Heroines of History: Joni Eareckson Tada

Although unlike our previous two Heroines of History, Joni is still alive and in her mid-fifties. Perhaps at first you may not see her as a Heroine of History, but she is indeed such. God has been telling His story through this woman of God and is still in the very process. She is making history.

Named after her father Johnny, Joni Eareckson was an active 17-year-old girl. Given the honor of being captain of her lacrosse team in high school, Joni also enjoyed horseback riding, and other similar activities. She especially liked to spend time with her three sisters, Jay, Kathy, and Linda and her parents, Johnny and Lindy. The family spent many fun hours together hiking, camping, and traveling.

On July 30, 1967, Joni was swimming in the Chesapeake Bay with her sister Kathy and some friends. She swam a bit further away from everyone else to a small wooden raft. Deciding to dive in head-first, her head hit the bottom of the lake and instantly her arms and legs felt like they were tied to her. Little did she know that that dive was the last time that the majority of her body would ever be able to feel again. It was Kathy who noticed that Joni was underwater and she wasn’t quite sure what her sister was doing. When she realized that Joni was in some kind of trouble, Kathy managed to pull her sister out of the water. After an ambulance came and she was rushed to the hospital, Joni soon found out the truth, although she didn’t want to believe it. She would never walk again. She was a quadriplegic.

But God wasn’t done with Joni. He had big plans for this young lady, plans she could never have dreamed of. Joni became a follower of Jesus in November of 1964 at a Young Life camp at the age of 15. It was only a few years later that her faith was put to the test. At first Joni was angry at God. Why did He have to ruin her life? After two years of rehabilitation and many painful moments, Joni was armed with the skills she would need in life and a better attitude and perspective of her disability.

Joni has personally visited over 40 countries around the world and has written over 30 books, many of which have been translated into numerous languages enabling people around the world to be able to read them and learn. She also learned to do something most of us would have never thought about trying - painting by holding the brush with her mouth! Joni has painted over 100 paintings, including numerous greetings cards and Christmas cards. Her cards are often inspired by a particular hymn or Bible verse that is special to Joni. She has also recorded some of her favorite hymns and carols on a CD called Whiter than Snow. Joni was featured in a full-length feature film JONI which was about Joni’s life and has been shown and translated into countless languages all over the world.

But not only did God use Joni in these ways as mentioned, He also opened up a radio ministry, as well as a new TV show simply called Joni and Friends.

But perhaps what Joni may be most widely known for is Joni and Friends ministry. Their mission statement is: To communicate the Gospel and equip Christ-honoring Churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities. It is through this active ministry, that thousands of people around the world are shown that yes, God does love them. That people do care about them. I have personally seen this, as, in the summer of 2006, I was able to spend five days at a family retreat to take care of some of the special needs people from different states that came to the retreat. For more information about Joni and her various ministries, click here to go to her website.

Although many thought that she would never marry, God did indeed have a special man for her. According to her site, Joni explains a few characteristics about the man who would soon become her loving and supportive husband. "I appreciated his open and honest communication and his questions about my disability. I also appreciated the fact that he loved Jesus Christ and was committed to living his life by the principles of God's Word." Joni says. On July 3, 1982, Ken Tada and Joni Eareckson were married.

This woman of faith has been a huge inspiration and role model to me personally. Her faith in God stayed strong, even when she went through some rough times. Her outlook on life changed and instead of bitterness, turned into a what-can-I-do-for-You, Lord attitude. God has used Joni Eareckson Tada to draw many to Him and continues to do so. To me, she is a true heroine.