Joni Eareckson-Tada: The paraplegic author and singer speaks about being a candle in the darkness

Saturday 1st September 1990

JONI EARECKSON-TADA lived for 17 years as an able-bodied person and has lived for more than 20 as a paraplegic. She spoke to Drew Kelleher.



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"I don't see anything wrong with that, after all it's not fighting fair to turn your back on hint. And doubts are normal too...I was so mad I really started questioning God about what had happened to me, but he's a larger than life God who can handle all the doubts and questions people throw at him."

The blossoming of her new life was first seen with the re-emergence of her artistic talent. She began to draw - this time with a pencil gripped between her teeth.

What inspired her to take up the pencil?

"Well, for a start I wasn't inspired, I was told to do it by the occupational therapist. I was in the rehabilitation centre and it was a day when I was feeling real sorry for myself - I had no idea that I would ever do anything again.

"At first I was a little put off by the idea but then I saw a ventilator-dependent guy named Tom. He was happily drawing something with a pencil in his mouth so I tried it. Of course it was hard to co-ordinate at first but gradually I could control the pencil."

What started as a few scratchy lines on a page became, in time, a means of artistic expression which has resulted in works seen and sold around the world as postcards and prints. The originals all remain in the office of Joni And Friends, the headquarters of her music, art and charitable enterprises.

"Each painting or drawing takes so long to complete I decided not to sell any of them except in the form of copies, prints and postcards," she said. They also appear in magazines and books, but always with the familiar signature, "Joni PTL" (Praise The Lord).

"When people learn that the paintings have been tendered with my condition they are inspired. They use my art to witness," said Joni. "I sign with PTL - and have done, since long before the phrase became popular," she added.
This is only one of the ways Joni's life has become a witness to others. At the end of the 70s she recreated the scenes of her life after the accident in the film 'Joni'.

"I would never want to go through it again - although I'm glad I did because it helped Billy Graham when he logged over 100,000 decisions for Christ. But making the film was physically draining and I had a lot of nightmares at that time because of all the re-enacted memories." In this full-length feature Joni tells how she overcame her handicap with its glum garnishings of bitterness, confusion, questions and tears and learned to trust in her heavenly Father.

Her second film, 'Reflections Of His Love" touched on healing, miracles, dealing with pain and also on being single.
As a teenager she had her boyfriends and in the early days of her disability there were young men who wanted to be her friend but by then circumstances dictated what could be practically dealt with. It was a situation not without its own heartbreaking moments.

However that phase ended when Joni saw Ken Tada sitting in front of her in her church. "I didn't even know him - honestly, I didn't even see his face - I just felt compelled to pray for him."

Joni asked the Lord to give the stranger a thirst for His Word: "Father, I don't know who this person is, sitting three pews up and to the left of me, but I just feel led of your Spirit to intercede for him." She said the ensuing prayer lasted about 20 minutes. It was an intercession which became the first step towards her future husband who has since become a major part of the Joni And Friends ministry.

Joni cut her first record in 1981 with "Joni's Song'. That candid and charming album was hotly pursued by an equally successful 'Spirit Wings' the following year.

Her latest offering 'Let God Be God,' has already become a source of spiritual encouragement to many many people but, with characteristic modesty, she hands all the credit to others: "all I did was sing, but others made it music."

Readers living in the UK will have a chance to enjoy an evening in her company during her current tour of Scotland, England and Ireland! CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About Drew Kelleher
Drew Kelleher is an Australian-born journalist currently residing in Walsall, West Midlands.


 
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Reader Comments

Posted by Will Wright in Glendale Heights Illinois Beld @ 10:15 on Aug 23 2016

Dear Joni; Your life story inspires me whenever I am down in the dumps. September 3rd Lord willing I will be 77 years old I am an African American male that grew up a few blocks from Moody. (Orleans & Walton) The Lord, Moody & the YMCA has blessed me with a wonderful teaching career. I'm attending the Church of one of my Phys. Ed.students, Shando Valdez. He gives his sermons in Spanish & English. There is a Pastor at St Paul Church about 2 miles from me in Bloomingdale, sometimes works & brings a child to your camp. (Brandon Woosley). I'd love to meet you sometime.
Agape Love, Will Wright



Posted by Victoria Bridgford in Nevada @ 07:45 on Oct 15 2014

Joni, we corresponded in the 1970s when I was a new neuro RN & needed to understand more about your inspiring life. I just married at 67 a wonderful man. We met 26 yrs ago & just this summer got together. We have the same birthday. I want to come anew to Christ & ask for your prayers please. God bless you Joni. Love, Victoria



Posted by John A. Wonterling in Placentia, CA @ 17:17 on Apr 16 2012

We recently saw and heard Joni at the Fullerton EVFree Church on April 11. A few of us discussing her life and it's impact on so many, wondered what has happened to her mother and father and sisters?
Thank you,
John A. Winterling



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