My First Cowboy

This is Joni Eareckson Tada. When I broke my neck, I fell into a sullen, dark mood. But that didn’t bother my occupational therapist. She put a little table under the Stryker frame—where my face was being supported by cushioned straps —and on that table, she placed a slab of clay. Then, she gave me a wooden dowel for me to clench in my teeth. She said, “Joni, I’ve heard you like horses, so draw one.”  I thought she was crazy, but slowly, I dug into that wet clay. When she saw my etching of a cowboy on a horse, she was stunned. And for the first time, I realized my head wasn’t paralyzed like my hands. And I couldn’t wait to encourage my family with my drawings. The Bible says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you’ve received to serve others.” And it’s exactly what I did. Friend, God has given you talents. So, faithfully use them. Why? To serve others!

© Joni and Friends

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