Joni Erickson Tada

[Dee Dee Warren]

When I was a brand new Christian, I had a Woman's Devotional Study Bible. For the most part, I don't particularly care for "women's" devotional do-dads. But there were two entries that I will never forget. I no longer have the Study Bible, I gave it away but I found this written by Joni which is similar to what she had as an entry in the devotional Bible. In she relates her perspective on her own afflication and healing:

And while he was gone and the wind was warm and dry and the sun was hot, tears began cascading down my cheeks as I looked over this pool of Bethesda and I said, "Oh, Lord Jesus, how good of You to wait 30 years, almost as many years as that man laid on his straw mat, You waited this long to bring me to this place, a place where I imagined myself so many years ago, and I'm so grateful that You did not pass me by, because a 'no' answer to a request for healing has meant purged sin from my life, and it strengthened my commitment to you, Lord Jesus. It has forced me to depend on Your grace. It has bound me with other believers. It has produced discernment.

It has disciplined my mind. It has taught me to spend my time wisely. It has given me a hope of heaven. Lord Jesus, You were so good in not healing me." And I know there are many people listening now who wish to be free of their circumstances - they are looking for an escape hatch, or maybe a quick fix for their affliction, and they think they might find it in a divorce or they are pondering maybe with the idea of suicide, such as one caller mentioned earlier. Or they're thinking that they'll find it in pills or medication, or a healing service. But the 32 years that I've been in this wheelchair and being at the Pool of Bethesda last year, has taught me that suffering is that good sheepdog, always snapping at my heals and driving me into the arms of the Shepherd. For that, I am so grateful. I am so grateful.

source

I am humbled by her. In the comparison of sinner to sinner, I do not consider myself worthy to be even called her sister in the face of such faith.

[anthrogirl]

she paints pretty flowers, too!


ag

[Dee Dee Warren]

She is just an all-around remarkable woman. I love the story she told on the Bible Answer Man about picking out her grave site that she chose in a beautiful place and went and sat in her chair at the site eagerly looking forward to the day when she would stand in that very spot and walk in the resurrection.

[sirhemlock]

That is such a deeply moving quote. By far the most profound thing I've read on Tweb yet.

And Joni's gorgeous mouthpaintings are indeed equally amazing and inspiring.