sure, I listen to Christian music and watch Tbaa. But something was missing lately. Then, I remembered. My devotional!

I began searching through my e-mail for Joni's daily words of wisdom. This one struck a chord; I thought I would share it with you. Keep in mind, this devotional is just a paraphrase. To get her words inspired by God delivered to your mailbox, go to the Joni and friends website along the side of this webpage.
-- -- --

Too often, being born with a disability means that people have a tendency to not take us seriously. In Wednesday's devotional, Joni Erickson Tada tells the story of Chuck, a grown man with down syndrome. Chuck and his friends were visiting church that Sunday from a nearby group home in a effort to learn more about the disabled community. As part of their service, Chuck was asked to stand up and recite John 3: 16. He did so eagerly and bowed before starting to return to his seat. The audience laughed.

Chuck's response: "That's when he stepped forward, stuck out his chest and insisted, "Don't laugh, I mean it! I really believe it!"

The congregation grew silent. Chuck has made his point. He wasn't just repeating something he had heard over and over through the years. He actually believed what he was saying.. Or as Joni puts it, " He was a grown man with a mind and a will to choose. He believed the gift of eternal life was serious, offered to him through the solemn sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His defense of the Gospel gave pause to the congregation. "

Chuck is powerful example of how God uses the weak to lead the strong. As Corinthians 1:27 says, "...God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong"

Joni's point: Chuck's disability allows him to look beyond the superficial things of this world and focus on eternity. The reality is that sin is real, hell exists, and people will indeed perish if not for the life saving plans of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Encouragement: Amazing People Doing Amazing Things, Despite Their Disability

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry if yesterday's post was in any way offensive to my readers. I had just heard a lot about the article in recent news media and figured something had to be said. Living with a disability is not as bad as the survey makes it out to be. Sure, a disability can make things difficult; but that's a big part of life. It can help you build character and make you look at yourself in a totally different light.

As promised, I have decided to highlight some of my favorite people who are out there in the world doing amazing things despite their disability. The first two of which is Joni Erickson Tada. I'm sure many of you have heard me mention her before, that's because she has been such an inspiration to me. To make a long story short, Joni was paralyzed in a diving accident. Despite the paralysis, she continues to serve as a positive role model throughout her community and around the globe. She speaks to thousands as a motivational speaker, using her disability to point out the real source of life, Jesus Christ. She also travels the world supplying undeveloped countries with wheelchairs.

For more information on her other missions, you can see some of my previous posts at:

Http://alifewithoutlimitsrollinintothefuture.blogspot.com/2007/02/encouragement-of-day.html

Encouragement Of the Day

Welcome back.

As I considered about what to write today, I was at a loss for topics. But not anymore. It's kind of funny actually how ideas and inspiration comes when you least expect them or when you need it the most.

Over the past few months, the importance of mornings have become increasingly more obvious to me. How you spend the first few hours your day says a lot about you and what's important in your life. It sets the tone for the day, sometimes influencing your outlook and any decision to you might make. For me, it's always important to start in the day out with my devotion. These devotions serve not only as a source of inspiration, but also yet another positive role model despite the constant challenges that having a disability sometimes brings.

You see, as well as being a Christian, the author is also disabled. Her name is Joni Erickson Tada. Paralyzed in a diving accident as a teenager, she reminds me on a daily basis the importance that faith plays on a person's life. She is best known for her drawings which depict the beauty of God's creation. This beauty is even more remarkable when people consider the paintings are done by mouth, not by hand. Yes, you heard me correctly. Every painting is drawn with a pen placed in her mouth and a easel in front of her. She also is known for her ability to open people's minds and motivate them to find their purpose in life.

Back to today's devotional. Oddly enough, it was on the topic of encouragement. It reminded me why I was doing this blog. Today's verse was Hebrews 10: 24: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds." In creating this website, it was my hope to do just that. Encourage others to accomplish their dreams and do great things. Showing people that anything is possible if you believe.

Remember, it isn't always the things you accomplish but the way you accomplish them and then make the difference. For example, even the simplest gesture like a smile or a wave and change someone's day for the better. You never know what difference you can make; so don't limit yourself.

Have a great day!
God bless,

Debbie