I have the privilege of hosting "In Other Words Tuesdays" today. If you're not familiar with this meme, let me explain.
Each week we are given a quote and all participating bloggers write about that quote. I find it a wonderful writing exercise. I enjoy visiting the other blogs to read their unique take. If you'd like to participate, simply enter your direct link below on MckLinky.
As I think about Joni Eareckson Tada's life, I'm amazed at the way she has handled affliction. I remember hearing the story of her diving accident as a teenager and how she suddenly found herself a quadraplegic. She was totally dependent on others for simple things like eating and wiping her tears.
I love her honesty as she admits that it took some time to adjust to this new way of life. She went through stages of anger and she voiced them to God. Eventually, she came to the point of acceptance and has been used by God as an advocate for the disabled. Speaking, writing, music and art are a few of her talents that have inspired me.
I've also met people who have turned away from God because of afflictions. I knew an elderly woman who was so angry with God after losing her 18 year old son to leukemia. She couldn't understand why God would take her son away and she became very bitter.
When I met her she was suffering with chronic congestive heart failure. We had many talks about her relationship with God. I'm thrilled to write that she eventually came to the point of surrendering her bitterness and seeking forgiveness as we prayed together. She invited Jesus into her heart and ...three days later she died.
What a merciful and patient God we serve!
As I go through my own afflictions, my desire is to grow closer in my walk with the Lord. I may not understand the whys of my situation. But I know the One to whom I can look and depend on ...no matter what.
Each week we are given a quote and all participating bloggers write about that quote. I find it a wonderful writing exercise. I enjoy visiting the other blogs to read their unique take. If you'd like to participate, simply enter your direct link below on MckLinky.
The quote I choose for this week is:
As I think about Joni Eareckson Tada's life, I'm amazed at the way she has handled affliction. I remember hearing the story of her diving accident as a teenager and how she suddenly found herself a quadraplegic. She was totally dependent on others for simple things like eating and wiping her tears.
I love her honesty as she admits that it took some time to adjust to this new way of life. She went through stages of anger and she voiced them to God. Eventually, she came to the point of acceptance and has been used by God as an advocate for the disabled. Speaking, writing, music and art are a few of her talents that have inspired me.
I've also met people who have turned away from God because of afflictions. I knew an elderly woman who was so angry with God after losing her 18 year old son to leukemia. She couldn't understand why God would take her son away and she became very bitter.
When I met her she was suffering with chronic congestive heart failure. We had many talks about her relationship with God. I'm thrilled to write that she eventually came to the point of surrendering her bitterness and seeking forgiveness as we prayed together. She invited Jesus into her heart and ...three days later she died.
What a merciful and patient God we serve!
As I go through my own afflictions, my desire is to grow closer in my walk with the Lord. I may not understand the whys of my situation. But I know the One to whom I can look and depend on ...no matter what.How about you? How do you respond to affliction?