An Abundance Of Joy
I want to say a big thank you to my friend Tracey Motoda.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and when the pandemic became overwhelming there was a shortage of medical supplies – remember that? – Tracey really came through for me. Because as you know, people with disabilities, especially with lung problems, we were really at high risk. And both Tracey and I use breathing machines at night to help our bodies get the oxygen they require. Now, I ran out of tubing because again, earlier this year, there was a severe shortage. And when Tracey – who has spinal muscular atrophy – learned this, she just was so happy to give me three sets of her own tubing. I mean, this was like precious. This was from her personal supply. I said to her, “Tracey, you’re taking a risk. Because you might need it down the line. Like now! Like with the flu season coming up this fall.”
Well, that may be, but Tracey is a woman of Proverbs chapter 3 where it says to do good when it is in your power to do it. It’s the way she’s lived with spinal muscular atrophy all her life. Tracey’s wheelchair doesn’t slow her down; her inability to walk is not a big deal to her. She’s always looking out for others. And this is what she wrote me when she gave me that tubing. She said, “Joni, irrespective of which kind of day I’m having, I want to share an abundance of joy with everyone I meet, and the ways I’ve found to do that are exactly as Romans 12, says, ‘Be joyful in hope, [be] patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.’ I make it my aim,” she said, “to be patient with my limitations and faithful in asking God for an extra measure of grace in the face of challenges.”
Well, you know what? You just gotta hear the joy in her voice. So here’s Tracey speaking for herself:
God has been so faithful to me in my four decades of living with spinal muscular atrophy. It has not been easy. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. I have gotten to experience God’s hand at work in my life as he’s comforted me during some really difficult seasons, and through the love that my friends and family have poured into me. Along with Romans 12:12, Psalm 94:19 truly resonates with me: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” And yes, living with a progressive disease can certainly cause anxieties to bubble up. But when I keep my mind focused on the Lord and the goodness he has demonstrated throughout my life, I can’t help but experience immense joy and a deep thankfulness. Especially as he’s brought me here to Joni and Friends, where I get to share his hope and comfort with others who are facing real hardships.
Oh, thank you, Tracey, for the joy in your voice. And, friend, I would love it if you would pray for her and for so many like her with SMA. August is National Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, but how ironic that Tracey, and many like her, are still having to remain sequestered due to coronavirus. So, ask God to keep my friend – and many like her – moving forward and persevering. Like Tracey says, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. So, visit my Facebook page to learn more about Tracey and her spinal muscular atrophy. And also, a couple of photos I’ve posted at joniradio.org. Because we love sharing hope through every single one of your hardships.
And one more thing – we at Joni and Friends would love to pray for you and your troubles. So, share with us your prayer need today at joniradio.org. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to “Joni and Friends!”
© Joni and Friends
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Finding God in Hidden Places
Joni invites you to join her as she explores the presence of a holy God in hidden places.
Words of encouragement, comfort, and insight leave the soul satisfied and longing to be closer to a loving Father, who often shows up when least expected.
